The Chief

JT Scott | 11/18/2018 | 5

It went by unremarked, but last Friday was a big anniversary: 11/15/11 was our first day of classes at CrossFit Somerville. I bought the building in August of that year and spent 3 months remodeling, cleaning, bringing it up to code and creating the place we all love. (We still use the old oil-drain catcher that came with the auto repair garage as our chalk bucket today.) I had no idea where this journey would end up taking me, but I’m enormously grateful for every day of it and the amazing community we’ve created together.

Seven years is a long time in this game! Imagine where you were seven years ago…

In that time we have had a lot of consistency – we haven’t had many coaches. Yosh, Chris, Haley, KP, Mandy, and Maralene all started on my CrossFit Fenway staff and also spent some time coaching at CFSV over the years. (Note the 66% women ratio there.) Of our current coaches, Nick became a member at CFSV on Day 1 and later became a coach. Brian joined as a member two weeks later and has been an enormous help with our Urban Ag and Community Cooks projects, as well as an emergency fill-in coach from time to time. Kirstie joined as a member in November of 2012 and also went on to become a coach. Mel joined in December 2014 and went on to become a coach. And of course me… my first CrossFit workout was in my apartment way back in October of 2008, and I opened my first box in December of 2009.

Notice a trend? 😀 I’m happy to say that Nelly (Aug 13) and Jenna (Jan 15) are putting in a lot of hard work and doing great learning all the mojo that goes into our coaching program, and I look forward to seeing them on the floor soon. (Nelly will be coaching some Back Squats on Wednesday morning, if you wanna show her some love…)

Anyway, we’ll be throwing a party soon to celebrate a few things: a new year, 7 years of success and adventures, and love for those who move on. Pencil in January 12 on your calendar at 6pm – it should be a great time. Mel’s only rule is “no gym clothes”, so get dressed up and prepare to not recognize the people you usually see in class. 😀

This WOD here is an absolute classic. In our seven years of being open, this is our fifth time programming this workout… only because it’s been a real test of will to not put it in the rotation more often! We love this WOD, and the stimulus is pretty unmistakable. It’s got barbells, strengthy gymnastics, intervals to rest, and enough duration to challenge your stamina. Seriously, this workout is gold. Get after it, and enjoy!

WOD:
“The Chief”
5 rounds
AMRAP 3
3 Power cleans (135/95)
6 Push-ups
9 Air squats
*Rest 1 minute.

Compare to 1/25/18, 1/3/17, 8/17/14, and 8/23/12