The 2010 CrossFit Games

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The ultimate proving grounds of the world’s fittest athletes.

July 16-18, 2010 • Carson, CA

The Home Depot Center Sports Complex

Select a 2010 CrossFit Games event

2010 CrossFit Games Finals

The 2010 Games free webcast: watch the archives and relive the event at live.crossfit.com.

CrossFit Albuquerque

2010 CrossFit Games Finals

CrossFit Albuquerque In the Off-Season

Training for the Affiliate Cup

At the Games, CrossFit affiliates have the option of competing as part of a team for the Affiliate Cup. In 2007 and 2008, the Affiliate Cup was awarded based on the combined success of individual competitors from the same CrossFit box. Since 2009, the Affiliate Competition has become a separate set of events that include several team exercises such as the buddy carry and obstacle course. We were curious how the top teams from 2010 prepare for the Affiliate Competition. A couple weeks ago we heard back from 2010 2^nd place finisher CrossFit Omaha, which you can read here. Today we cover 2010 3^rd place finisher CrossFit Albuquerque.

Ben Abruzzo reports that they’re working hard to “put together a strong team this year.” They’re open to changing members of the roster, as they are “not yet sure of the make up for the team at this point.” There may be a few new athletes added to the roster. It will come down to how athletes, new and old, do in training.

For the first five months after the Games CrossFit Albuquerque took a break from formal team training. 2010 competitors and hopefuls were encouraged to attend regular classes and come to the Saturday Advanced WOD.

Starting on December 1^st, CrossFit Albuquerque has been ramping up their team training. The backbone of their training is still their normal box classes, but they supplement the normal classes with 2-3 Advanced WODs per week and ‘Test Days’ every couple of weeks. On a Test Day they simulate the Affiliate Cup of the Games. Seasoned competitors and hopefuls do a Games-style WOD with judges strictly watching over their movements. At the end of each Test Day one competitor or hopeful emerges as the winner.

This month and last, they have been “working on getting their athletes stronger, more efficient with their movements, and more technically sound.”  Later on they plan to focus on conditioning.

Some of the athletes at CrossFit Albuquerque are hooked to team competition. Abruzzo says that “many of our athletes love being on the team and would rather compete on the team than as individuals.” He hypothesizes that they may be drawn to the shared experience, and appreciate that putting out your best alongside a team is “less intimidating than walking out on the stage by yourself.”

While softening the edge may be one draw, if there is anything we can learn from the CrossFit community, it is that people tend to appreciate the camaraderie and team environment inherent in group classes. The Affiliate Cup takes this concept to the next level, while also motivating more intense and focused group training during the rest of the year.