I was asked earlier this week: "Why don't you WOD?" For those of you who aren't familiar with CrossFit, WOD is just a term we use that stands for "workout of the day." Most CrossFitter's will associate WOD with workouts that consist of the traditional 20 minute AMRAP, 3, 5, or even 7 rounds for time. However; CrossFit covers variations of really ANY  sport or training system. Anyone who has been in CrossFit for a while knows that WOD's can come in all shapes and sizes.
That being said, to answer the question: "Why don't you WOD?"  My answer is that I do WOD. If you are fairly new to CrossFit (any one from one day to 6 months), I feel its important to distinguish the difference from an everyday CrossFitter to a Games Athlete. If you are just starting CrossFit, you have probably heard of the CrossFit Games... this is both a positive and negative thing. While its great the sport of CrossFit is getting attention, those who are new to CrossFit can sometimes believe that CrossFit is all about the Games. As a result; the true essence and purpose of CrossFit can become soiled. The CrossFit Games are a very small part of what CrossFit is all about. The main purpose of CrossFit is to make everyone who tries it as fit as possible. CrossFit was around long before the Games came around. But because of the attention and coverage the Games get, it becomes very difficult to take notice of the real purpose of CrossFit.
In my opinion there are two types of CrossFitter's: there's the everyday Crossfitter and the Games Athlete. Just to make myself clear, I believe anyone who does CrossFit is an athlete, I don't want to make the false impression that Games Athletes are superior in anyway. For everyday CrossFitter's the goal isn't necessarily to be competitive in the Games or any sport. Maybe there are some who compete recreationaly in marathons, football, badminton, or something. But the point is that these type of CrossFitter's are just along for the ride, their main goal is the live a long healthy life and feel fit and free to do anything they please without any limitations.
Then there's the Games Athletes. When I say Games Athletes, I'm referring to anyone actually devoting a large amount of time to a specific sport; not just the CrossFit Games. So professional, college, and high school athletes fall into this category. The biggest difference between these type of CrossFitters and the ones previously mentioned is that the training is a little bit different. I know in CrossFit we always say that we "specialize in not specializing," or that "specializing is a bad thing." However; if you are a competitive athlete in any sport, you have to spend a considerable amount of time in "specializing" your training. Even CrossFit Games athletes spend a lot of time working specific weaknesses and emphasizing specific strengths. And its because of this that the training of Games Athletes can sometimes look different or even "superior" to everyday CrossFitters; but the reality is that the training is no different. The only difference in training is the needs of the individual.
So yes "I do WOD." But the kinds of workouts I do are catered to what my needs are. I'm not going to lie, I want to compete in the CrossFit Games, whether that be in a team environment or as an individual, I want to compete. As a result, I am a Games Athlete, and I have very specific goals and very specific strengths and weaknesses that I need to work on. So when I'm at my affiliate and I don't workout with a class its not because I don't WOD, its because I have another workout I need to accomplish to tackle a specific goal of mine. I wish I could work out with a group all the time, I hate working out alone.
I am always amazed at the kind of athletes and people CrossFit produces. Whether your an everyday CrossFitter or a Games Athlete it doesn't matter. All that matters is what you want and the goals you have. So if you have any desire or inclination to compete, you will have to take a serious look at yourself to see what kinds of strengths and weaknesses you will need to work on.
Just thought this would be good food for thought.
God Speed!