Kim's Recap

There’s no shortage of inspiration if you look around at your fellow Arena Ready athletes. And as one of the perennial competitors who flies the AR flag, Coach Kim did this past weekend what she has always done over the years— prepared carefully, worked her tail off to be ready, fought hard in every event, and carried herself with the grace and humility most wouldn’t expect of such an accomplished human. There was, perhaps, one exception though (at least from my perspective)— she spent some time during the weekend feeling the weight of being a front-runner for the podium.

If you’ve ever been around Kim during competition then you know how fierce she is… how dedicated her effort is on a consistent basis, how much she’s willing to go to that uncomfortable place over & over again, and how (underneath all the smiles and genuine love she has for just about everyone) she will lay it all out on the line to beat you. And you. And you. And her. And him. And anyone in the building who decided to show up. She will track you down, pass you by, step on the gas, and not look back. Then she’ll help you off the ground, give you a hug, and tell you great job as both of you laugh.

That said, one thing I’m not sure Kim ever thought of herself as is a front-runner. She gladly plays the part of scrappy spoiler, or slight underdog, and I think she generally likes that role— the undersized (by competitive CrossFit standards) Mighty Mini aiming to take down some of the bigger, stronger athletes in her path. But this past weekend at the 2019 NorCal Masters Competition she spent much of the weekend in 2nd and 3rd overall, surprising many with her performances in what some may have thought of as “bigger person” workouts.

When the dust settled Kim had improved her 2018 placing by 3 spots and landed herself in 7th overall. The standings were a bit deceptive as she was just 11 points out of the final event, and 3rd through 8th were basically a dozen reps apart from one another. One thing is for sure, I think Kim may need to get used to feeling a little more like a favorite and not an underdog… because I simply don’t see her slowing down anytime soon, and her game is still improving.

As the co-owner of Arena Ready, and the man sometimes known as “Rob Hopping” (LOL) few things make me more happy and proud then when an athlete or fan at a competition sees my shirt with the AR logo and says “Oh, that’s Kim Tom’s gym.”

Yes, yes it is.

When I grow up I want to be Kim Tom.

As far as Tuesday’s WOD goes, this one is for anyone who thinks they may have cracked the day-of-the-week code for movement rotation. Would you rather attend this or last Tuesday’s (very closely related) party?

Enjoy!

WOD For 01-29-19:

On a Running Clock…

A) From 0:00 - 14:00

Back Squat:

5-5-5 Climbing Quickly to a Moderately Heavy Top Set (NOT a 5RM… roughly 70-80% of 1RM)

… then, using 75% of your top set…

2 Sets of 8

B) From 17:00 - 31:00

For Time (14 Minute Cap):

25-25-25-25-25

Wall Balls @ 20/14 lbs to 10/9 ft

15-12-9-6-3

Burpee Box Jumps @ 24/20 in (facing the box NOT required)

C) At 34:00 (Start Earlier if Desired)

NOT For Time:

600m Run (you pick the pace)