CrossFit Open 11.3
As many reps in 5 mins as you can of:
Squat Clean, 165/110 lbs Jerk, 165/110 lbs

Why I’m Doing the CrossFit Open, Part 2 – Caitlin

The CrossFit Open is just 22 days away.

In just 22 days we get to start the Friday night shenanigans that are the CrossFit Open.  For five weeks we’ll workout, cheer, drink, socialize, and post our scores.

Not up to speed on the CrossFit Open?  Then read this post.

Many athletes are hesitant to sign-up for the Open.  Nervousness about weights, workouts, and movements prevent them from taking the plunge into this seasonal competition that is as much workout as it is CrossFit Community party.

We’ve asked five athletes at Roots to share their personal story on why they are doing the CrossFit Open.

Bones has already dished his reasons.  See below for Caitlin’s.

Caitlin Durling

I’m doing the CrossFit Open because I have a bad habit of “over-scaling” workouts.  

I think there are two main reasons that I over-scale:
(1) I’m a competitive person and hate the idea of coming in last in a workout, and (2) I sell myself short in terms of my actual abilities.  In my mind, I’m not the type of CrossFit athlete that Rx’s workouts and that belief holds me back.

The Open eliminates the option of scaling, which is just the kick in the ass I need to find my real limits.

The first Open I did (2012) included chest-to-bar pull-ups and I remember telling Shane, “I can’t do these” and asking how I should scale.  But scaling wasn’t an option; I either had to get my chest to hit that bar or I had to settle for a score of 3 thrusters.

And so I went for it and got a chest-to-bar pull-up!  Admittedly, it was in the warm-up.  And by the time the workout started and I got through my first 3 thrusters, I was too tired to get any more.  But I didn’t care, I was just excited to have gotten the one.  And I’m stoked to find out what else I can do in this year’s Open!