Ok, so this all started with an innocent little question from Carlos E. “What is your favorite Crossfit WOD and why?”. Folks commented, but one comment stuck out… Martin H. with “@Carlos, in all seriousness, I’d like to go head to head with you on your favorite WOD. Let’s set it up! Loser pays the winner one beer for every 5 seconds they finish behind.”. The challenge was accepted, and a date was set. Today Sunday July 25th at 3:30pm was the showdown. The workout? 2009 CrossFit Games Nor Cal Qualifier Event A. 500m Row, 30 burpess, 10 reps 165 lbs shoulder to overhead. Looking at the competitors it was pretty clear that Martin would be to the bar first, but would he have enough of a lead to keep ahead of Carlos’ massive shoulder strength. 3..2..1… GO! The row began. Martin was clearly conserving on the row to ensure he wouldn’t hit a wall on the push jerks. Carlos finished the row about 5 seconds ahead of Martin and got to work on the burpees. After about 10 it was clear he was going to have to slow his pace a bit. Martin got to the burpees and set to work. Martin finished the burpees at about the 3:30 mark and set to work on the bar. Failing his 3rd rep it was clear this was going to be a tough 10 reps. Carlos finished the burpees around 4:30 at which point the game was over. Once he picked up the bar he was able to power through the 10 reps unbroken. Carlos finished in 5:37 a full minute faster than his previous PR. Martin came in at 7:02. Fantastic efforts from both, and a fun challenge. Who do you want to challenge doing what? Throw out a challenge even if you know you will be beat. This is a great way to increase motivation and have some fun. We’ll support and host any such behavior.