What Are You Training For?
Feeling and looking strong is good motivation to stay consistent with exercise, but having a specific event or competition to train for can help you push beyond your comfort zone. And the great thing about CrossFit (and its constantly varied, functional approach to fitness) is that it can also prepare you for events and physical challenges that have nothing to do with barbells or box jumps.
We asked a few 718 athletes what they’re currently training for. Here’s what they had to say.
Tanya – Spartan Race at Citi Field
I’m about to start getting ready for the Spartan Race at Citi Field. (If anyone wants to run with me, I posted the details of this one and two others I plan to run on our Facebook page.) I ran Rugged Maniac before I started CrossFit, and then again after one year. It was honestly too easy the second time around, which is why I’m finally ready to try a Spartan. Eek! Wish me luck!
Tina – CrossFit Games Masters Qualifier
In this year’s Open, I placed just outside the top 50 worldwide (9th in the Northeast region), so I was really pleased with my performance. The masters qualifier is the weekend of April 21st, and it consists of 4 workouts that you perform over that weekend. You have to submit videos of each workout.
I follow an independent program that is specifically tailored towards the masters athlete, so the volume is not as intense as a regional athlete. I train for 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. I am pretty diligent about my diet during the week, but I do have a cheat meal or two on the weekend. I also only allow myself 1 or 2 drinks on the weekend. I may try to be a little stricter with my diet over the next few weeks, but I am taking a trip to Nashville for the weekend soon, so there might be a few cheats in there!
Coach Tambot – The CrossFit Lift-Off
I’ve started my training for the CrossFit Lift-Off this fall. I’m also looking at other CrossFit competitions outside of the box.
Manny – The Brooklyn Half Marathon
I started CrossFit in November of last year because I was inspired by my friends, Sam and Sean! I’m currently training for the Brooklyn Half Marathon, mostly taking the amazing conditioning classes and trying to get stronger and faster for dodgeball (that one’s kind of a joke but not completely : ). The conditioning classes have helped strengthen my legs and core through squats, wall balls, kettlebells, ball slams, etc., and that’s enabled me to finish through with proper form on the last leg of my run when I’m fatigued. I often would get minor sprains in my calves, but now, with proper stretching and the conditioning I’m taking through CrossFit, that isn’t happening. (Oh, and wall balls have forced me to become a better catcher in dodgeball!)
Kenny – To Lead by Example (and Look Good in Silkies)
Marines don’t need a reason to train – they just wanna be ready for when any type of s*^t hits any type of fan! I train every day as if my life depends on it… and it does, in every aspect of strength, endurance and motivation. And now that I have a wonderful little girl, I want to be the best example of a human (not just a man) I can be. And also look good in silkies.
