U Energy Games: My Experience

Monkeying around!

Despite not making it to the finals in the U Energy Games as I hoped I would, I took home something else - an experience in a big local competition.

On the 27th and 28th January, a two-day competition organized by U concept took place at the Weight Loss Show. The U Energy Games  included three events; Day 1, Day 2: semi-finals and finals.

During Day 1, all the athletes did not know what they'll be doing - and what they'll be competing at exactly. We had a rough idea (a scary one, too!) of what might come up. Luckily enough, I have been doing Crossfit, and I have in a way adapted to set my fears aside and push - despite the unknown.

As we were informed of the workout in Day one - you could tell it is something that will be challenging. So who took part? People from all different ages - those in their 20s to those in their 50s. There were 25 males who took part, 7 females and 5 teams (of four people).

I entered as an individual but was representing my community, CrossFit LifeSpark Dubai alongside my coach, Candice Howe, and three teams.

So after the briefing, you could tell some freaked out, some accepted the challenge and some were indifferent. I personally was excited on pushing myself and see how far I can go. So the workout in day one was:

Few seconds before the race

- 250m Row
- 10 Wall Ball with 6kgs for women, 9kgs for men
- 10 pull ups
- Sand bag carry, 25kgs for women, 35kgs for men, walk up the hill, jump over the wall and back
- 10 rope pulls 
- 10 burpees
- 10 push press, 20kgs for women, 30kgs for men
- 50m Lunges (knee touch the ground)
- 20 box jumps, 20inches for women, 24inches for men
- Jerry cans carry (50kgs)
- Finally a sprint to the finish line.

Sand bag carry - 25kgs

Doing my favorite movement!
Pull-ups!

50kgs Jerry can carry!

It was pretty awesome competing among some of the best athletes in the UAE and people from all different backgrounds. And I would say one of my best moments was when I did my pull-ups and many people looked surprised by someone my size doing pull-ups for reps.

Even a guy approached me and said...."One day I want you to teach me how to do pull ups like that!"

Surprisingly enough, this is the first competition that I have been part of that other Emiratis participated in. It wasn't women though (no surprise there), but at least some 5-6 local guys, which was interesting to see how they'd react to my taking part. Not too bad, actually!

The first day was meant to include all segments of the community and allow everyone to participate - but in the end of the day, there was a score - one that gets you through and one that doesn't.  In my case, I was placed 6th in the female category. My score, however, was not good enough to pass me through next stage. Although I did everything by the book and had great technique.

Me running to the finish line!

Here, I had a little issue with the judging and I have discussed it with the organizer - who listened to my points and I have heard his. We both came to an understanding that the judging should have been stricter, but the ultimate goal is to let everyone experience that feeling of "passing through the finish line," so they feel a sense of accomplishment. So kudos to them for hosting such an event.

Overall, I think this competition is by far the best that I have been part of - it was outdoors (although I caught a cold!), it was well organized, and challenged UAE residents on a whole new level, and most of all - it felt like a real competition. I even felt like as if I was in the US competing for a minute there!

U concept definitely did a wonderful job on hosting their first big event and I am definitely going to look forward for the one coming next year. By then, I will be stronger and faster - watch THIS space! 

Moving on the competition, although I did not take part of the second day - all the athletes from LifeSpark Dubai did, so I went to cheer them on.

During the semi-finals and finals, Candice was placed first in the female category, and 3 of our teams took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places (and 2 of teams had to compete against each other in the end!)

As in usual, when we went there, people asked - "what is this Crossfit thing? Who are these guys?" We are the CrossFit LifeSpark team! We walk in quietly and let our actions speak louder than words - and walk out with big prizes, too!

In another note, the competition I have been training for four months is really near - 22 days and counting! I am excited, but also very nervous. Taking part in this competition is a big deal for me - your prayers for me to make it would mean a lot. It would mean I will go to Korea and compete!

Yours Truly,