What to expect on game day...
If you haven't done a CrossFit competition before, here are some things to do/expect. CF events differ from other sporting events in that you will be on-site all day and competing in multiple events over the course of the day, instead of one and done. With that in mind, here are some tips:
1. Get comfy - Bring with you a fold out chair, yoga mat for something soft to lay on (if you want), a couple towels, and even a pop up shade tent if it's an outdoor staging area and it's going to be remotely warm.
2. Dress appropriately - No ladies, I am not saying don't wear your low cut Lululemon booty shorts - that is a prerequisite (except for guys, don't wear booty shorts or I will beat you), I am saying bring the right clothes for the day and events. If it's morning time, dress in warm up pants and your rad CFC hoody. Your second layer underneath should be your outfit for event #1. If there are going to be rope climbs or lots of deadlifts, bring tall socks. If there are going to be runs, bring a sports bra (again, guys this is a no-go) and running shoes that you have trained in. Any lifting events that will allow it, bring your Oly shoes. If the weather necessitates it, bring a long sleeve wicking shirt.
3. Bring changes of clothes - You are going to get sweaty, unless you are a lop and not working hard. In that case you can get a little bit funky by the day's end, so bring more clothes to change into for other events. Changing into a new outfit for every event is acceptable if you're sweating heavily. Bring at least one or two of everything. Some wet-wipes and/or a gallon or two of water with a washcloth will be worth their weight in gold to rinse of between events.
4. Make sure you have the right equipment - This means shoes for all events- Jump ropes, lifting belts, gloves, tape, chalk and wrist wraps. Do not expect the event coordinators to have it all there, and if they did, that it will be there when your time comes up. Put all of this stuff along with a small sweat towel into a little tote bag or pack and take it with you to your warm up/staging area. Make sure there's a bottle of water in there too.
5. Refuel in between events - A small ice chest with water, some sports drinks, and food is a necessity. Make sure you have a decent protein powder with you for consumption immediately after the event(s), as well as some easily digesitble fruit (bananas, apples) or veggies (sweet potatoes). Get some small protein based food bars (Perfect Food bars or Builder bars) for light stuff in between if you can't stomach a larger meal. A rottiserie chicken is the bomb to bring with you for some easy meat between events. That or some quality lunch meat. Bring some nuts for snacking if you like. It's better to overpack for the event than not have it and bonk. Oh, and beer. It's probably a wise idea to have beer on hand to enjoy post event.
6. Make sure you recover - Bring rollers, lacrosse balls, massage sticks, etc. with you. This can also be ice packs, aspirin, bands, whatever helps you get your game back on. A mat to stretch on and a place to lie down in the shade are super beneficial. Don't spend a ton of time on your feet after your heats watching all of the other events. Watch a few then get some down time in to recover. Most events will have a bit of downtime in between that you can use to chill out. Use it wisely.
7. Bring a good attitude - It's all about fun. In the end you are competing with yourself and there to enjoy the company of the folks around you. Have fun and don't stress yourselves out. It's all a good time.