I Won't Be Nervous Unless...

As soon as I began writing that text, I should have known what to expect.  I've been working hard at improving my double unders.  I've been trying my best to become mentally tougher during longer workouts.  There are even a few movements that I am kinda decent with.  There was only one thing that I did not want to see for Open Workout 15.2:

Why did I even watch the workout announcement tonight?  I should have flown to Vegas and put all of my life savings on "15.2 will include chest-to-bar pull-ups".  Or even a little side action on "they're bringing push-ups back into the Open".  (Note: Watching the Crossfit staff do push-ups made me feel better about my own form.  And my form leaves a lot to be desired.)  As a gambler, one learns quickly that you never taunt the gambling gods.  Clearly the Crossfit gods play by the same rules.  Say that you are trying to avoid a certain movement and you can expect it to be on the menu tomorrow.

What is 15.2?  In 3 minutes, you must do 2 rounds of 10 overhead squats (95/65) and 10 chest-to-bar pull-ups.  Every time you are successful, you get 3 additional minutes, but each round contains 2 more reps of both movements.  It is the artist formerly known as 14.2.  And like last year, it is a workout that screws me royally.  Overhead squats are one of my best movements, but once again, I'll be doing 10 reps of a light overhead squat and then will almost certainly not see the movement for the rest of the Open.  That blows.  If Dave Castro doesn't give me some 135 pound thrusters over the next three weeks, I am going to be a very unhappy camper.

I'm not sure how this will play out for the bet.  I don't think either Rachel or I are particularly psyched about chest-to-bar pull-ups, so it may come down to a rep here or there.  Or she might magically rip off 10 in a row and leave me in the dust.  The goal for me is simple yet again: 30 reps.  Last year, I had never done chest-to-bar pull-ups before this workout.  With some help from Jason, I managed to knock out 8 of them.  Those last 2 reps really cost me 12 reps, since the 10 overheads would have taken very little time.  Since I no longer believe in magic at the gym, I have no aspirations of making it to the second 3 minutes in this workout.  It will be 3 minutes and grab a beer.

Tomorrow will be disappointing because my biggest weakness will be highlighted.  But a little progress might be enough to give me belief that I can get through the first 3 minutes with a little practice between tomorrow and whenever I attempt this workout again.  Good luck to everyone attempting 15.2, especially my teammates in Orange!