“Those who stand for nothing, fall for everything.”- Alexander Hamilton
CROSSFIT GAMES
CrossFit Games Rookie Christine Kolenbrander Looking to “Make Some Waves”
Christine Kolenbrander might be a rookie individual CrossFit Games competitor this summer, but the 30-year-old, two-time Games team athlete is no rookie to competition, and she’s bringing experience and confidence with her to Madison, WI.
Kolenbrander’s Competitive Journey to 2022
Kolenbrander, a former Level 10 gymnast, found CrossFit in 2015 before moving to Missouri in 2017 to join the CrossFit 417 team, a team that placed 12th at the Games in 2017.
She and her team improved their Games finish in 2018, placing fifth, but then failed to qualify in 2019.
That’s when a couple of Kolenbrander’s teammates decided to try their hand as individuals, something she had always wanted to do, as well.
Organifi Green Juice is not just another powder. It includes energy-boosting, immunity-enhancing, and stress-reducing superfoods found:
Two thousand feet below the ocean surface.
In the drylands of India.
And cultivated by Japanese monks.
These superfoods (and eight more) are in just one glass of Green Juice.
Green Juice delivers a no-jitters energy boost, and the nutritious ingredients have been found to support immunity, balance cortisol (stress hormones), and reduce cravings.
And did we say…it’s delicious.
Organifi has become an absolute staple in our lives, and we can’t wait to try the new Crisp Apple flavor. (Will it beat the OG Minty Matcha?)
In case you missed it: Danielle Brandon is fitter than she’s ever been and people are noticing. The Bottom Line host, Lauren Kalil talks with Justin Cotler and Kiefer Lammi about how the Underdogs star looks heading into the Games.
Stay Tuned: At 6:00 AM PT, we’ll have an announcement about prize purses for the CrossFit Games on our Instagram. Follow us so you don’t miss out.
Fee Saghafi is ready for the LCQ: Check out her thoughts on the results from the Granite Games and how she feels heading into the Last Chance Qualifier.
Rogue is hiring: Check out the multiple open positions at the top supplier of CrossFit equipment.
CROSSFIT GAMES
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE
So You’re Going to the CrossFit Games: Veterans Give Advice to Rookies
In 46 days (not that we’re counting), 80 individuals will put on a custom jersey and take the floor in Madison, WI for the CrossFit Games–but for a third of them, for the very first time.
Why it matters: With 15 women and 12 men (thus far, two spots still to be determined in the last chance qualifier at the end of the month) never having competed at the CrossFit Games before, a sizeable portion of the athletes have no idea what to expect — mentally or physically.
Translation: Be afraid, be very afraid.
“Don’t try to beat me… it’s not going to happen,” Brent Fikowski said while laughing at the Post-Semifinals CrossFit Games press conference yesterday, before more seriously answering the question as to what a rookie should expect going into their first visit to the final stage of the season.
Remind me: As we near the Games, CrossFit HQ held an hour-long Post-Semifinals Press Conference on June 16, 2022 for members of the media led by Justin Bergh and Adrian Bozman, accompanied by athletes including Fikowski, Emma McQuaid and Lazar Đukić.
Seven-time CrossFit Games qualifier, Fikowski, has a wealth of wisdom to share with rookies.
What they’re saying: “The weekend is so much longer than any of the other competitions you’re used to, and the competition field is so much deeper.”
OPINION: CrossFit Graveyards in Brazil and China Remain Stark Reminders as Headquarters Flirts with European Expansion
Not to sound too dramatic, but 2022 may go down as a pivotal year in the 21st century. Pandemic fatigue has reached its peak, as the average citizen no longer wants to social distance, mask or get regular testing done for COVID. The virus is still running rampant through the population at will, but everyone has moved on – for better or worse.
What emerges in the next few years will be a new way of life, the “post-pandemic phase” where we should expect the unexpected. Companies and individuals have big plans, and the future forward from here could determine the next few decades of trajectory when it comes to our entire species.
CrossFit–as a company, brand and sport–finds itself at a similar crossroads: where to go from COVID? Rumors are, after the 2023 NOBULL CrossFit Games takes place in Madison, WI for what seems the umpteeth time, CrossFit is taking its show on the road.
Where to, you ask? This question can best be answered by a process of elimination. CrossFit’s general manager of Sport, Justin Bergh, alluded to a “non-US offering” in a press conference following Quarterfinals. We can rule out Canada, as leaving the North American continent seems to be the goal, and simply taking the Games north doesn’t seem like CrossFit really stretching its wings.
Today’s workout is programmed by the Morning Chalk Up’s very own Tommy Marquez. A staple of the CrossFit media space when it comes to broadcasting or co-hosting his very own podcast, Talking Elite Fitness, Marquez is one of our senior staff writers and one of the leading analysts in the sport. However he not only talks-the-talk but walks-the-walk, he’s a two-time individual CrossFit Quarterfinalist as well as competing in the 35-39 age group online qualifier.
Tommy Marquez
For Time
15 Clean & jerks (155/105 LBs – 70/47 KGs)
30 Bar-facing burpees
45 Wall Balls (20/14 LBs) to 10-foot target
60 Abmat sit-ups
120 Double-unders
Rest 2:00 then repeat in reverse orders starting with 120 double-unders
Time Cap: 24 Minutes
Scaling Options:
Clean and jerks – scale weight, should be able to cycle five-plus reps fresh
Wall ball – scale weight
Double unders – weighted jump rope singles or 300 single unders
Some advice from Tommy: “After the barbell, aim for large sets with steady movement. Everything is relatively approachable, and with the mandated rest, should allow for some aggressive pacing. Use your first half split as a guide for the way back, and much like doing the Filthy 50 in reverse yields a slightly different stimulus, take note of how the switch in order changes the way you approach the same work with a similar goal time in mind.”
To inquire about submitting an upcoming workout of the week, shoot us a note.
How Adaptive Cognitive Athletes Feel About CrossFit
Check out how two CrossFit adaptive athletes, 7x World Record holder Julia Lane and worldwide CrossFit Open champion in the intellectual disability division Lance King, feel about competing in CrossFit and how it impacts their lives.
The All New TAC Adjustable Tactical Vest by Hyperwear
Want a vest with a 40 lbs capacity and the ability to customize and adjust in 1/2 lbs increments? With flexible and adjustable weight plates the Hyper Vest TAC is designed to perform during your toughest WODs. Coming soon.
These delicious watermelon Icees are made with just two ingredients and are perfect for cooling down after a hot summer WOD. Whip up a batch of these this weekend to share with your gym after the Saturday morning class, and you will be the most popular person there. We guarantee it.
A Free WHOOP Strap 4.0 and Extra Month's Membership
Track your body's data over 100 times a second to get personalized feedback on your recovery, strain, and sleep with the WHOOP 4.0. Morning Chalk Up readers can get a free strap and an extra month's membership when you sign up at the link below.
Have a hard time kicking up into a handstand? Or, can you get that far, but it's super uncomfortable when you do? Here are three drills to help mobilize your spine, wrists, and shoulders and help you get comfortable upside down.
Congratulations to Emma Baumert from CrossFit Fort Vancouver in Portland, ORon the 320 pound/145kg triple back squat PR.
Congratulations to Juan Vargas from 150 BayFit in Jersey City, NJ on the 400 pound/181kg back squat.
Congratulations to Chaz Barnes from CrossFit Pistol Creek in Maryville, TN on one year in CrossFit.
Mike Breuker and CrossFit Siargao are continuing to rebuild and see progress after Typhoon Odette wiped out much of the community’s infrastructure in December.
This email may contain affiliate links. We make a small commision off of purchases made via our affiliate links to help support this newsletter. If you no longer wish to receive the Morning Chalk Up newsletter, unsubscribe here.
