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4 things I learned from the CrossFit Games
Lessons on Performance, Mindset and Surroundings
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One of our InnerFight coaches, Carmen Bosmans, competed in the 2019 CrossFit games. Here are the top 4 things she learned from the experience!
4 lessons I learned competing at the 2019 CrossFit Games
Number one: preparation doesn’t last long
No matter how well you prepare, it can be over very quickly.
Due to the change of the structure in this year's games, there were some many brutal cuts, which left no room for mistakes. After only the first event 50% of the athletes were cut.
This was to remove the vast number of people who were deemed not fit enough to compete on the big stage at the CrossFit Games. What wasn’t first looked upon was the athletes who got cut because of a mistake they had made or a no rep they had received.
This resulted in those individuals dropping too far down the leaderboard, and not being able to make the next cut off. This in fact happened to several previous ‘Games athletes’ such as Streat Hoerner and Tim Paulson, who have competed multiple times on the big stage.
Does this mean they are not fit enough? No, of course it doesn’t, we are just humans and humans make mistakes This being said…. “The Best Always Wins!”
Number two: enjoy the journey
The lead up to the Games was in fact the most fun! The quote “Enjoy the journey, not the destination” does in fact have a lot of truth in it.
I’ve been competing for 7 years now and usually my prime focus has always been on the competition itself, instead of the process towards this end goal. This has by far been one of the most important things I’ve learned over the few past years.
The 2019 season was totally different for me, as I qualified for the Games through the open and I received a confirmed National Champion spot for Belgium.
This is where the real fun actually began… “training for the 2019 CrossFit Games”. This was a dream of mine ever since I competed in my first competition back in 2012.
Although I was aware of the cuts to the field of athletes, my main objective was to do my very best. Due to this, it enabled me to apply the right mindset towards my training and enjoying the whole lead up to my first Games appearance – instead of having my sole focus being on the games.
Although I did end up being in one of the first cuts, I still loved every moment of the experience!
Number three: consistency is key
The best always WINS. Why is this? Because no matter the circumstances, they always perform.
I learnt several things from being in the presence of Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey. Two of the biggest lessons were:
- They both had the ability to change their head space when they required.
- When they were not competing, they were able to adapt and relax in their own environment.
During the warm up area, they were focused on the task ahead, but were able to joke around and have some ‘trash talk’. But ultimately as soon as they stepped on the competition area, they were switched on and were ready to go! You can see it in their eyes, they are here to WIN!
Number four: your team really matters
Continuing on from this, both champions only had a select few individuals with them, whom they clearly trusted. The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your experience and play a key role on your success.
I had such a positive and relaxed environment during both the days before and within the Games, which made me cherish and appreciate every moment during the whole experience.
Three months leading up to the Games, Ricky joined our coaching team at Innerfight and from that day onwards I gained myself a training partner. I actually had never really minded training on my own but having someone there who was willing to do every session with me no matter what, made it so much more fun. Thanks Ricky!
I was lucky to fly out to the US two weeks before the Games started. I Spent 5 days in Chicago with Jamie Green, who finished in 3rd place and Elliot Simmonds, my coach who came 19th. I am so proud of their achievements and I am grateful that we got this opportunity together and to make great memories.
Once in Madison, we had a pre-games training camp, where we joined the “Red Pill” athletes: Briggsy, Emma, Kelly, Jows and Andy. These individuals are down to earth, positive minded people, who have a good sense of humour! Exactly what I needed to have a good time.
Lastly, a little thank you note to Cpt. Brooksy and his son James for traveling all the way to Madison and cheering so loud. I could hear them all over the field!
It won’t be long before the next CrossFit games is happening. Are you thinking about trying the CrossFit open? Message me on cb@innerfight.com for tips or even to set up some 1-on-1 coaching!
GYMNASTICS
No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.
This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.
MOBILITY
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we will focus on the squat snatch. With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Session: LRC Tempo
There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Session: LRC Intervals
There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Cafe Peloton car park
Session: The Coffee Run
Route options:
5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848
10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650
14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24
19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8
Monday:
Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max
Conditioning:
3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window
40/30 cal ski
40 TTB
40 push Press (60/40)
Cal Ski in the remaining time
Rest 3 mins
Tuesday:
Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!
Strength:
A) EMOM 12
M1 - 20-30 sec dip support
M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge
M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings
B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building
C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM
Conditioning:
9min AMRAP
5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM
5 Handstand Push Ups
*Every round, add one rep!
Wednesday:
Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!
Strength:
EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups
Conditioning:
Every 3 mins x 8
18/15/12 cal Ass bike
8 DB Thrusters
8 pull-ups
Thursday:
What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.
Strength
A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat
B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
For time
500m row
Rest 3 mins
500m row
Friday:
What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 9
A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers
B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl
C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press
Conditioning:
28min AMRAP
3 DB Renegade Rows
12 Dual DB Deadlift
5 Wall Walks
Pool Run
Rest 90 sec
Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm
One of our InnerFight coaches, Carmen Bosmans, competed in the 2019 CrossFit games. Here are the top 4 things she learned from the experience!
4 lessons I learned competing at the 2019 CrossFit Games
Number one: preparation doesn’t last long
No matter how well you prepare, it can be over very quickly.
Due to the change of the structure in this year's games, there were some many brutal cuts, which left no room for mistakes. After only the first event 50% of the athletes were cut.
This was to remove the vast number of people who were deemed not fit enough to compete on the big stage at the CrossFit Games. What wasn’t first looked upon was the athletes who got cut because of a mistake they had made or a no rep they had received.
This resulted in those individuals dropping too far down the leaderboard, and not being able to make the next cut off. This in fact happened to several previous ‘Games athletes’ such as Streat Hoerner and Tim Paulson, who have competed multiple times on the big stage.
Does this mean they are not fit enough? No, of course it doesn’t, we are just humans and humans make mistakes This being said…. “The Best Always Wins!”
Number two: enjoy the journey
The lead up to the Games was in fact the most fun! The quote “Enjoy the journey, not the destination” does in fact have a lot of truth in it.
I’ve been competing for 7 years now and usually my prime focus has always been on the competition itself, instead of the process towards this end goal. This has by far been one of the most important things I’ve learned over the few past years.
The 2019 season was totally different for me, as I qualified for the Games through the open and I received a confirmed National Champion spot for Belgium.
This is where the real fun actually began… “training for the 2019 CrossFit Games”. This was a dream of mine ever since I competed in my first competition back in 2012.
Although I was aware of the cuts to the field of athletes, my main objective was to do my very best. Due to this, it enabled me to apply the right mindset towards my training and enjoying the whole lead up to my first Games appearance – instead of having my sole focus being on the games.
Although I did end up being in one of the first cuts, I still loved every moment of the experience!
Number three: consistency is key
The best always WINS. Why is this? Because no matter the circumstances, they always perform.
I learnt several things from being in the presence of Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey. Two of the biggest lessons were:
- They both had the ability to change their head space when they required.
- When they were not competing, they were able to adapt and relax in their own environment.
During the warm up area, they were focused on the task ahead, but were able to joke around and have some ‘trash talk’. But ultimately as soon as they stepped on the competition area, they were switched on and were ready to go! You can see it in their eyes, they are here to WIN!
Number four: your team really matters
Continuing on from this, both champions only had a select few individuals with them, whom they clearly trusted. The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your experience and play a key role on your success.
I had such a positive and relaxed environment during both the days before and within the Games, which made me cherish and appreciate every moment during the whole experience.
Three months leading up to the Games, Ricky joined our coaching team at Innerfight and from that day onwards I gained myself a training partner. I actually had never really minded training on my own but having someone there who was willing to do every session with me no matter what, made it so much more fun. Thanks Ricky!
I was lucky to fly out to the US two weeks before the Games started. I Spent 5 days in Chicago with Jamie Green, who finished in 3rd place and Elliot Simmonds, my coach who came 19th. I am so proud of their achievements and I am grateful that we got this opportunity together and to make great memories.
Once in Madison, we had a pre-games training camp, where we joined the “Red Pill” athletes: Briggsy, Emma, Kelly, Jows and Andy. These individuals are down to earth, positive minded people, who have a good sense of humour! Exactly what I needed to have a good time.
Lastly, a little thank you note to Cpt. Brooksy and his son James for traveling all the way to Madison and cheering so loud. I could hear them all over the field!
It won’t be long before the next CrossFit games is happening. Are you thinking about trying the CrossFit open? Message me on cb@innerfight.com for tips or even to set up some 1-on-1 coaching!
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Session: LRC Tempo
There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Session: LRC Intervals
There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Cafe Peloton car park
Session: The Coffee Run
Route options:
5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848
10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650
14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24
19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8
Monday:
Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max
Conditioning:
3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window
40/30 cal ski
40 TTB
40 push Press (60/40)
Cal Ski in the remaining time
Rest 3 mins
Tuesday:
Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!
Strength:
A) EMOM 12
M1 - 20-30 sec dip support
M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge
M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings
B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building
C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM
Conditioning:
9min AMRAP
5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM
5 Handstand Push Ups
*Every round, add one rep!
Wednesday:
Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!
Strength:
EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups
Conditioning:
Every 3 mins x 8
18/15/12 cal Ass bike
8 DB Thrusters
8 pull-ups
Thursday:
What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.
Strength
A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat
B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
For time
500m row
Rest 3 mins
500m row
Friday:
What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 9
A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers
B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl
C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press
Conditioning:
28min AMRAP
3 DB Renegade Rows
12 Dual DB Deadlift
5 Wall Walks
Pool Run
Rest 90 sec
Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm
GYMNASTICS
No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.
This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.
MOBILITY
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we will focus on the squat snatch. With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!
One of our InnerFight coaches, Carmen Bosmans, competed in the 2019 CrossFit games. Here are the top 4 things she learned from the experience!
4 lessons I learned competing at the 2019 CrossFit Games
Number one: preparation doesn’t last long
No matter how well you prepare, it can be over very quickly.
Due to the change of the structure in this year's games, there were some many brutal cuts, which left no room for mistakes. After only the first event 50% of the athletes were cut.
This was to remove the vast number of people who were deemed not fit enough to compete on the big stage at the CrossFit Games. What wasn’t first looked upon was the athletes who got cut because of a mistake they had made or a no rep they had received.
This resulted in those individuals dropping too far down the leaderboard, and not being able to make the next cut off. This in fact happened to several previous ‘Games athletes’ such as Streat Hoerner and Tim Paulson, who have competed multiple times on the big stage.
Does this mean they are not fit enough? No, of course it doesn’t, we are just humans and humans make mistakes This being said…. “The Best Always Wins!”
Number two: enjoy the journey
The lead up to the Games was in fact the most fun! The quote “Enjoy the journey, not the destination” does in fact have a lot of truth in it.
I’ve been competing for 7 years now and usually my prime focus has always been on the competition itself, instead of the process towards this end goal. This has by far been one of the most important things I’ve learned over the few past years.
The 2019 season was totally different for me, as I qualified for the Games through the open and I received a confirmed National Champion spot for Belgium.
This is where the real fun actually began… “training for the 2019 CrossFit Games”. This was a dream of mine ever since I competed in my first competition back in 2012.
Although I was aware of the cuts to the field of athletes, my main objective was to do my very best. Due to this, it enabled me to apply the right mindset towards my training and enjoying the whole lead up to my first Games appearance – instead of having my sole focus being on the games.
Although I did end up being in one of the first cuts, I still loved every moment of the experience!
Number three: consistency is key
The best always WINS. Why is this? Because no matter the circumstances, they always perform.
I learnt several things from being in the presence of Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey. Two of the biggest lessons were:
- They both had the ability to change their head space when they required.
- When they were not competing, they were able to adapt and relax in their own environment.
During the warm up area, they were focused on the task ahead, but were able to joke around and have some ‘trash talk’. But ultimately as soon as they stepped on the competition area, they were switched on and were ready to go! You can see it in their eyes, they are here to WIN!
Number four: your team really matters
Continuing on from this, both champions only had a select few individuals with them, whom they clearly trusted. The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your experience and play a key role on your success.
I had such a positive and relaxed environment during both the days before and within the Games, which made me cherish and appreciate every moment during the whole experience.
Three months leading up to the Games, Ricky joined our coaching team at Innerfight and from that day onwards I gained myself a training partner. I actually had never really minded training on my own but having someone there who was willing to do every session with me no matter what, made it so much more fun. Thanks Ricky!
I was lucky to fly out to the US two weeks before the Games started. I Spent 5 days in Chicago with Jamie Green, who finished in 3rd place and Elliot Simmonds, my coach who came 19th. I am so proud of their achievements and I am grateful that we got this opportunity together and to make great memories.
Once in Madison, we had a pre-games training camp, where we joined the “Red Pill” athletes: Briggsy, Emma, Kelly, Jows and Andy. These individuals are down to earth, positive minded people, who have a good sense of humour! Exactly what I needed to have a good time.
Lastly, a little thank you note to Cpt. Brooksy and his son James for traveling all the way to Madison and cheering so loud. I could hear them all over the field!
It won’t be long before the next CrossFit games is happening. Are you thinking about trying the CrossFit open? Message me on cb@innerfight.com for tips or even to set up some 1-on-1 coaching!
Monday
Session: LRC Tempo
There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Session: LRC Intervals
There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.
Sunday
Time: 5:29am
Location: Cafe Peloton car park
Session: The Coffee Run
Route options:
5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848
10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650
14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24
19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8
Monday:
Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max
Conditioning:
3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window
40/30 cal ski
40 TTB
40 push Press (60/40)
Cal Ski in the remaining time
Rest 3 mins
Tuesday:
Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!
Strength:
A) EMOM 12
M1 - 20-30 sec dip support
M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge
M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings
B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building
C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM
Conditioning:
9min AMRAP
5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM
5 Handstand Push Ups
*Every round, add one rep!
Wednesday:
Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!
Strength:
EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups
Conditioning:
Every 3 mins x 8
18/15/12 cal Ass bike
8 DB Thrusters
8 pull-ups
Thursday:
What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.
Strength
A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat
B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
For time
500m row
Rest 3 mins
500m row
Friday:
What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 9
A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers
B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl
C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press
Conditioning:
28min AMRAP
3 DB Renegade Rows
12 Dual DB Deadlift
5 Wall Walks
Pool Run
Rest 90 sec
Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm
GYMNASTICS
No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.
This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.
MOBILITY
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week, we will focus on the squat snatch. With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
One of our InnerFight coaches, Carmen Bosmans, competed in the 2019 CrossFit games. Here are the top 4 things she learned from the experience!
4 lessons I learned competing at the 2019 CrossFit Games
Number one: preparation doesn’t last long
No matter how well you prepare, it can be over very quickly.
Due to the change of the structure in this year's games, there were some many brutal cuts, which left no room for mistakes. After only the first event 50% of the athletes were cut.
This was to remove the vast number of people who were deemed not fit enough to compete on the big stage at the CrossFit Games. What wasn’t first looked upon was the athletes who got cut because of a mistake they had made or a no rep they had received.
This resulted in those individuals dropping too far down the leaderboard, and not being able to make the next cut off. This in fact happened to several previous ‘Games athletes’ such as Streat Hoerner and Tim Paulson, who have competed multiple times on the big stage.
Does this mean they are not fit enough? No, of course it doesn’t, we are just humans and humans make mistakes This being said…. “The Best Always Wins!”
Number two: enjoy the journey
The lead up to the Games was in fact the most fun! The quote “Enjoy the journey, not the destination” does in fact have a lot of truth in it.
I’ve been competing for 7 years now and usually my prime focus has always been on the competition itself, instead of the process towards this end goal. This has by far been one of the most important things I’ve learned over the few past years.
The 2019 season was totally different for me, as I qualified for the Games through the open and I received a confirmed National Champion spot for Belgium.
This is where the real fun actually began… “training for the 2019 CrossFit Games”. This was a dream of mine ever since I competed in my first competition back in 2012.
Although I was aware of the cuts to the field of athletes, my main objective was to do my very best. Due to this, it enabled me to apply the right mindset towards my training and enjoying the whole lead up to my first Games appearance – instead of having my sole focus being on the games.
Although I did end up being in one of the first cuts, I still loved every moment of the experience!
Number three: consistency is key
The best always WINS. Why is this? Because no matter the circumstances, they always perform.
I learnt several things from being in the presence of Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey. Two of the biggest lessons were:
- They both had the ability to change their head space when they required.
- When they were not competing, they were able to adapt and relax in their own environment.
During the warm up area, they were focused on the task ahead, but were able to joke around and have some ‘trash talk’. But ultimately as soon as they stepped on the competition area, they were switched on and were ready to go! You can see it in their eyes, they are here to WIN!
Number four: your team really matters
Continuing on from this, both champions only had a select few individuals with them, whom they clearly trusted. The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your experience and play a key role on your success.
I had such a positive and relaxed environment during both the days before and within the Games, which made me cherish and appreciate every moment during the whole experience.
Three months leading up to the Games, Ricky joined our coaching team at Innerfight and from that day onwards I gained myself a training partner. I actually had never really minded training on my own but having someone there who was willing to do every session with me no matter what, made it so much more fun. Thanks Ricky!
I was lucky to fly out to the US two weeks before the Games started. I Spent 5 days in Chicago with Jamie Green, who finished in 3rd place and Elliot Simmonds, my coach who came 19th. I am so proud of their achievements and I am grateful that we got this opportunity together and to make great memories.
Once in Madison, we had a pre-games training camp, where we joined the “Red Pill” athletes: Briggsy, Emma, Kelly, Jows and Andy. These individuals are down to earth, positive minded people, who have a good sense of humour! Exactly what I needed to have a good time.
Lastly, a little thank you note to Cpt. Brooksy and his son James for traveling all the way to Madison and cheering so loud. I could hear them all over the field!
It won’t be long before the next CrossFit games is happening. Are you thinking about trying the CrossFit open? Message me on cb@innerfight.com for tips or even to set up some 1-on-1 coaching!
One of our InnerFight coaches, Carmen Bosmans, competed in the 2019 CrossFit games. Here are the top 4 things she learned from the experience!
4 lessons I learned competing at the 2019 CrossFit Games
Number one: preparation doesn’t last long
No matter how well you prepare, it can be over very quickly.
Due to the change of the structure in this year's games, there were some many brutal cuts, which left no room for mistakes. After only the first event 50% of the athletes were cut.
This was to remove the vast number of people who were deemed not fit enough to compete on the big stage at the CrossFit Games. What wasn’t first looked upon was the athletes who got cut because of a mistake they had made or a no rep they had received.
This resulted in those individuals dropping too far down the leaderboard, and not being able to make the next cut off. This in fact happened to several previous ‘Games athletes’ such as Streat Hoerner and Tim Paulson, who have competed multiple times on the big stage.
Does this mean they are not fit enough? No, of course it doesn’t, we are just humans and humans make mistakes This being said…. “The Best Always Wins!”
Number two: enjoy the journey
The lead up to the Games was in fact the most fun! The quote “Enjoy the journey, not the destination” does in fact have a lot of truth in it.
I’ve been competing for 7 years now and usually my prime focus has always been on the competition itself, instead of the process towards this end goal. This has by far been one of the most important things I’ve learned over the few past years.
The 2019 season was totally different for me, as I qualified for the Games through the open and I received a confirmed National Champion spot for Belgium.
This is where the real fun actually began… “training for the 2019 CrossFit Games”. This was a dream of mine ever since I competed in my first competition back in 2012.
Although I was aware of the cuts to the field of athletes, my main objective was to do my very best. Due to this, it enabled me to apply the right mindset towards my training and enjoying the whole lead up to my first Games appearance – instead of having my sole focus being on the games.
Although I did end up being in one of the first cuts, I still loved every moment of the experience!
Number three: consistency is key
The best always WINS. Why is this? Because no matter the circumstances, they always perform.
I learnt several things from being in the presence of Mat Fraser and Tia-Clair Toomey. Two of the biggest lessons were:
- They both had the ability to change their head space when they required.
- When they were not competing, they were able to adapt and relax in their own environment.
During the warm up area, they were focused on the task ahead, but were able to joke around and have some ‘trash talk’. But ultimately as soon as they stepped on the competition area, they were switched on and were ready to go! You can see it in their eyes, they are here to WIN!
Number four: your team really matters
Continuing on from this, both champions only had a select few individuals with them, whom they clearly trusted. The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your experience and play a key role on your success.
I had such a positive and relaxed environment during both the days before and within the Games, which made me cherish and appreciate every moment during the whole experience.
Three months leading up to the Games, Ricky joined our coaching team at Innerfight and from that day onwards I gained myself a training partner. I actually had never really minded training on my own but having someone there who was willing to do every session with me no matter what, made it so much more fun. Thanks Ricky!
I was lucky to fly out to the US two weeks before the Games started. I Spent 5 days in Chicago with Jamie Green, who finished in 3rd place and Elliot Simmonds, my coach who came 19th. I am so proud of their achievements and I am grateful that we got this opportunity together and to make great memories.
Once in Madison, we had a pre-games training camp, where we joined the “Red Pill” athletes: Briggsy, Emma, Kelly, Jows and Andy. These individuals are down to earth, positive minded people, who have a good sense of humour! Exactly what I needed to have a good time.
Lastly, a little thank you note to Cpt. Brooksy and his son James for traveling all the way to Madison and cheering so loud. I could hear them all over the field!
It won’t be long before the next CrossFit games is happening. Are you thinking about trying the CrossFit open? Message me on cb@innerfight.com for tips or even to set up some 1-on-1 coaching!
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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