Just for one day…

Posted on May 25, 2009 by Jason

Tons of photos being uploaded daily to the Northeast Qualifier Photo Album. Be sure to check them out!

The Second Annual Memorial Day WOD was a huge success. We had over 30 athletes show up ready to hit "Murph" with everything they had. The hot sun was not going to stop anyone, not even Tom, Chris, or Kevin for going at in military gear, firefighter gear, and a vest respectively.

Truly inspiring job by all 3 of these men. Tom definitely took it to the next level to pay tribute to all of our heroes. Chris was not looking good after the run and 13 rounds of "Cindy", he was definitely close to dehydration as he was able to take down 4 bottles of water like nothing. In true warrior fashion he took off his gear and finished the workout. Great teamwork and support by everyone helping him get through his last mile. Kevin did not let a few meetings with "Pukie" stop him as his buddy Caleb from CF Persevere helped him complete the entire WOD.

Everyone was inspiring and it was impressive to see so many people turnout even after the long weekend. Great job to everyone that participated! Lots of great photos in the May 2009 Photo Album.

The athletes that turned up at this year's Northeast Qualifiers were second to none. CrossFit surely breeds some fierce animals and firebreathers! We were so impressed by everyone that showed up and gave it their best. That included some incredible athletes from Albany CrossFit. As we kept saying before the event, don't be nervous, if you give it your 100% that is all we can ask for, and every single one of you did it, and we could not be more proud!

Mike "the Teacher" – we can't say enough about this guy. He was the silent assassin all weekend long. No one new much about him, but he quietly did a phenomenal job of cracking the Top 10 in an incredibly challenging division. Mike's calm and collected attitude is what helped him come from behind and place well in the final Heat of the day. As everyone but him approached the pullup bar on the round of 10, he didn't lose focus or crack mentally and ultimately that is what made him shine!

Angie – when she first came to us she barely survived her first night. Slowly, with time, Angie kept plugging away and like a caterpillar becomes a butterly, Angie became an athlete. We are not saying there wasn't whining and crying along the way, but like a true athlete Angie would always come back stronger. Angie's had one goal this weekend and that was complete all of the WODs as prescribed and she did it!

Viv - not much can be said about this amazing woman that hasn't already. One of the kindest, dedicated, and most genuine people you will ever meet. Her effort on Saturday's 2k was one of the most inspiring things we have ever seen. Her constant commit to CrossFit continues to make us proud, Viv, you are amazing!

Theresa Lang – it would have been very easy for Theresa to bail out of the Qualifiers. Not only did she have a long battle with bronchitis these last few weeks, she had to work on Saturday. She went back and forth to work and WODs and still did great. We are lucky to have such a dedicated athlete train with us at ACF.

Coach Matt – 2nd place in WOD 1, was that not the coolest thing to watch. Matt surely took his body further then he thought it would go, and his thrusters are a thing of beauty. We had lofty goals for Matt and he certainly lived up to them, placing 7th in a field of firebreathers. No doubt he will be recognized and be someone to look out for next year.

Joy – not only did she have so much to do with the organization of the event, but she then turned in some incredible workouts. The "voice" of the morning mayhem crew certainly leads by example as she persevered through heavy weights and strict pullups. Joy seems to improve on a daily basis and we really, really do love having her around…really.

Kia – if Kia could devote full-time training with us, we believe she would be a qualifying athlete. Unfortunately with her busy work schedule, full of travel, she can't train as much as we would like her to. But, nonetheless, she turned in 3 incredible performances, Kia, quit your job, and focus on next year!

Dave Walker – Dave didn't just surprise everyone watching him, he surprised himself when he starting nailing chest to bar pullups. His quote after, "I didn't know I could do those" was truly hysterical but in true Dave fashion. His lime green tank top was the hit of the qualifers and people were coming to our booth all day long asking where they can buy one.

Stacey – top 20! woot woot! Stacey worked hard and delivered on her goal of placing as one of the top 20 females. Her thruster/burpee workout was awesome and she clearly did way more then she thought she could. At one point we heard her judge saying how she made 95lbs. look like nothing.

Andrea "the red devil" – one of ACF's most improved athletes over the last year. She gives it 100% on a daily basis and her body and performance are true indicators. Her red hair helped her stand out amongs the competition and if that wasn't enough her stong burpees were enough to turn heads. Andrea showed how your body is much more capable then you think it is as she took 95lbs overhead more times then ever before!

John "Thor" Johnson – another athlete with everyone reason not compete, ever since tweaking his back a few months ago he hasn't been able to hit WODs too heavy, but that didn't stop him from going with 135lb. thrusters. Although his back was too beat up for day 2, it was just awesome to have him compete, sometimes just manning up to compete is more impressive then not showing up at all!

Justin – definitely a dark horse in this competition, all of his appearances at the 10am class really paid off. Justin was one of the first competitors to complete the WOD on Day 2 and left nothing on the floor. Only training CrossFit for a few months now, he will definitely be someone to look out for next year.

Matt Kull – another CrossFit newbie but outstanding performance on all 3 events. Matt's form on every movement over the two days was spot on and he was an awesome representation of Albany CrossFit.

Jess Dunn – so strong, yet so feminine, Jess Dunn proves you can be strong and hot. Jess definitely gave it her all on every workout and turned in an incredible 2k time.

Alex Gecewicz – definitely lived up to his nickname "Heatbox" as he brought the Heat to all the ladies there to spectate. The ladies swarmed as Heatbox double his initial goal of one round of thrusters and burpees as he completed two rounds as prescribed!

George Gecewicz – everyone's favorite intern did great as this year's youngest competitor. It was great to watch him complete two WODs side by side with the oldest competitor. We all have envy for George knowing at his young age he has years to go before he hits his strongest and best moments.

Congrats to our very own Kelly Kennedy for completing her first marathon this past Sunday. She did a phenomenal job and we are so proud of her. Now we can't wait to get her back into CrossFit training! Dealing with Kelly was more stressful then running the Qualifiers!

Check out the great write-up of the Northeast Qualifiers from Chip "beers on me" Moore of Cynergy CrossFit.