Battle Royale

RESULTS!

If you didn't take a top placing on Saturday, but still want to see how you went compared to your training buddy, your gym's top athlete, the place getters, or that person who has only been doing CrossFit for 3 bloody months, but had a blinder of a competition.......what are we saying? Of course you do! 

Then take a look below.....

Capacity- you guys rock!  Thank you for stepping into the uncertainty and discomfort that is a Crossfit comp, most of you for the first time; and giving it heaps.

Challenge - Not gonna lie, this was definitely programmed to live up to it's name and challenge you all, and of course you all rose to the occasion. Awesome efforts.

Competitor- thanks guys and gals for showing the newer members of our community what is possible with disciplined training and a great attitude; and for digging deep during 3-4 tough events.

An enormous thanks again to all our judges, helpers, photographers, food preppers and admin people, etc.  It's a thankless job, but an absolutely essential one.  You guys all made the day what it was.

Athlete Profile - Vanessa Lawgun, Competitor

The last athlete profile before the big day!  We're talking to Ness (in the green shirt)from CrossFit Affiliate FarNorth CrossFit (Whangarei).

Is this your first Crossfit comp?  Are you nervous?

Not my first comp I have done a few in the last couple of years but always nervous, I still get nervous before wods in the box even haha

How long have you been doing CrossFit? nearly 3 years

What is your profession?

Mum, Coach, part time farmer 

How did you discover CrossFit?  And what are some of the changes you've experienced since beginning CrossFit?

Paul from CrossFit Birkenhead introduced me to CrossFit. I was a long time weight trainer and mocked him for the idea of classes. He had a small gym attached to his new box that I had joined and he chucked in a month free CrossFit. I went to one class, boom, cashed in my gym membership and here we are.

CrossFit is our familys life! Just before last years Open we roped in Jake from the darkside (weight training) and won him over, end of last year we both chucked in our jobs, sold the house and moved our family to the farm in Whanagrei to set up our own CrossFit - best move ever. Life is the best! Too many positives to mention but I absolutely love seeing our people improve daily, and can't wait to watch the guys we train in action on Saturday. 

What workout are you least excited about for tomorrow?   What is your favourite?

I'm bringing some of the farm with me - Look out for the goats!!! They are all a struggle for me (apart from the double unders, I'm a body weight girl), just happy to be able to do the movements. Have been working on my strength recently so I have only just managed to master the weights in the competitor class and did my first pistol this week (thanks in the most part to my flash new oly shoes). Anyone who knows me knows I have the crappiest squat in town. But it's all about being a part of it and doing the best I can do.

Athlete Profile - Shay Taylor, Challenge Division

Only two days till we kick off.  Time for a couple more athlete profiles.  Let's catch up with Shay Taylor from Functional Strength CrossFit.

Is this your first Crossfit comp?  Are you nervous?
This will be my first Crossfit Competition and yes I am pretty nervous but very excited at the same time

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I have been doing Crossfit for around 5 months now but have really started to crank it up it the last 2 months

 What is your profession?
I am the marketing assistant at the Millennium Institute of Sport

How did you discover CrossFit?  And what are some of the changes you've experienced since beginning CrossFit ?
It was late last year and my old training partner worked at the Auckland Crossfit Games and came to training and talked about how crazy these athletes were.  As a track and field athlete I totally shrugged it off and said they should come try a real sport “ 400m Hurdles”.

A few months later Functional Strength Crossfit opened at the Millennium Institute I was struggling to get back to strength after competing in Europe and was somewhat dispirited and was willing to try anything to get me into running form, so one early morning 5 am I struggled out of bed and into the gym for my first Crossfit session and well the rest is history you could say.

I totally ate my own words that Crossfit wasn’t a real sport as it took me a few days to recover from that first session despite being used to training 6 days a week!! So here I am 5 months later fully addicted to the world of Crossfit and thanks to the awesome community and coaches at Functional Strength my workouts are going from strength to strength.

I have noticed remarkable changes in my strength and power and finally have got somewhat of a balanced diet although not full paleo it has improved dramatically. The most recognisable change for me since beginning Crossfit is my friends and I can now all work out together. I have seen five friends including my partner begin their Crossfit journey in the last 5 months and I must say we spend a large chunk of the day emailing each other about wods and work out stats it’s pretty serious stuff. My sister also began Crossfit with me so you can imagine what the conversation is at the dinner table!

 What exercises were you hoping didn't turn up on Saturday?   
I'm pretty open to all movements however thrusters for some reason are not my friend

What would be your dream workout?
Barbara, that work out is all me...

A bit of housekeeping before the party starts.....

Parking

• No parking in front or beside the gym please. We need the space for athletes to run, and a warmup area. We recommend street parking on our road, Thomas Peacock Place, or on the first road Elizabeth Knox. There will be limited space in the complex carpark, but we request you avoid the reserved and towaway spaces......

• If you are in the Challenge division, you may need access to your car for the Hill Sprint, so don't go wedging it somewhere you may not be able to retrieve it from......

Food and Drink

• we will have the BBQ running and some other snacks for our athletes and judges.

• Columbus Cafe is the closest place for food. They do a mean Paleo breakfast! The mince + eggs is pretty good too.

Toilets

• we have two bathrooms, and we'll have a portaloo on site as well. There are two changing stalls and 1 shower (room for 3 or 4 in there at once though.....)

Skipping Ropes

• bring your own if you have an event with skipping.

• We have an assortment you can borrow, but we don't have speed ropes.

Foot Traffic

• The first two events involve running. Please only use the smaller entrance door to come in and out. The roller door is for competing athletes only.

•  Please be aware as you arrive and leave, that you may have to cross a running course.

• There will be cordon tape up in certain areas, please stay behind it, when events are running.

• Kids and dogs that don't put themselves or athletes at risk are welcome

Athletes and Judges

• please be well aware of heat times! We'll have them posted all over the gym, and up on the website on Friday.

Athlete Profile - Ryan Simchowitz, Capacity

Only a few days to go before the Battle Royale.  The workouts are released, and CFNZ is full of people discussing strategy, and practicing their goats. 

Ryan Simchowitz is a relatively new member at CFNZ, and we're having a chat to him this morning.

Is this your first Crossfit comp?  Are you nervous?

Yes! I'm nervous and excited at the same time!

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

I did the Intro in November last year but officially started attending the classes February this year.

What is your profession?

I'm in my final year studying Bachelor of Marine Technology. "That's boat building to you mate"

How did you discover CrossFit?  And what are some of the changes you've experienced since beginning CrossFit ?

 One evening last year I switched on the TV, 20/20 was on; saw a group of people training for a charity run from Wellington to Auckland and Crossfit was part of their training. I was already running and thought I was fit enough till I went on the internet and said to myself "there's no way I can do this". So I decided to find the nearest affiliate where I could sign up. My first intro workout was horrible and I remember my whole body was sore for at least a few days. It's a bit strange to say this but I've noticed changes in my body shape and how my fitness level and stamina have improved over time. Crossfit has also helped me to focus more in life and has given me goals I want to achieve.

 What exercises were you hoping didn't turn up on Saturday?   

 Pull ups, double unders, HSPU, snatch.......... (looks like you got your wish Ryan!)

 What would be your dream workout?

 Hmm, that's a good question...  maybe Pushpress, KB swings, 400 metre run. Get back to me in a few months and I'll tell you, haha.

Athlete Profile - Daniel Griffiths. Competitor

Talking today with Daniel Griffiths, from CrossFit Auckland.

Battle Royale Division?

RX - Competitor

Is this your first Crossfit comp?  Are you nervous?

I have competed a few times times now but I still get  nervous haha

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

2.5years

What is your profession?

Butcher!

How did you discover CrossFit?  And what are some of the changes you've experienced since beginning CrossFit?

Discovered Crossfit while working on a Cruise Ship and was bored with all the globo gym stuff so gave it ago and havnt looked back I love the competive side of things and then at the end of the day being able to walk out proud of what others and yourself have acheived.

What exercise are you hoping doesn't come out of the hopper next Saturday?  

 Really hoping HSPU doesnt come up or a heavy Jerk

What would be your dream workout?

Dream Work out would have to be Muscle Ups/Cleans

CFNZ Battle Royale 4 - Workouts

Don't worry folks, WE CARE.  We care enough to put you out of your misery.......or to ruin the entire week for you perhaps...... (Of course we highly recommend you think about it in a more positive way for sure); without further ado, here are the workouts for this Saturday.

Stay tuned for more detailed explanations, and movement standards later this week. 

THERE WILL NOT BE ANY MOVEMENT DEMOS ON THE DAY. 

It is your responsibility to understand the exercises and correct range of motion.  Judging will not be overly harsh, however  incorrect reps will not be counted.  More specific standards, road rules in the arena, and other necessary instructions will be delivered before each workout if necessary. 

Emails with stupid questions will result in instant disqualification.  No, not really, but please don't do it.... :)   If it helps, if your question about a workout relates to making it easier somehow, then the answer is no...... :)

Athlete Registration 0730 – 0800

Athlete Briefing 0800 - 0810

Capacity Division

Event One  - First heat starts approx 0820

For time:

One at a time, carry each of the below items 200m,

- 25/12kg sandbag

- 24/16kg kettlebell

- 20/10kg bumper plate

- 9/6kg medicine ball

Then run 200m to finish.

 

Event Two - first heat starts approx 0940

AMRAP in 5 mins

15 Sumo Deadlift High Pulls 24/16kg

5 Burpees

 

Event Three - first heat starts approx 1200

AMRAP in 8 mins

100 Single Skips

20 Sit ups

10 Ground to overhead with a bumper plate 20/10kg

Challenge Division

Event One - first heat starts approx 0840

Hill Sprint (550m approx)

 

Event Two- first heat starts approx 1005

AMRAP in 6 mins

7x Deadlift

5x Hang power clean

3x Front Squat

1 x Shoulder to Overhead

• 5 Burpees when bar rests on ground.

• 60/35kg

 

Event Three - first heat starts approx 1330

Max reps in 1 mins HSPU (kip allowed)

Max reps in 2 mins Wallballs 6/3kg

Max reps in 2 mins KB Swings 24/16kg

Max reps in 1 min burpees

 

Competitor Division

Event One - first heat starts approx 0845

In 10 mins,

Run with 20/10kg bumper plate 800m

Place plate on barbell, plus collar

Run with a second plate 400m

Place plate on barbell, plus collar

AMRAP Power snatches 60/35kg in remaining time.

 

Event Two - first heat starts approx 1105

AMRAP in 5 mins

20 Handstand pushups (kip allowed)

100 Double unders

 

Event Three- first heat starts approx 1245

Buy in: 30 Pull ups

7 – 5 – 3

Squat Clean 80/45kg

Burpee to Pistol (1 burpee, then 1 pistol each leg)

Time Cap 7mins

 

Battle Royale Elimination Final - approx 1430

- top 6 male and female competitors

Athlete Profile - Donald Gibbs, Capacity division

Today we're hearing from Donald Gibbs.   He may be a beginner to CrossFit competition, but he's a dedicated athlete, and a committed member of the community.

Battle Royale Division                       

Beginner

CrossFit Affiliate       

Birkenhead.

Is this your first Crossfit comp?        

My 2^nd, I went to CF Newmarket’s 1^st birthday games. Did the scaled division and I’m pretty sure I came stone last!

Are you nervous?                   

Nervous? No, SHITTING myself, yep!

How long have you been doing CrossFit? 

1 year

What is your profession?       

Accountancy software sales

How did you discover CrossFit?                   

Had on line friends from the states that kept on telling me to go try it, so I did.

And what are some of the changes you've experienced since beginning CrossFit?            

I started my journey at over 150kg, don’t know how much over ‘cos the scale only went to 150, then it showed up “error” got down to 130 ish when I started CF.   The weight loss has NOT been what I was hoping for BUT the transformation has been brilliant, the scale doesn’t budge for ages but my clothes size changes.

Much fitter and stronger than I was a year ago, still not good with body weight stuff like pull ups(hence the beginner category) But physically I am leaner, stronger, mentally I am MUCH more switched on, more positive about things, I just LOVE CrossFit. In the past year I have missed 1 week being sick, and other than that I have missed only 1 class, it’s a part of my life now, I wake up, I go to CrossFit

What exercise are you hoping doesn't come out of the hopper next Saturday?        

HAHAHA not saying cos then I’ll get it!!!! Got to be body weight stuff, Burpees are the worst!  

 What would be your dream workout?

Lots of KB swings/snatches. Deadlift and D/U combo also ok.

Athlete Profile - Tamara Wright

We're hearing from a fairly new CrossFitter next - Tamara Wright 

Battle Royale Division

Capacity 

Is this your first Crossfit comp? 

It's my first competition, I actually had no idea what it was when I entered initially.  My good friend who is a CrossFit machine (Whitney Teesdale) just told me I should enter so I did.

Are you nervous?
I'm really really looking forward to it now, but I'm sure the nerves will kick in on the day.

CrossFit Affiliate?

Mount CrossFit all the way. 

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

Total newbie, have only been at it for three months but haven't missed a WOD yet!   Started with three sessions per week and have just upped to five. 

What is your profession? 

Events Manager

How did you discover CrossFit?  And what are some of the changes you've experienced since beginning CrossFit (physical, mental, social, whatever)? 

I had a limited knowledge of CrossFit when I signed on, having struggled to find a way to exercise while working full-time and caring for my two boys, the only question I asked JT when I phoned up was 'can I bring my kids?'...and I've been going hard ever since.  As for changes, that's a big question that would take an essay to answer.  There's not much that hasn't changed and it feels like I've been let in on a secret to living a better life. 

 

 What exercise are you hoping doesn't come out of the hopper next Saturday?   

I'm fast on double unders, burpees and body weight exercises, but still working on building up my strength with weights.  My least favourite would be shoulder presses and as of last night, ring press ups.

What would be your dream workout? 

 Dream workout would be some kind of combination of burpees, double unders, squats, running, box jumps and press-ups ('man' press ups thank you!)

Looking forward to seeing you going hard next Saturday Tamara!!  Thanks heaps for sharing and inspiring our future CrossFit athletes.

 

Athlete Profile - Blair Smith, Challenge

It's time to meet some of the athletes testing themselves at the Battle Royale next week.

First up is one of ours. Blair Smith.

What division are you entering?

Challenge - and I bet it will be!!

Is this your first CrossFit comp?

Yep...... 

Are you nervous?

You bet!!! There will be over 150 competitors there, some of whom will be elite quality.... I don't want to look like an ass in front of those athletes..... But the positive culture of Crossfit makes those nerves just nerves, not fear. 

Crossfit Affiliate:

CFNZ

How long have you been doing Crossfit?

7 months...... Feels like it has been 3 weeks. Crossfit is so challenging the months just fly by!

What is your profession?

Police Officer

How did you discover Crossfit?

Through a workmate who has been doing it for a while. He would not stop talking about it...... EVER. Then I looked up Crossfit on YouTube and I was spending entire evenings watching Crossfit videos........ Then I went through the typical "I am not fit enough to do all that stuff!" phase... But eventually I took the plunge and did the intro course..... I was addicted as soon as I walked through the door and saw a main class going at it and there were people watching and yelling encouragement and everyone was wrecked at the end of the WOD lying on the floor congratulating each other.  I had found fitness nirvana as far as I was concerned.

What are the changes you have experienced since starting Crossfit?

Wow, where do I start? There are the obvious fitness and strength improvements, I am doing things that I would never have thought were possible for me to do. I have found that I love Olympic lifting....... Can't get enough of it.

But the biggest experience is the realisation that it is amazing how my life was EMPTY of encouragement. CF is amazing where everyone is constantly encouraging each other. It is incredible how much further you can push yourself when there is someone encouraging you to keep going.

I am thankful for the Crossfit culture of being highly competitive but there are NO egos. Everyone is treated equally so just because you are using an empty bar or broomstick while you workout beside someone who has 80kgs loaded on the bar has no bearing on the way people look at you. The effort you give gains the greatest respect and cheers. ALL achievements are celebrated.

And I like how those that finish first hang around and cheer the rest.

What exercise are you hoping will not come out of the hopper?

There is going to be a hopper draw???? God help me........ Double unders are my nemesis.... They look so freakin' easy, but do you think I can do them?

It is funny because when I started Crossfit and was going through the information overload of all the new movements.... I though I would just focus on a few at a time. I figured that skipping thing looks easy so I will "master" that first...... Yeah right. (Note from the editor: There is no hopper draw, it's a figure of speech....:)

A workout you would be stoked to see on the day?

Snatch ladder maybe....... Heavy TGU's

Thanks for your time Blair!