christinecross:

Sometimes, my job as a magazine editor is REALLY cool. Yesterday, one of my PR contacts sent me an invitation to a media-only CrossFit demo sponsored by Reebok. I immediately cleared my schedule for this morning because there was NO WAY I was going to miss that!

I knew I was in the right place when I saw the huge CrossFit “box” parked on the quiet sidestreet in Soho. I giddily snapped the photo above. Unfortunately it’s the only pic I took… I’m counting on the PR rep to send me some.

I went inside and the elevator let me into a huge loft space that had been set up to look like a CrossFit box. Annie Thorrisdottir, Rich Froning and several other CF athletes I recognized from ESPN were warming up and getting ready for the demo. (First thought: Annie could use her bicep to crack my head like a nut. Second thought: Would Rich be mad if I asked to touch his bicep?)

One of the PR girls handed me a swag bag and asked me to go change into the gear inside of it. They gave me the CrossFit Racerback Bra, Agility Tee, Performance Slim Pant, and a pair of RealFlex shoes, though I’m not sure which model. The rest of the media members were given various pieces of apparel from the CrossFit line, and I wish I’d been given a pair of shorts or capris, since the pants are way too long for me…but beggars can’t be choosers, right?! After I have a little more time to test out the pieces I was given, I’ll write up some reviews here.

After hanging around awkwardly with other journalists for about a half hour, the presentation started. Someone from Reebok’s corporate headquarters gave the general CF spiel, and then introduced a few celebrity spokespeople: Elizabeth Banks, Chase Crawford, Paula Patton and Ed Burns. I’m actually not convinced that any of them are really into CrossFit—I think they were brought in to entice editors to come to the event.

Then, we broke into teams to do a demo WOD. I was on a team with Paula Patton, who is in the latest Mission: Impossible movie. She seems very nice! I was impressed by how fit she is. When I first saw her walking around the loft, I thought she was a CrossFit athlete. She could probably swallow Elizabeth Banks whole; she is a teeny little thing.

Here was our WOD. Pretty challenging considering the circumstances:

3 rounds, 1 minute at each station:

• Burpees
• Kettlebell swings
• Box jumps

I did 170 total reps and I think it’s safe to say I kicked all the other editors’ asses. A guy I recognized from the games said to me, “You’ve obviously done this before. I hope you’re keeping score!” That made me feel good!

When I finally showed up at my office at around 11:30, I had a permasmile. Today is one of the best workdays I’ve ever had. I am so grateful for all the opportunities my profession gives me. If Reebok ever does another CrossFit media event in NYC, you can bet I will be the first to sign up!