Alright, as the last city, let's switch it up and talk about the course instead of the athletes first.
I was surprised that the cutoff was the 4th obstacle, the Diamond Dash. 6 people qualified by only completing 3 of the 6 obstacles. I know Dallas had the same thing with the Tuning Forks, but I don't think it was that many people. It's hard to say whether or not the course was harder or the people weren't as good. The big names like Joe, Lance, Meagan, and Jake all made it in fine, so it comes down to the rookies more than the big names. The Ring Jump seemed very tricky for people, but that was definitely geared towards the rookies and sophomores. Look at Joe. He completed the same obstacle last year in Cleveland, and he is a total pro. He took on the incline section in two leaps. It is absolutely no problem for Joe, but a lot of people, I don't know if it was really so much a strength problem as it was technique and comfort. Last week, the 5th obstacle was the rookie killer because it required skill and precision one would be familiar with from previous seasons, To have one obstacle like that in every city is fine, but it seems a little unfair if the placement is different. People who get stopped at the 3rd obstacle have no chance to move on, but in Philly, they could because it was the 5th (cutoff) obstacle. So, I do think that was a little unfair specifically for rookies. As far as courses, now that we've seen all 6, it's hard to remember each city and their obstacles. I think the second obstacle here, the Double Twister, was trickier than previous cities simply because it twisted. However, if someone got twisted around, it was not a death sentence. Jake Murray got twisted up on the second one, and he did perfectly fine. So, rather than trickier, I suppose it was just a little more daunting. Dallas required more strength instead of swinging motions, and L.A.'s required some precision and commitment. I still think the Fly Wheels in Florida was the hardest 2nd obstacle. The Diamond Dash looked bad, but I feel like the Tuning Forks were the worst this year. The Diamond Dash and Razor's Edge (wherever that was) both needed exact footing which can be intimidating. I think with obstacles like these, where one misstep can drop you, are the most mind-over-matter type obstacles. People become nervous about their footing, and I feel like they can easily over think it and screw themselves up. All the balance obstacles seemed rough, and they are increasing in fear for me. Balance ones used to not be such a big deal, but now I get a lot more nervous about it. I do not like the Battering Ram. It isn't new, and I didn't like it when it debuted. It seems so unnatural. The difficulty comes from trying to wrap your arms around the cylinders, but the movements seem uncomfortable and odd. Plus, you use your whole body which is a kind of advantage over other cities. This obstacles also focuses on forearm strength and upper body strength, whereas some others use more grip strength. Battering Ram definitely did not use any grip strength. This is where I think the difficulty imbalance arises in the City courses. The obstacles are different and target different muscles. If it is all even, it is more fair, but the placement (like with the rookie killer placement) can alter someone's potential, if that makes sense. Also, I don't think it's even regarding the type of obstacles used, anyway. The Battering Ram was difficult, obviously. The 5th obstacle always is, but the Battering Ram was not my favorite. It's not a pretty obstacle, and I think others are better. As far as overall course difficulty, there were the most finishers (14) here than anywhere else, I believe. Again, it could be a testament to the course or the competitors. The Battering Ram did not seem like the ultimate challenge of the night. Everything seemed even in terms of challenge compared to other cities. Not my favorite city for obstacles.
Now let's talk people. First, I have mad respect for Daniel Gil, Adam Rayl, Nick Hanson, Ryan Stratis, Najee Richardson, and Chris Wilczewski for making it up the Mega Warped Wall and walking away with 10k. I truly believed Jon Alexis Jr., Drew Drechsel, Joe Moravsky, and Flip Rodriguez were a guarantee for the Wall. Out of the six who made it, I would have only guessed Gil, Rayl, and Richardson. The others were a pleasant surprise. All veterans, and all great ones, but you just think of the ultimate best. Hanson, Stratis, and Wilczewski had fallen into the middle of veterans, but now all three are truly rising this season and are a force to be reckoned with this year. I truly hope these six are shown fully throughout season 10.
Joe was just as shocking as Drew. Both of the got extremely close and the fastest times. I thought for sure they would be hitting the 10k buzzers. I am super happy both of the finished, but, wow. Both of them missing? That is yet another testament to the six mentioned above. Even without the 10k buzzer, Joe delivered. He totally annihilated the Ring Jump, which you can't be too surprised when it comes to Joe, but dang! He was really great in the specific moment. Even on the next one, Diamond Dash, he did it flawlessly. I like that he rebounded from the Mega Wall really well. Frankly, aside from the Mega Wall, he didn't disappoint, as expected. Definitely can't wait to see him in the future.
I was also pleased to see Jake Murray hit the buzzer this year. Last year was a surprise bummer in Denver, but I'm glad to see him out again. He didn't go as fast as he usually does, ending in 5th overall, but he made it. I did notice he seemed kind of rough. I don't think he completed the Ring Jump as well as others like Joe (for reference, I will probably be comparing most people to Joe because he was basically flawless on his run). Jake seemed to take each jump individually and use his arms/strength more than necessary. We've seen this obstacle before, and some pros use their momentum to fly up at prime moments. For the decline and even the incline, some people use their momentum to jump up when they are swinging backwards to save strength. Joe didn't do this exactly like I would have thought or have seen in the past, but he still saved strength, so whatever. Jake was taking individual hops, I thought, and seemed rather stationary, if that makes sense. He tired out a little on the Battering Ram which he may be able to avoid if he changes his approach on the Ring Jump. Obviously, I am no expert nor have I run the course or have any personal experience, but it seems like Jake used more energy than Joe on the Ring Jump which he will need later on. For a moment, I did think he was going to drop at the end of the Battering Ram, but he didn't. Hopefully, he will find another spurt of energy come the City Finals.
Continuing with Murray, his hair was new, and when they were advertising for him, I honestly did not recognize him. It is a good look on him, but it almost makes him look more average. His hair made him more recognizable, and one could say, "yes, that is Jake Murray." He does look good, handsome, more mature. Whether or not it was the new hairstyle that helped him, I don't know, but I am glad he finished. I think I have come to like Murray a lot more in the last couple years, and a large part of it is due to his personality. Jake is definitely the kind of person I would want to know, and almost the kind of person I wish I was. He is the kind of person I want as a good friend. I talked about Neil Craver being someone I would like to know, but from a distance. Murray seems like the kind of person I would enjoy being around a lot. I'm glad he was here, and I'm he made it. I just hope he keeps it up in the Finals.
I was glad to see Lance Pekus. He is another up and coming kind of guy. He isn't particularly new, but he is getting more attention as he is growing stronger. Last year was a good year for him in Vegas, and he was chosen for Team Matt, and he was the final runner for his KC City Finals which are all great credentials and accomplishments. He's steady, and I'm glad he finished with his wife.
I like Tyler Gillet, but apparently he isn't good enough to be shown. I think Gillet is, as they called him, a "sophomore sensation." I really want to see what he's got back in Vegas. You all know I wish finishers would be shown, but never are, and Gillet is no exception. I hope he gets some love in 6 weeks for Finals, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is skipped again.
Shoutout to Abby Clark. The women are looking good this year. I know Barclay can do better, and she was the only one who took a dive. Casey Rothschild from Philly and now Abby Clark. I'm glad to see some new women, and it's really impressive that these women are finishing courses. There were quite a few female finishers, and with the courses only increasing in difficulty, it is very notable. If a women can genuinely do great, I have nothing but respect and admiration for them. My favorite is still Jessie Graff, but I am not opposed to new faces.
Speaking of women, Meagan Martin was somewhat of a shock, and somewhat not. I do think she is a strong athlete, but not as strong as she may get credit for. She didn't finish her course, which is some support for my claims. I'm not opposed to her, she's just not my favorite female ninja.
Ian Dory got skipped, no surprise. I assume he will be shown in the City Finals because he has never dropped on a City Finals course. I suppose if he does fall early they'll pass over him, but I think he'll be shown in 6 weeks.
Now for my obligatory rant on screen time. I'm really annoyed that people like Ian Dory, the Dalton brothers, and Dan Delano were skipped despite the fact that they finished. Instead they have to show all the people who drop on the 2nd obstacle. These finishers have the strength and the skill to complete the course, which only 14 people could, and half of them don't receive the recognition they deserve. I know the show is about "inspiration" and these feel-good stories, but it's also about people who can do these crazy obstacles and showcasing their strength. I do genuinely dislike the fact that ANW focuses so heavily on personality. I know I just said I love Murray's personality, but ANW hones in backstories, and if you're not Joe or Drew, you kind of get screwed. It also makes it really difficult for someone like me to remember people like Dan Delano or Jonathon Stevens or Leif Sunderberg when they never give them anything! I've talked about this a million times before, but I think it's unfair. I can remember names, but it's almost impossible to remember faces when there is no face to remember or see. I want to give credit to some of these guys who are doing well, but no such luck.
Oh, and Jon Alexis Jr. Everyone figured he would make it up the wall because he's 6'6''. I was a little torn because I don't think it's as impressive if you're insanely tall, nor does it mean he is skilled. Just because you're tall doesn't automatically mean you would make it up, of course, but that is basically the accolades Jon Alexis Jr. receives. I was hoping a little that he would fall before then, and I know that is super horrible. If he had made it, I probably still wouldn't have had the same respect for Jon Alexis Jr. as the others, but it would have been great for him. It's just he would have received a lot of attention for making it up the wall which for him is probably easier, so ultimately, it just seems... I don't know how to say this without sounding horribly mean. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had fallen on Battering Ram, but the Diamond Dash was unexpected. I guess I would have thought that because he has a longer stride he would be okay, but perhaps it's because he was too tall that he lost his footing. I don't know if taller people actually do have worse balance, but it wasn't how I thought it would end for him. Fortunately for him, that was a cutoff obstacle which is odd in itself. I know what I just said about Jon was mean, but he was skipped over, so there is something to be said about who is shown and who isn't.
Overall, this city had some great names, and I hope more people get recognition during the city finals. This city felt a little different. There were exciting names, but maybe the course felt lacking or something. There were also a decent amount of sob stories which are not my cup of tea, as you know. Regardless, Joe made it, and he is who I am most excited for, not to shortchange the others too much. Anyway, next week it gets much more interesting. They are moving to L.A. again, and I am interested in seeing who can bounce back from the fall from Doorknob Drop, and who can finish.
Comment who you are most excited for next week, and I'll talk to you then!
I was surprised that the cutoff was the 4th obstacle, the Diamond Dash. 6 people qualified by only completing 3 of the 6 obstacles. I know Dallas had the same thing with the Tuning Forks, but I don't think it was that many people. It's hard to say whether or not the course was harder or the people weren't as good. The big names like Joe, Lance, Meagan, and Jake all made it in fine, so it comes down to the rookies more than the big names. The Ring Jump seemed very tricky for people, but that was definitely geared towards the rookies and sophomores. Look at Joe. He completed the same obstacle last year in Cleveland, and he is a total pro. He took on the incline section in two leaps. It is absolutely no problem for Joe, but a lot of people, I don't know if it was really so much a strength problem as it was technique and comfort. Last week, the 5th obstacle was the rookie killer because it required skill and precision one would be familiar with from previous seasons, To have one obstacle like that in every city is fine, but it seems a little unfair if the placement is different. People who get stopped at the 3rd obstacle have no chance to move on, but in Philly, they could because it was the 5th (cutoff) obstacle. So, I do think that was a little unfair specifically for rookies. As far as courses, now that we've seen all 6, it's hard to remember each city and their obstacles. I think the second obstacle here, the Double Twister, was trickier than previous cities simply because it twisted. However, if someone got twisted around, it was not a death sentence. Jake Murray got twisted up on the second one, and he did perfectly fine. So, rather than trickier, I suppose it was just a little more daunting. Dallas required more strength instead of swinging motions, and L.A.'s required some precision and commitment. I still think the Fly Wheels in Florida was the hardest 2nd obstacle. The Diamond Dash looked bad, but I feel like the Tuning Forks were the worst this year. The Diamond Dash and Razor's Edge (wherever that was) both needed exact footing which can be intimidating. I think with obstacles like these, where one misstep can drop you, are the most mind-over-matter type obstacles. People become nervous about their footing, and I feel like they can easily over think it and screw themselves up. All the balance obstacles seemed rough, and they are increasing in fear for me. Balance ones used to not be such a big deal, but now I get a lot more nervous about it. I do not like the Battering Ram. It isn't new, and I didn't like it when it debuted. It seems so unnatural. The difficulty comes from trying to wrap your arms around the cylinders, but the movements seem uncomfortable and odd. Plus, you use your whole body which is a kind of advantage over other cities. This obstacles also focuses on forearm strength and upper body strength, whereas some others use more grip strength. Battering Ram definitely did not use any grip strength. This is where I think the difficulty imbalance arises in the City courses. The obstacles are different and target different muscles. If it is all even, it is more fair, but the placement (like with the rookie killer placement) can alter someone's potential, if that makes sense. Also, I don't think it's even regarding the type of obstacles used, anyway. The Battering Ram was difficult, obviously. The 5th obstacle always is, but the Battering Ram was not my favorite. It's not a pretty obstacle, and I think others are better. As far as overall course difficulty, there were the most finishers (14) here than anywhere else, I believe. Again, it could be a testament to the course or the competitors. The Battering Ram did not seem like the ultimate challenge of the night. Everything seemed even in terms of challenge compared to other cities. Not my favorite city for obstacles.
Now let's talk people. First, I have mad respect for Daniel Gil, Adam Rayl, Nick Hanson, Ryan Stratis, Najee Richardson, and Chris Wilczewski for making it up the Mega Warped Wall and walking away with 10k. I truly believed Jon Alexis Jr., Drew Drechsel, Joe Moravsky, and Flip Rodriguez were a guarantee for the Wall. Out of the six who made it, I would have only guessed Gil, Rayl, and Richardson. The others were a pleasant surprise. All veterans, and all great ones, but you just think of the ultimate best. Hanson, Stratis, and Wilczewski had fallen into the middle of veterans, but now all three are truly rising this season and are a force to be reckoned with this year. I truly hope these six are shown fully throughout season 10.
Joe was just as shocking as Drew. Both of the got extremely close and the fastest times. I thought for sure they would be hitting the 10k buzzers. I am super happy both of the finished, but, wow. Both of them missing? That is yet another testament to the six mentioned above. Even without the 10k buzzer, Joe delivered. He totally annihilated the Ring Jump, which you can't be too surprised when it comes to Joe, but dang! He was really great in the specific moment. Even on the next one, Diamond Dash, he did it flawlessly. I like that he rebounded from the Mega Wall really well. Frankly, aside from the Mega Wall, he didn't disappoint, as expected. Definitely can't wait to see him in the future.
I was also pleased to see Jake Murray hit the buzzer this year. Last year was a surprise bummer in Denver, but I'm glad to see him out again. He didn't go as fast as he usually does, ending in 5th overall, but he made it. I did notice he seemed kind of rough. I don't think he completed the Ring Jump as well as others like Joe (for reference, I will probably be comparing most people to Joe because he was basically flawless on his run). Jake seemed to take each jump individually and use his arms/strength more than necessary. We've seen this obstacle before, and some pros use their momentum to fly up at prime moments. For the decline and even the incline, some people use their momentum to jump up when they are swinging backwards to save strength. Joe didn't do this exactly like I would have thought or have seen in the past, but he still saved strength, so whatever. Jake was taking individual hops, I thought, and seemed rather stationary, if that makes sense. He tired out a little on the Battering Ram which he may be able to avoid if he changes his approach on the Ring Jump. Obviously, I am no expert nor have I run the course or have any personal experience, but it seems like Jake used more energy than Joe on the Ring Jump which he will need later on. For a moment, I did think he was going to drop at the end of the Battering Ram, but he didn't. Hopefully, he will find another spurt of energy come the City Finals.
Continuing with Murray, his hair was new, and when they were advertising for him, I honestly did not recognize him. It is a good look on him, but it almost makes him look more average. His hair made him more recognizable, and one could say, "yes, that is Jake Murray." He does look good, handsome, more mature. Whether or not it was the new hairstyle that helped him, I don't know, but I am glad he finished. I think I have come to like Murray a lot more in the last couple years, and a large part of it is due to his personality. Jake is definitely the kind of person I would want to know, and almost the kind of person I wish I was. He is the kind of person I want as a good friend. I talked about Neil Craver being someone I would like to know, but from a distance. Murray seems like the kind of person I would enjoy being around a lot. I'm glad he was here, and I'm he made it. I just hope he keeps it up in the Finals.
I was glad to see Lance Pekus. He is another up and coming kind of guy. He isn't particularly new, but he is getting more attention as he is growing stronger. Last year was a good year for him in Vegas, and he was chosen for Team Matt, and he was the final runner for his KC City Finals which are all great credentials and accomplishments. He's steady, and I'm glad he finished with his wife.
I like Tyler Gillet, but apparently he isn't good enough to be shown. I think Gillet is, as they called him, a "sophomore sensation." I really want to see what he's got back in Vegas. You all know I wish finishers would be shown, but never are, and Gillet is no exception. I hope he gets some love in 6 weeks for Finals, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is skipped again.
Shoutout to Abby Clark. The women are looking good this year. I know Barclay can do better, and she was the only one who took a dive. Casey Rothschild from Philly and now Abby Clark. I'm glad to see some new women, and it's really impressive that these women are finishing courses. There were quite a few female finishers, and with the courses only increasing in difficulty, it is very notable. If a women can genuinely do great, I have nothing but respect and admiration for them. My favorite is still Jessie Graff, but I am not opposed to new faces.
Speaking of women, Meagan Martin was somewhat of a shock, and somewhat not. I do think she is a strong athlete, but not as strong as she may get credit for. She didn't finish her course, which is some support for my claims. I'm not opposed to her, she's just not my favorite female ninja.
Ian Dory got skipped, no surprise. I assume he will be shown in the City Finals because he has never dropped on a City Finals course. I suppose if he does fall early they'll pass over him, but I think he'll be shown in 6 weeks.
Now for my obligatory rant on screen time. I'm really annoyed that people like Ian Dory, the Dalton brothers, and Dan Delano were skipped despite the fact that they finished. Instead they have to show all the people who drop on the 2nd obstacle. These finishers have the strength and the skill to complete the course, which only 14 people could, and half of them don't receive the recognition they deserve. I know the show is about "inspiration" and these feel-good stories, but it's also about people who can do these crazy obstacles and showcasing their strength. I do genuinely dislike the fact that ANW focuses so heavily on personality. I know I just said I love Murray's personality, but ANW hones in backstories, and if you're not Joe or Drew, you kind of get screwed. It also makes it really difficult for someone like me to remember people like Dan Delano or Jonathon Stevens or Leif Sunderberg when they never give them anything! I've talked about this a million times before, but I think it's unfair. I can remember names, but it's almost impossible to remember faces when there is no face to remember or see. I want to give credit to some of these guys who are doing well, but no such luck.
Oh, and Jon Alexis Jr. Everyone figured he would make it up the wall because he's 6'6''. I was a little torn because I don't think it's as impressive if you're insanely tall, nor does it mean he is skilled. Just because you're tall doesn't automatically mean you would make it up, of course, but that is basically the accolades Jon Alexis Jr. receives. I was hoping a little that he would fall before then, and I know that is super horrible. If he had made it, I probably still wouldn't have had the same respect for Jon Alexis Jr. as the others, but it would have been great for him. It's just he would have received a lot of attention for making it up the wall which for him is probably easier, so ultimately, it just seems... I don't know how to say this without sounding horribly mean. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had fallen on Battering Ram, but the Diamond Dash was unexpected. I guess I would have thought that because he has a longer stride he would be okay, but perhaps it's because he was too tall that he lost his footing. I don't know if taller people actually do have worse balance, but it wasn't how I thought it would end for him. Fortunately for him, that was a cutoff obstacle which is odd in itself. I know what I just said about Jon was mean, but he was skipped over, so there is something to be said about who is shown and who isn't.
Overall, this city had some great names, and I hope more people get recognition during the city finals. This city felt a little different. There were exciting names, but maybe the course felt lacking or something. There were also a decent amount of sob stories which are not my cup of tea, as you know. Regardless, Joe made it, and he is who I am most excited for, not to shortchange the others too much. Anyway, next week it gets much more interesting. They are moving to L.A. again, and I am interested in seeing who can bounce back from the fall from Doorknob Drop, and who can finish.
Comment who you are most excited for next week, and I'll talk to you then!
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