Finally after five weeks of competitions the Open is over. A lot of excitement and fun for the cost of only two movie tickets!

Going into the Open I was set on only competing in the Masters 40-44 scaled division. For the most part due to my lack of skills and strength.

15.1 scaled was ARMSP 15 hanging knee raises, 10 deadlifts and 5 snatches with 38kg.  Followed by 6min to max one rep clean and jerk. After finishing 15.1 and 15.1a with 171 reps and 72kg I felt I had more to give. So a few days later I made an attempt at 15.1 and 15.1a Rx. The main difference being weight 52kg but also toes to bars instead of hanging knee raises which I knew was going to be my problem. 89 reps + 75kg!

Europe Masters 40-40 ranking  831 & 862 out of 1699

World Masters 40-40 ranking  9635 & 10284 out of 17321

From that point I decided to try scaled on Fridays and if possible Rx on Fridays.

15.2 Rx was chest to bar were scaled was just chins. So once again Fredrik and I met up to test 15.2 scaled. It was a 3 min round ladder with overhead squats 29kg and chins! Increasing by two each round. I did well, 135 reps, but thought if I could just do one chest to bar I would be happier. So Sunday night with the help of Martin J, I did my three minute WoD. 10 overhead squats at 43kg, then it took me the better part of 2 minutes to manage just three approved reps, 13 reps!

Europe Masters 40-40 ranking  896 out of 1699

World Masters 40-40 ranking  9606 out of 17321

15.3 Rx included muscle ups which meant there would only be an attempt at scaled. So AMRAP 50x 9kg wall balls and 200 jump rope. My goal to complete 150 wall balls and as many jump ropes I could with the remaining time. I finished at 13:54 and never even picked up the rope. It was hard, but I regret now not trying again on Monday.

Europe Masters 40-40 ranking  876 out of 1699

World Masters 40-40 ranking  8610 out of 17321

15.4 was the same weekend as nationals and a last minute trip to Dubai. So I only had time on Monday to try Rx or Scaled. I chose Rx.  Again AMRAP handstand push-ups and 84kg cleans. My max is 75kg, so that meant I had 8 minutes for my HSPUs ;). It took over 5min but I managed.

Europe Masters 40-40 ranking  571 out of 1699

World Masters 40-40 ranking 6468 out of 17321

Back home on Wednesday I was able to get in 15.5 Rx on Friday. It looked tough with 43kg thrusters instead of 29kg for scaled, but I decide if it was going to hurt better to hurt once on Rx than twice with scaled first. It took 14:29. Happy with my time under 15min, but disappointed I needed to rest so much again, just like in the previous WoDs. So Monday I was back in the Box with Fredrik and cut 1:24 off my time.

Europe Masters 40-40 ranking  360 out of 1699

World Masters 40-40 ranking 3842 out of 17321

After all five WoDs

Europe Masters 40-40 ranking  606 out of 1699

World Masters 40-40 ranking  6581 out of 17321

My only goal this year was not to be last – check!

Next year I hope for a top 25%…