2009 Canada East CrossFit Games.

A full week has passed since the 2009 Canada East CrossFit Games and I have to say the weekend is still fresh in my mind.

If you check out the final results you’ll see that I finished 45th out of 49 competitors. So why am I stoked? For a couple of reasons.  First, six months ago it would have been difficult for me to complete two CrossFit workouts in a day let alone four demanding workouts in two days.  Further, it was just plain old fun. Nine other CrossFitters from our affiliate competed, and at least that many supporters came along with us. Megan, one of our members, qualified for the CrossFit Games in July and another member plans to compete in the Last Chance qualifier.

Our CrossFit PEI video.

CrossFit PEI at the CrossFit Games Canada East Qualifier from Mike Ives on Vimeo.

For me, the trail run was the best part. A perfect way to end the weekend. The trail was 5 KMs, with hills, mud, streams, rocks, and a spicy little up-hill climb for 150 meters with a 60 lbs sand bag in tow, and then a sprint to the finish line.

I also achieved a personal best of 300 lbs on a 1 rep max Deadlift, light weight compared to the other lifts but again I’m increasing my capacity and that’s what matters most to me.

Max Deadlift – 300 lbs from Joey Mokler on Vimeo.

There was some controversy, I’m not going to censor that in any way. If would like more details go here first then view another competitor’s views. However I have to reiterate that I had a great time. I’ll admit that I was a bit concerned over the mini events being added to the trail run, after it was announced that it was just a trail run.  However, in the end, the only requirement was sand bag mini-event and then to cross the finish line, so it all equaled out. It was tough and exactly what a CrossFit run should be.

Further, I have to add the events were very well organized. We spent the whole first day in an arena and the time just flew by with no delays at all. Many of the competitors were very supportive and helped each other with techniques, tips or were just taking some time to get to know each other. In fact watch this video and note that at 1:28 Philippe Boisclair from St-Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec notices Jeff’s speed and comes over to root him on. Jeff finished second in that event.

Megan and Jeff, Burpees and Kettlebell swings from Joey Mokler on Vimeo.

Best of luck to Megan and the others who qualified, and I hope those who are planning to try the Last Chance qualifier do well. Amber and I are planning on going to the games in July. If we are there we will be rooting for you. If we are not there we’ll be checking the Web posts and be rooting for you in the virtual world.

Finally, here’s a video of the games from Brad Biggar. Be sure to watch for Megan at 3:40 in this video. She lost her shoes in the mud on the last part of the run, and fellow CrossFitter Dixon went back and grabbed them for her. She also won that event!

Crossfit Games – Canada East Qualifiers from Brad Biggar on Vimeo.