Hey guys, I saw this meme template and thought I'd take a break from making better memes than Coach Marshall to issue this PSA for newer members. Sorry this is a long one.

If this is your first Open and you're anything like me, you're probably a little excited and really nervous. I was full of anxiety in the fall of 2019 for my first Open. I mean after all, the Open is a world wide competition with thousands of people doing the exact same workout, logging their scores, seeing how they compare to each other, and some are even trying to qualify for the Games. Then Petram is having an in house competition with different teams competing to get a banner hung up in the rafters. And then you might have someone judging you, and it feels like they are yelling "No rep!" every time you move. Not only that, but I didn't want to embarrass myself in front of a bunch of people I didn't really know.

Now being nearly 4 years into my mediocre CrossFit journey, I know none of that stuff really matters. All of these Open Wods, although they are challenging and exciting, are just like the workouts we do every day. These people we're working out with are our friends and will be cheering you on.

And lastly, even though it is a world wide competition the only person you're competing against is yourself. Give each workout your best effort, maybe hit a new PR or finally get that pull up or string some dubs together, and most importantly HAVE FUN.

Steve L

Words of Wisdom from a Member -> Steve L.