It all comes down to this.

16.5 is here. Over the past four weeks, we've seen new movements, gnarly combinations, grippy couplets, and a real doozy of a chipper. Now we know that 16.5 is a familiar and brutal couplet, it's time to throw down and finish the Open with a bang.

16.5

For time:
21-18-15-12-9-6-3
Thrusters (95/65)
Bar-facing burpees

16.5 scores to beat

Rich Froning: 8:41
Mat Fraser: 8:06
Ben Smith: 9:06

2014 scores to beat

Josh Bridges: 7:49
Mat Fraser: 8:18
Rich Froning: 8:26
Ben Smith: 9:16

16.5 strategy

If you don't remember this workout, then consider yourself lucky. For the rest of us, this workout brings back painful, hazy memories of needing an oxygen tank or an ambulance. 

The key to this workout is not taking forever during your rest. Make sure you have enough left in the tank to push during the last portion of the workout. Don't sweat it if you need to break up the thrusters. As long as you continue to move forward, you're going to do just fine. 

When this was first announced in 2014, we were told the clock wouldn't save us. This is still true. The clock will not save you, and you must manage your rest and movements if you expect to do well.

Efficiency on the burpees is also going to be key. Consider stepping up your burpees instead of jumping them up. And think about taking a slightly wider hand position to save your triceps for the thrusters.

Keep the thrusters moving, even if it means breaking it up. Keep moving during the burpees and you'll eventually finish well!

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