Tips Tuesday Twelve.Two
Well the first week of the Open is already behind us. Everyone is eagerly awaiting the Wednesday night posting of workout 12.2 and wondering what it will bring. While no competitor is in control of what the workout is or what movements it will entail, each athlete is in control of how he will best handle what is thrown at him. Regardless of what workout 2 brings, we must find a way to dig out the best performance we can and perform at the highest level possible.
For just that occasion, here are my 4 tips for creating the best competition environment out of your gym…or wherever you do your Open workouts.
-Set your schedule
Pick the time you want to do your workout and plan your day around that as if it is any other competitive event. Of course sleep and food are important to coordinate, but more importantly, make sure you give yourself ample time to mobilize, warm-up, practice the movements in the workout. Imagine it as if you were at a local competition and using the warm-up area before your heat is called. Don’t just stand around with friends talking strategy without getting yourself moving. Cheering on teammates is important but should never interfere with your pre-WOD prep. Keep yourself a priority and give yourself all the time you need.
-Feed off the vibe
Whether it’s the music pumping or the support of your teammates and friends or the sound of fellow crossfitters gasping and giving their all, take it all in and get ready to attack what’s in front of you. Don’t just look at it as any other workout in the same old gym, but as a test of your fitness (much like any other competition). Our daily workouts are practice, and this is the game, so make it feel like the event that it is.
-Pick your people
Be sure to bring whoever you can to encourage or inspire you and either workout alongside them for the push or have them cheer you on throughout. If you like to have someone to chase when you train then make sure you compete alongside a top athlete. If you like to hear a certain coach’s voice or cues make sure they can be there to help you through it. Build your entourage and have some fun out there!
-Go where the energy is
For that strong spirit of competition to get you going, make sure to do your workout at an affiliate. Large groups and lots of noise are what excite me and give me the sense of true competition. Just sitting in the gym with my eyes closed during the earlier heats, I can feel the intensity of the moment and I love it. If you don’t have that option then watch all of your favorite inspirational videos – intense crossfit workouts, clips from the Games – anything to make you want to compete. Get that fire burning inside and then go let loose on WOD 12.2!
