Catacombs Games Takeaways

Most of us had at least one workout in the CrossFit Open that left us feeling less than satisfied with our skills, athleticism, or fitness. The Catacombs Games are meant to be a more accessible version of the CrossFit Open, but we don't water down the challenge. The makers of the CrossFit Games are exceptionally skilled at exposing weaknesses in even the fittest athletes on Earth. The Catacombs Games are meant to give everyone something with which to struggle. While we enjoy comparing scores and pushing ourselves to the edge of our capacity, for us, the competition is always within ourselves. 

So if the fastest time or heaviest load are not the standards by which we determine value, what do we take away from the 2018 Catacombs Games?

Humility. It does not matter how long you have been working out, the CrossFit Open will humble you. There is no such thing as mastery, only the pursuit of mastery. If you feel that you have mastered the basics, it’s time to start all over again, this time paying closer attention. Everything we do is infinitely refineable. This concept applies to everything in your life, not just in the gym.

Integrity. Every workout is a chance for growth, either physically or mentally. We've all looked at a workout and thought “I can’t do that”, but the willingness to put yourself out there and try and the effort that you give says more about you than the outcome. How you do anything is how you do everything. In the gym, we expect your best effort. In your life, you should expect the same of yourself.

Responsibility and Positivity. We talked about this in a blog post a couple of weeks ago, but your mindset matters. Whether you know it or not, there is someone who looks up to you. You are setting the example for what is acceptable and what is not. Complaining, cheating, quitting, gossiping; these things are not acceptable. You are responsible for your own attitude and the energy that you bring to every situation. Positivity breeds positivity, light drives out darkness, and strong people don’t put others down; they lift them up.

Community. Every athlete is valued, every conversation is important, every effort is recognized, and every achievement is celebrated. Whatever the accomplishment, it didn’t come from nothing; more likely, there were hours of hard work and many more failures than successes. Watching you push yourself and work on your weakness inspires me to work on mine. The work that goes into being better at pull ups is no different than the work that goes into being a better parent or partner or student or professional. We inspire each other to do this work not just in the gym but also in our lives. 

Another season of the Catacombs Games is behind us. Hopefully, you made some new friends, tried some new movements, and are better for having participated.  None of us will ever be among the “Fittest on Earth,” but you can make your time in the gym the best hour of your day and the best hour of someone else’s day. Blow off some steam, try something new, high five some friends, and have a good time. That’s what we’re all here for anyway. Thanks for being a part of the 2018 Catacombs Games.