by John Mariotti
We are about 30 days out from the start of the Masters CrossFit Games. Things are getting real. Headquarters is asking for updated biographical information, as well as updated athlete profile numbers.
The real question is how much improvement can be made in 20 training days? The answer is not much in the strength areas. Much more in the skill areas. My double unders seem to be improving (albeit slowly). My handstand work is getting better. And amazingly my cardio-respiratory endurance has ticked up just a little. Those things should continue to improve, and a small improvement will pay big dividends. The other thing that is shifting now is the timing of the work. What happens at a big competition is you spend 30-45 minutes warming up for the event. Then you get corralled, get a timing chip, and wait for 10-20 minutes. Then you are led to a smaller warmup area just outside the event arena where you can warm up for another 5-10 minutes. Finally, you get to line up and enter the playing field. So training is now going to mimic that process a little bit. Usually, we warm up and then go. Now I am taking more time between warming up and working. It’s a hard thing to do but very necessary.
Several of you have asked if I will taper off training as the games approach and the answer is a resounding Yes. The 4-5 days before the 28th will be light movement days, focusing on recovery and rest. Invictus has been doing this for quite a few years and they are good at it.
Overall, I am feeling better, and my training is progressing. It’s just a challenge to stay balanced on the knife’s edge!
For more information about the CrossFit Games click here.
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