15/11/2019
2018: 2798
2019: 572
2020: 419
20.3: 8:30, 241st vs 18.4: 3528th in the world
Mike asked me to start programming his conditioning pieces in mid-2018 because he wanted unbiased structure and feedback to improve his performance in CrossFit. It has since grown and evolved to where we are today ending with his best Open so far and prepping for his first Sanctional as an individual.
In September, Mike asked, “What do I need to do to compete with the big boys?” Below was the list I created and we discussed at length
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1. Consistent lifestyle practices outside of the gym - great nutrition practices, food hygiene, quality sleep and circadian rhythms
2. Major emphasis on recovery to handle the amount of volume necessary to compete at the highest level (this plays into #1)
3. Completing each training session with focus and intent. Understanding when to “go hard” and when to keep easy days easy
4. Be willing to take risks and earn your rewards. Create circumstances that force you to overcome adversity. “Into the storm” mentality
5. Learn to become a “game time” athlete. In competition, it’s only up to you. Nobody can save you. Understanding this paradigm creates accountability, in good times and in bad
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While coaching advice is always individual to personal circumstances, I would stand by many of these suggestions for anyone looking to pursue performance-based goals. One thing I would add to this list is social connection and engagement. Fostering relationships with others, especially those who may be on a similar path, who understand your goals, or simply want the best for you, can make a huge difference. In any challenging endeavor, having a team behind you is extremely empowering and keep the bumps that you will enviably encounter a little more digestible. Observing the banter between Mike, Bailey, and Bryan throughout these five weeks has been entertaining to say the least. Their “friendly” competitiveness certainly made the Open experience a little more fun even if it encouraged some interesting decisions along the way.
Lastly, congratulations to Team “Dad” for taking home the crown in the 2020 Open! Young Michael still has more work to do!