Sunday Story…It’s Over

My trip to the 2024 CrossFit Games ended on Saturday. There was a cutline at 10. I finished Saturday 15 ^th . Not where I wanted to be, better than where I started, and fortunate given my various infirmities. After my 2018 CrossFit Games, I thought I was done. I needed 3 surgeries, and it took months to get my fitness back on track. Then in 2022, I managed a return and a 2 ^nd place finish. Every trip since 2018 has been with the knowledge that this time could be the last…I stepped on the competition floor (I’ve been competing in something since age 5)…I could ever showcase my fitness…I could be an inspiration to others with my skill and dedication. So, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were all gifts from the universe.

Here are some quick reflections on this year’s experience:

Although Birmingham was a great city to visit, the town itself really didn’t know we were there (unlike Madison WI)

The workouts were good and challenging but releasing them early favored some athletes over others in ways I didn’t think were fair.

The venue itself was adequate but could have been better.

The spectator experience was better than it has been for Masters over the last couple of years but still far from great.

The level of competition continues to improve every year.

The vendor village was underwhelming.

  The question I get asked after every year is “Are you going to try to go back next year?” My answer this year is probably not. I may need a knee replaced, my hip is responding slowly to physical therapy, and getting out on the edge of human performance even if once a year is detrimental to my stated goal of health and longevity.

My outlook has always been to feel like I made the phrase “Full Effort is Full Victory” come true. I achieved that goal this year. That and being one of the fittest old dudes on the planet that is!

  John Mariotti

www.sunday-stories.blogspot.com

www.crossfitodyssey.com

775-338-2412