Classic Post!!! Looks like your grammer check in working better...

...and here's to you, brian, for sneaking in one final Top Gun quote before the holiday weekend......Great Balls of CrossFit Fire!!!! ah-haaa

I've got to say - the camaraderie, the Teamwork! is such a huge part of what makes the Fort *Fun*. And as Dave said, "This is the saddest part of my day, Garth. The end of our workout, and knowing that we can't come back here for another 23 hours". It really is a bit of a low point, having to leave such a great part of the day behind.

As for myself, when I'm dragging myself through the last few rounds - or last few minutes - well, it's a bit odd. It brings to mind last night. My head might be pounding, the music sounds as though it's coming from down the block... and while sometimes (well, a lot, to be honest) I can't even tell who is saying what - I still hear that extra bit of cheering, yelling, encouragement. The occasional commentary mixed in with "COME ON!!" Knowing someone else is watching the clock for me, knowing they've already been through this and survived, knowing that means I can too.

I'm inordinately proud of each tiny success I've made, every extra rep in the WOD, starting to get double unders, managing burpees. I can't explain that feeling to anyone who hasn't tried this in some form or fashion. I'm sure others have run into a similar issue. Most people just don't "get" the rush that comes from both personal achievement, however difficult, painful or small - combined with the teamwork and cooperation. Everyone at the Fort gives it everything they've got, no matter how much that might be. There's no looking down on anyone else, if one doesn't move quite as quickly as another, or their lifts aren't quite as heavy as they'd like - it's still an all-out effort, and EVERYONE finds that wall and knows what it feels like. It's simply not possible to watch that kind of effort and not feel happy for them, and proud of the work and the place and the people that make it happen, every single day.

Myself, even just the other week - I was finishing rowing up in the loft. I'd already had to scale back a bit and all I wanted was to rest, with only a few more pulls to go. The encouragement and support in the last few moments of any WOD make such a HUGE difference! I didn't even have enough focus left over to see who helped unstrap my feet before I hit the floor, but you'd gone back downstairs before I got my head back up again. I'd wanted to say thank you. And really, that's got to go along with a HUGE "Thank You!!" to each and every person who comes to the Fort, who puts in the time and the effort to be healthier, stronger, faster, better. Everyone here is a huge inspiration, and it's motivating just to be present.

I don't enjoy leaving after a workout, but obligations aside (like picking up the kids... ) I know I need to get home, to work on feeding myself right, resting well, taking care of myself and my family. I need to make sure I'm ready and able to put in another 100% effort tomorrow, y'know. ;D

Agreed on the camaraderie. We need to make it a rule that the music is cranked and everyone is focused until the last man (woman) is finished. It's easy to forget after completing the WOD and the feeling of relief and accomplishment that follows but if we make it a rule, there will be no excuses!