Blackbird CrossFit Owner Treks 329 Miles in 7 Days

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“Staying in a negative mindset will undermine confidence. Living in the past is a liability that will diminish future opportunities.” — Ben Bergeron

Blackbird CrossFit Owner Treks 329 Miles in 7 Days

Putting your CrossFitness to the test.

Starting on August 9th, Matt Titus, the owner and head coach of Blackbird CrossFit in Eldersburg, MD, hiked and biked 329 miles in seven days to benefit Just in Power Kids.

Say what?

The hike, also known as The Maryland Trek, is an event created by meteorologist Justin Berk. Each day of the trek begins with a 27 mile hike and ends with a 14 mile bike. You read that right — more than a marathon of hiking each day before they even mount their bikes.

The entire trek spans the state of Maryland from West to East in just 7 days.

But why?

The Maryland Trek was organized to benefit Just in Power Kids, a charity dedicated to developing a network of holistic, integrated wellness providers to work with children in cancer treatment.

The charity pays for the treatments since most insurance companies don’t cover the expenses. Their goal this year was to raise $50,000 to help treat 100 kids, but they surpassed that goal by more than $10,000.

That’s solid.

It totally is, and this isn’t the first time Coach Matt has joined in on the trek. This year he surpassed his goal of $4,000 in donations. It’s also not the only way he’s supported Just in Power Kids, either. This year Blackbird CrossFit put on their third annual 3, 2, 1 GO Fun Run to raise money for the charity.

CrossFitters showing up and doing good? We’re not surprised in the slightest.

Affiliate Owner Murdered on Monday

The story.

On Monday night, Mary Wheat, owner of CrossFit Ruggedege, was shot and killed by her husband, an off-duty California Highway Patrol officer, according to local news reports. 

That’s terrible news. 

Yes, it’s very tragic news. 

A news release from the sheriff’s office referred to the two deaths as a possible murder-suicide.

“The husband shot his wife several times in the parking lot resulting in her death before turning the handgun on himself,” the news release says.

We’ll keep you updated as this story develops. 

Coffee Break Conversations

What to tell your friend who says she can’t CrossFit anymore now that she’s pregnant.

Not so fast, Mama. Provided you are being safe and seeing a medical professional regularly, CrossFit can help keep you in tip-top shape throughout your pregnancy. Jessica Hawley, who didn’t discover CrossFit until her third pregnancy, said it made all the difference. Plus, you’ll need that energy to keep up with the kiddo once he’s here, so why not start now. 

Things To…

WATCH: But What About the Open?

Armen Hammer reassures CrossFitters everywhere that the CrossFit Open will still be a meaningful part of CrossFit for people everywhere, how the new CrossFit Games format doesn’t change anything for the average athlete, and how the new changes can actually be beneficial.

CHANGE IS GOOD.

HEAR: CrossFit Big Dane has Big Plans

BoxPro Magazine spent some time with Barret Danz, owner of CrossFit Big Dane in Madison, WI. Together they discuss the CrossFit community as a gathering of athletes and individuals who want to be part of something bigger, connected by a fitness regimen that changed their lives.

WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY.

EAT: The Best Turkey Lasagna

This is, actually, the best turkey lasagna ever. Made with a homemade tomato basil sauce packed with fresh herbs & italian spices, layered with lean ground turkey, mozzarella, creamy ricotta and a touch of parmesan.

JUST LIKE MOM’S.

TRY: Yoga for All

Yoga for All is a 14-day yoga course created to bring yoga to everyone, especially those who need it the most and might get it the least. Join hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world, for free, from September 10 – 23 on a journey towards strength, flexibility, and peace of mind.

GIVE IT A GO. 

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• CROSSFIT COMES TO TOWN — Pine Mountain CrossFit in Pineville, KY just opened it’s doors, bringing CrossFit to this sleepy little town of 1,700. 
• CROSSFIT GAMES TEAM SERIES — In about two weeks, the Team Series kicks off with two weeks of WODs and fun. If you’re on the fence or already partnered up, here’s what you need to know to make the most of it. 

CHALK UP IN 2 MINUTES (a highlight reel around social media of CrossFit pros and average joes)

Amanda Deller does a snatch complex at 180 pounds • Tia-Clair Toomey took on Alec Smith’s circus trick challenge • Wes Kitts
snatched 390 pounds • Noah Ohlsen and his girlfriend Joann Leigh partner deadlift together • Of all Jacob Heppner’s disgusting workouts, this may well be one of the worst • Emily Bridgers got her boot off, but we don’t have a link • Rich Froning and Chris Hinshaw are hanging out in Madrid, Spain. 

…and this is how to appropriately integrate flip cup into your class WOD. 

High Stakes: Some Key Details Released for First CrossFit Sanctioned Event — While the CrossFit Games season is technically in cool down mode, the best in class will need to start putting their sights on the Dubai CrossFit Championship, which will offer the first ticket to Madison. Here are the details we know: 

— The Online Qualifier: The online qualifier kicks off in less than one month and will include three workouts over two-and-a-half weeks. The dates are October 3 – 21st and registration is now open. A team component has also been added and according to the website is made up of two male and two female athletes. The championship takes place from December 12 – 16. 

— How many will compete? A total of 37 male and female athletes, and 10 teams will move on from the online qualifier to the championship in Dubai. All athletes and teams are required to complete the online qualifier. There will be a total of 10 events. 

— What’s the prize purse look like? On top of getting a ticket to the CrossFit Games, cash prizes will be awarded during both stages of competition; $83,000 during the online qualifier and $533,000 during the championship.

— Qualifier Cash (per event). Individuals: 1). $9000, 2). $6000, 3). $3,000, 4-10). $500. Teams: 1). $5000, 2). $3000, 3). $1500, 4 – 10). $500. 

— Championship Cash (per event). Individuals: 1). $3000, 2). $2000, 3). $1000. Teams: 1). $2000, 2). $1500, 3). $1000.

— Championship Cash (Overall Winners). Individuals: 1). $50,000, 2). $30,000, 3). $20,000, 4). $10,000, 5). $8000, 6). $6000, 7). $4000, 8). $2000, 9 – 37). $1000. Teams: 1). $20,000, 2). $10,000, 3). $5000, 4). $3000, 5 – 10). $2000.

Michele Fumagalli Four Weeks Post Surgery — Remember Michele Fumagalli who broke her left wrist during Event 1 of the CrossFit Games? As unfortunate as that accident was, it was also her first Games appearance after four years competing at Regionals. She shares a brief update on her recovery four weeks post surgery: 

“Today marks 4 weeks from surgery and one month after sustaining a dislocated and broken wrist while competing at the CrossFit Games. It’s been a month of peaks and valleys as I continue to battle against a negative mindset that tries to find its way into my thoughts. It’s been 4 weeks of healing, 4 weeks of improving my patience and humility as I have had to lean on others more then I ever have in my adult life. Four weeks down and who knows how many more but I know each day brings a chance to grow, improve and continue to heal.” 

“Real Life and CrossFitting with my Daughters,” by Roddy Shanley, The Morning Chalk Up

I am constantly asked, “why do I do CrossFit” and “why do I always talk about it”?

My reasons are much the same as most people who choose this sport. Competition, community and camaraderie, just to name a few. Pushing myself beyond what I think I can do, challenging myself to be the best I can be, just for that day is always my goal and it starts at the gym.

Often times, I’m close to the oldest person in the room and I try really hard not to let that intimidate me. I remind myself that the workout is between me and me. I am so grateful for my fellow athletes who always motivate and encourage me to keep showing up and giving every workout, everything I have. The coaches, even when they aren’t coaching, inspire us endlessly.

When I was younger and raising a family, keeping up with my kids was just part of being a parent. That has not changed just because I am older and they are grown up with families of their own. I am still a parent and now a grandparent. Keeping up with my “people” and complacency do not play well together in the sandbox. Contentment, peace and joy are the direct result of being strong, able to play, run and participate fully in life. This sport simply makes me better.

9/6 – 9/9: Kill Cliff Granite Games (St. Cloud, MN) 

9/7: Koski Training Camp (Lloret de Mar, Spain) 

​9/8: Midwest Fall Classic (Tulsa, OK)

​9/8: The Sugar Skull Showdown (Agawam, MA)

9/8: I Can CrossFit Competition (Georgetown, TX)

9/8: Global Aftermath 2018 (Online)

9/8: The Catalyst Games (Bastrop, TX) 

9/8: BoxLife Games @ CrossFit Bear Cat (Bunnell, FL)

9/8: BoxLife Games @ CrossFit Wynwood (Miami, FL)

9/8: Booties in Action (Wilsonville, OR)9/8: Hookd2Hops 2018 (Newtown, CT)

9/8: Rumble in the Jungle 2018 (LaVista, NE)

9/8: 2018 Battle of the Bluegrass (Louisville, KY) 

9/8: Decima Throwdown (Littleton, CO)

9/8: First Timers Fitness Festival 2 (Burlington, MA) 

9/8: Girls Gone RX (Bridgeville, PA) 

9/8: BoxLife Games at CrossFit James Island (Charleston, SC) 

9/8: Femme Royale (Denver, CO) 

9/8: Double Trouble Throw Down (Twinsburg, OH)

9/8: Power Output Challenge (San Antonio, TX)

9/9: Reps for Recovery (Annapolis, MD)

9/8: WV CrossFit Championship (Fairmont, WV)

9/8 – 9/9: Beach Cities Battle 2018 (Gardena, CA)

9/8 – 9/9: The Vermonster Team Challenge (Berlin, VT)

9/15: Warrior Affiliate League Three Amigos (Pomona,CA)

9/15: No Mans Land 4 (Painesville, OH)

9/15: Average Joes (Troy, MI) 

9/15: Stateline Throwdown 2018 (McHenry, IL)

9/15: Project Uplift (Fort Collins, CO)

9/15: Barbells for Bullies (Lexington, SC)

9/15: Barbell Brawl IV (Kennett Square, PA)

9/15: Double Date Got Twisted (Bowling Green, KY)

9/15: Doomsday CrossFit Team Competition (Beachwood, OH)

9/16: 2018 Battle at the Rock (Castle Rock, CO)

​9/16: 5th Annual North East Masters Classic (Plainville, MA)

9/16: The Brazen Cup 2018 (Fairfield, NJ) 

9/22: Shatter the Stigma III (Boyertown, PA)

9/22: New Kids on the 321 Block 2018 (Topsham, ME)

9/22: Femme Royale at Eagle Wing CrossFit (Orange, CA)9/22: 2nd Annual CrossFit TUFF Charity Row-A-Thon (Nashua, NH) 

9/22: Girls Gone RX Denver (Denver, CO) 

9/22: Legends of the WOD (Grapevine, TX)

9/23 – 9/23: Field of Teams (Cedar Falls, IA)

9/22 – 9/23:The D-Town Throwdown (Decatur, Illinois)

9/22 – 9/23: The Cascade Classic (Seattle, WA)

9/22 – 9/23: Heartland Havoc 3 (Davenport, ID) 

9/23: Games of the Ages Masters Team Competition (Hanson, MA)

9/23: Cadre Crucible Team Competition (Hudson, OH)

9/23: Detroit Red Wings WOD (Detroit, MI) 

9/23: IronWorkz Gauntlet (Medina, OH)

9/24: CrossFit New England 3rd Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament (Hudson, MA)

9/28 – 9/29: Pensacola Beach Brawl (Pensacola Beach, FL)9/28 – 9/29: The Primal Games (Savannah, GA)

9/29: Kilo Crush Fest (Hampton, VA) 

9/29: Barcode Team Competition (Leander, TX)

9/29: Long Island Masters Team Competition (Hauppauge, NY)

9/29: Fallout Powered by Battleground Events (Long Beach, CA)

9/29: Battle for Boise (Meridian, ID)

9/29: 5th Annual WOD for a Cause (Murrietta, CA) 

9/29: K-9 Pursuit (Bristol, CT)

9/29: Swolemates (Cincinnati, OH)

​9/29: CrossFit Be Someone Charity WODathon (Houston, TX) 

9/29: Garage Girls (Pousbo, WA) 

9/29: Adoption Fundraiser WOD (Millcreek, UT)

10/6: Gallant Gauntlet 2 (Bedford, TX)

10/12: 10/14: Faith RX’d (Denver, CO)