So there has been a lot of talk about the Tri-State Throwdown on Saturday. And there should have been A LOT of talk about. I fortunately, was able to assist in a small part on Saturday. Here’ s my views on how the day went….thru the camera lens.
I got to ACF about 7:30 AM. Athletes were scurrying about and stretching in every corner and open space on the Court Club. Athletes were doing final registration and Laura was keeping them all in check. Kevin was running around making final changes. I put myself to the side and offered my assistance to Kevin until they were ready for me to start.
A little after 8 AM the 150+ athletes were called into the triple WOD room and the judges were called into their private room. I grabbed some group shots and was amazed at the amount of athletes in the room. Some new. Some veterans. Some first timers competing. Some professional fire breathers. Some young. Some old. All of the athletes had one thing in common they were about to put 110% of themselves into the unknown.
The first WOD was released on Wednesday. There wasn’t the anticipation of what was going to be put in front of these athletes. However, they did get to see the first segment of the Kevin/Dean Show. Kevin and Dean were VERY specific with exactly what they should see for movements. The judges were briefed in the next room by Sean on EXACTLY what counted. Everyone was told that no reps would be called. This was serious stuff! And than the first 3…2….1….of the day.
The triple WOD was set up precisely and clearly with where athletes should be. 27 spots were soon filled with athletes and judges. I was trying to maneuver my way thru the maze without getting in the way. I bumped into a judge. I was trying to walk backwards and not miss anyone. I wasn’t sure how many heats there were but about round 4, I got into my rhythm. I knew who to concentrate on. I tried screaming and supporting my fellow ACF’ers. I screamed as I got that picture of people alternating box jumps and step ups. I switched lenses to get the intensity of Niki’s face in the OHS.
Moving on to WOD 2. I’m thinking during this WOD, should I be competing or volunteering. The WOD for scaled is Grace at 65#. The last time I did that at that weight, I did it 2X in an hour and both times were under 4 minutes. UGH…but I get over the thought quickly b/c I know where I want to be at in order to compete and I know that I’m not there yet. Watching the upcoming firebreathers, hitting their handstand push ups (for some the first time) was eye-popping. Shout out to Ali for her heart and not getting mad at me for focusing right on her. I was trying to concentrate on taking pictures but I was screaming for my friends too.
WOD 3 was my favorite. I loved watching athletes try something new for the first time. The continental clean is a tricky one if you are not careful. I had never touched one of those axels until 2 days prior to my strongman competition so I know what was going thru the minds of some of the athletes. I actually showed some how to use it before the first heat. It’s a tricky thing but watching some amazing women throw up high numbers makes me speechless. (the men were pretty good too) 
Wod 4 was great. A personal shout out to my girl Rhi. She said to me before the WOD started, I won’t get 1 deadlift. I’ve never done that weight before. Well not only did she hit her 7 deadlifts at (I believe 185#), she did all of her pistols (which was also a PR) and then moved onto and finished her Double unders. She was there is no other word but AMAZING!!! I know that if the clock hadn’t run out of time, she would have completed that WOD!!
The eliminator was nothing short of spectacular!! Watching Tiff, Kevin, Theresa, and Miwa push thru after the hellish day they just had been purely motivating and inspirational. Special shout out to Tiff for coming from behind and making it all the way to the final!! How about that finish?!!? And I got to see the muscle ups up close and in person!!
I love taking pictures but getting to take pictures and support my friends and fellow athletes is one of my all time favorite things to do. I remember the first day Kevin talked to me about pictures (it seems like a lifetime ago) but I love doing it. I don’t edit the photos b/c I want to make sure the coaches get the photos and get them posted asap for everyone to see. Taking pictures of these events helps me improve but I love getting up close and personal,screaming, and shooting the faces of these fantastic, inspirational athletes. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
Everyone that competed deserves a round of applause for their sweat and hard work. Everyone who worked the event, thank you.
I was also so in awe of seeing the coaches compete. Watching you guys actually compete is also jaw dropping for me. Watching you take what you teach us every day and perform it effortlessly over and over, no wonder we are lucky to have you all as coaches! I wouldn’t want to learn from anyone else!!
Thank you to the staff of Albany Crossfit. You guys really know how to throw a THROWDOWN!! I know how much hard work went into the planning, preparation, and executing right up to the very beginning. I know there were long days before, during and after the event. We are extremely lucky to have such smart, talented, caring and sexy head coaches who know how to throw an event!
I’m so proud of my fellow 7 AM Crew (Jesse, Rian, Mary, Rhi, Stacy K, John, Phil, Stacy J, Desi,) for competeting, judging or supporting each other! Kudos to all of my friends for stepping it up and throwing it all down on this past Saturday.
To everyone I may have forgotten, I’m very sorry but GREAT JOB!!!!
