Rookies Requited

May 27, 2017

Andréa Maria Cecil

Rookies weigh in on what it takes to compete. 

Time.

That’s what it takes to qualify for the CrossFit Games Regionals. Lots of time.

Four years ago, Dave Musgrave set his sights on making it this far. In between he’s had two major injuries: a shattered right arm and a torn ACL. Over those years, he spent upwards of 15 hours a week training and an additional 15 on mobility, skill work and visits to the chiropractor. All told, his goal of making it to Regionals required anywhere from 30 to 40 hours a week to become realized.

“It is all-consuming,” the 30-year-old said, “especially the closer you get.”

Dave Musgrave

Musgrave, who owns Cróga CrossFit in San Jose, went from finishing the Open in 95th place in the Northern California Region in 2014, to 18th place this year and earning his qualifying spot to compete at the California Regional.

Because of the massive time commitment that is training just to qualify for Regionals, he’s had to decline many invitations from friends and family.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said ‘no,’” he said.

For Julian Martinez (pictured at top), training to qualify for Regionals meant delegating duties at Barbareño, his restaurant in Santa Barbara where he is also a chef.

“It’s been my goal since the Open last year,” the 27-year-old said of becoming a Regional competitor.

Martinez, who started CrossFit five years ago, dedicates at least three hours a day to training. Getting to the Regional required consistency and a lot of mobility work, said Martinez, a member at CrossFit Santa Barbara.

Like Musgrave, Ryan Williams dedicated at least 30 hours per week to training to qualify for Regionals.

“In college, I had a lot of friends, went out a lot. I had to stop,” explained the 24-year-old who trains at CrossFit Davis.

The Regional was the first time Williams had seen his immediate family since Christmas—precisely because of his training schedule.

Ryan Williams

For Lauren Ho, who has a full-time job and goes to graduate school, planning is important.

“I take advantage of the time that I do have.”

The 29-year-old trains at her affiliate, CrossFit Alaka’i, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, as well as in her garage gym.

Lauren Ho

“I honestly didn’t expect to be here,” she said meekly. “It was always a dream and a goal.”

Despite the time commitment, the rookies said their time was well spent.

“It feels great (to be here),” Musgrave said with a nearly giddy smile. “I can’t wait to get here next year, and I haven’t even worked out yet. Isn’t that crazy?”

Being on the competition floor for the first time was “unbelievable,” Williams said.

Although he said he was nervous before Event 1, the anxiety disappeared when he started that 1,200-meter run with a 20-lb. vest.

“Once you’re in there, everything falls away,” Williams said.

Before he even set foot on the competition floor Friday morning, Musgrave said all the sacrifices were “100 percent” worth it.

“It’s been really inspirational for a lot of our gym members to the point I didn’t even realize.”

Of his affiliate’s 100 members, nearly half of them arrived at the Del Mar Fairgrounds to cheer him on. Leading up to the weekend, members sent him countless notes and messages of encouragement and support. Some told him they were proud of him, others that his example made them want to come to the gym more.

“Which is exactly why you wanna do it,” Musgrave said, “and it just adds a little fuel to reach the goal.”

Men

1. Christian Lucero (195)

2. Josh Bridges (190)

3. Jeff Patzer (165)

4. Julian Alcaraz (152)

5. Ryan Fischer (138)

 

Women

1. Kirsten Pedri (185)

2. Valerie Voboril (171)

3. Alessandra Pichelli (164)

4. Maddy Meyers (160)

5. Lauren Fisher (155)

 

Teams

1. Invictus (200)

2. NorCal (185)

3. CrossFit 209 Sport (163)

4. Bear Republic CrossFit (160)

5. Paradiso Venice (154)

 

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