This weekend I had the honor to judge at a local CrossFit-based competition called Bend The Bar – Hampton Roads. It was Event 2 and included an RX division on Saturday and a Scaled & Masters divisions on Sunday.

My throat hurts and I am exhausted… and no, I didn’t even compete.  Judging is hard -there are a bunch of numbers & counting. If you know me at all, I am easily confused by numbers.

Community. CrossFit is amazing. It is the best community I am having the pleasure of experiencing every day. Every one is cheered on until the buzzer beeps or the last rep is completed. No one comes in last. We all finish and go deep into the pain cave to test our fitness and our strength. It is amazing.

Community can happen in many different ways. Neighborhoods. Schools. Like-minded parents. Church. But, this community brings together a broad spectrum of people. Each and every person comes into the box unique and, well,  just different. They may even be people you wouldn’t normally “hang out” with or find in your toddler group. But as soon as that 3, 2, 1… Go is shouted, we are all the same. We are all CrossFitters. And, we would do anything for each other. 

I have met some of the most incredible people at our CrossFit box. And, met new people and re-met blasts from the past at events. The community continues to grow. You have your box community as your inner circle. Surrounding that inner circle is the wider circle of your city and the boxes within that geographical range. Then you have your State and Region… and even wider is National and International communities.

I am so happy to have this community. It is invigorating and special. Made even more special when athletes give you hugs for pushing them past their perceived limits and encourage them to dig deep during a WOD. Wow! Witnessing the struggle, the accomplishments, and the personal victories is what makes this community special and awesome.

Me judging WOD 3! KB swings and Box Jump Overs. 5 mins of suck.

My CFC community at our New Year gathering 2013.

Wings and beer after my CFC community kicked butt at flag football.

My CFC community celebrating our first baby shower at the box.