One part roadie, one part pit crew, one part media team, one part friend, five parts fangirl. These were my jobs for the Faded Glory teams at this year’s Festivus Games.
Unlike Chick 1, I didn’t WOD in the sun and fun. Scheduling and family commitments made competing impossible. But I still got out and joined in for as long as I could.
My day started at 5am, just like most of the teams. But, for my first stop I went and got my own workout in first at our home box (burpees over the rower, thrusters, and other fun times). I could have skipped, but even when (especially when!) you’re spending a lot of your time supporting others, you have to keep your own health in line.
Then it was off to the Games, sliding in with my friends to watch them work and support where I could, which led to these moments….
The roadie – Yes, I’ll carry your phone. I’ll wear your watch. I’ll hold your bracelets. Of course I’ll keep time for you and count down loud so you know how much you have left to go.
The pit crew – Yup, I’ll charge that dead (phone) battery. I’ll change your oil (peppermint oil, of course, on sore hamstrings and lower backs). I’ll drill your muscles with one of those crazy massage guns. I’m there with your water when your engine overheats. Creaky joints? Do you prefer Aleve, Advil, or Tylenol?
The media team – The pictures, the videos, the boomerangs. Did I get video of your snatches? Check. Boomerangs of your wall balls? Check. And THE LIFTING FACES!!! Oh, the lifting faces. Can’t get enough of them. Capturing the efforts and the agony. The triumphs and the teamwork. The small moments, the funny moments, the victories that many people miss – we even miss some of them ourselves!
Send them to each athlete, even send them to their spouses and our friends who couldn’t be there. Those photos tell amazing stories of a time that will become incredible memories.
The friend – Just before she starts each event, I’m glancing at my partner, Milagros, and just give her the look. The “you can do this. Just breathe and do it” look. That moment of reassurance between us!
Some of the highlights of the day are listening to pretty much all the competitors talk about their teammate. In one way or another, each is fighting not to let their partner down. To do their best, to give their all for that teammate. This brings back memories of when I competed, and truly is one of the sweetest, most meaningful parts of the experiences.
Finally, the fangirl – Cheering like crazy for each of them. (And all the videos with my shrill drum major voice!) Clapping from behind the lens. “Pick it up!” I barked. Encouraging when I saw the looks of exhaustion, of near tears, of hating that stupid box, that idiotic dumbbell, that impossibly irritating kettlebell. And when I saw those fleeting looks of “It’s too hot.” “It’s so heavy.” ‘I’m not sure I can do anymore…” I’d get even louder:
YOU GOT THIS! COME ON! LET’S GO! And as others finished, they joined in the cheers. Surrounding teammates who had fought through adversity to encourage them to the bitter end. We are fans of each other.
What a day and a reason to support and shout for these incredible athletes.
Pushing themselves past the edge of the discomfort zone, some fighting through injuries and illness. They showed up and WORKED. All the training, the invisible hours, the practicing, the endless reps, heck even the no reps mattered. It all adds up to knowing you fought like crazy to compete and give your best that day.
I’ll truly cherish wearing the #Katashi shirt with my honorary (if temporary) tattoo. That takes fangirling to a whole new level. You’d be hard pressed to find two more fierce or fun competitors. Still gotta work on my booty game, though.
I’ll cherish the hugs and smiles and people laughing and feeling proud as they saw themselves in action. I’ll cherish seeing both first timers and “old” timers get in there to scrap with anyone who dares compete. Better bring your A game. I’ll cherish watching teams work with and for each other, and being on the team for all of them.
2 Chicks and a blog 