No.

At this point the no-reps were stacked higher than Rich Froning Jr's year-to-date net worth increase.

I came face to face with an ancient foe last weekend at the Garage Games hosted by CrossFit Southie. The malevolent, virulent, palpable hatred that can only be wrought by the Dynamax corporation hung heavy in the air. The implement of torture that I most fear reared its ugly head. The 2nd WOD of the day on Saturday, "Snatch Balls" was anything but cheeky and funny as the title suggests. A brutal little 7 minute AMRAP that would bring me face to face with the putrid maw of hell.

Snatch Balls: 
Amrap 7min
Power Snatch (95lbs) 7 reps
Wall balls (20lbs) 10 reps

Rounds: FAIL (5 +10reps)

Right about the middle of the 3rd round I felt the icy grip of death about my neck and chest. It was then that the Party Rock Anthem came over the PA. Suddenly, A.J. Pappas came to me in a vision and I found the strength to continue. Actually, that's complete bullshit. However, I was so sideways in the middle of this WOD I actually DID come up with that joke during a wall ball. Yeah, it was that bad.

Evan St. Claire captured the feel of this WOD.

Failed wall-ball after failed wall-ball the hypoxia mounted. My poor judge was up to her ass in suffering. At this point the no-reps were stacked higher than Rich Froning Jr's year-to-date net worth increase. I knew all the positive self talk in the world would only take me so far this time - metabolic failure was imminent. I didn't quit though. I recoiled to a position of clarity. Even though I couldn't see anything through my sweat stung eyes, I knew what was coming.

That presence. The voice, the enemy within, whatever you call it. The part of you that if left unmolested leads to self doubt, fear, and panic. It has to be dealt with like an unruly member of occupy Starbucks. Much easier to do when it's seen coming from a looong way off. When you learn to anticipate it's arrival well in advance you can do something about it.

When that moment arrives that you're standing upon the precipice, calculating your trajectory to clear the chasm....there that voice will be behind you, sneering.

When that little SOB arrives you're waiting, hands on hips, daring it to make a move. "Come at me bro." you'll say, but it won't...It's afraid. Realizing this is powerful, if it's afraid then you shouldn't be. Force IT to respect you, and then you can continue in spite of serious pain.

That voice, that presence which lives in your mind and makes you second guess or doubt your ability. It will never leave you. But, it will grow increasingly afraid of your ever-escalating boldness, and fade to a whisper. When that moment arrives that you're standing upon the precipice, calculating your trajectory to clear the chasm....there that voice will be behind you, sneering. "I think it's too far" it might say, or "Legs are kind of sore..." Surely, it will tell you "you should just find another way around." You're the boss now, though, not the voice. You'll just look back over your shoulder at the voice in glaring, F-smirking, disapproval and say, "No." and off you'll fly into the blue, free, awake, and alive.

*Tshirt update: They should all be shipped out next week sometime! Thanks for being patient, I really appreciate it!