Throwdown tests multiple disciplines
Competitors go through a grueling rowing exercise under the watchful eyes of judges as part of the Spring Throwdown at Waller Physical Fitness Center April 16, 2016. (Photo by Walt Johnson)
By Walt Johnson
Mountaineer staff
The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff hosted the annual Fort Carson Spring Throwdown functional fitness competition April 16, 2016, at Waller Physical Fitness Center.
While conditions outside of the facility were cold, wet and nasty, inside was a warm and cozy environment as the athletes competed in the annual event. Mother Nature was not cooperative as high winds, snow and rain were the order of the day, but that didn't stop the athletes from taking part in the grueling Crossfit activity.
Brianna Young-Navarro said the desire to get in a workout made it an easy decision for her to brave the elements. She said the event was appealing because she wanted to get in a full-body workout.
The Iron Man-type workout consisted of weightlifting, medicine ball throw, squats and box jumps. The disciplines had to be done in two rounds of two-minute stretches with a minute break in between. Tuffah Dunne, Iron Horse Sports and Fitness Center assistant manager and program coordinator, said the event was well received.
"We had some determined athletes here and they showed us (their commitment) to fitness in the way they performed," Dunne said.
It was a competition only in the sense that medals were handed out to the winners. Dunne noted the athletes supported and encouraged each other.
"We mainly wanted this to give people a chance to compete against themselves and others but, more importantly, let people see how much they could challenge themselves physically and mentally," Dunne said.
It became evident early that the person who would do best in their category would be the one who mastered the disciplines, not necessarily the strongest person.
Thomas White said neither the weather nor the obstacles thrown at him would prevent him from doing his best at the event.
"I wanted to find a pace, stick to it and continue working until it was time to stop," he said. "The toughest thing for me to do was the situps. It was awkward doing them without someone holding your feet. Plus, I think I'm pretty good at the rowing and front squats," White said.
David Hong said he was happy that the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff put on the event. He said events like this are fun because of the caliber of athletes and the discipline needed to be successful.
"I think the first lunges for reps was the most difficult thing to do. I really didn't prepare for this event specifically, I just showed up to see what it would be like. Yesterday for my lifting program I did heavy back squats and today was supposed to be some lighter squats, so I just used this for my training day because I knew squats would be involved. I looked at this as a chance to be in a competition and to get myself better … because you can always be better," Hong said.
Top finishers
Rookie:
David Hong
John Brando
Advanced female:
Melinda Solano
Brianna Young-Navarro
Cindy Bower
Advanced male:
Thomas White
Joshua Morey
Justin Dahlberg
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Brianna Young-Navarro, Cindy Bower, CrossFit, David Hong, Fort Carson Spring Throwdown functional fitness competition, John Brando, Joshua Morey, Justin Dahlberg, Melinda Solano, Thomas White, Tuffah Dunne, Waller Physical Fitness Center