What separates the physically capable from the truly elite competitors? In this revealing episode, we take you behind the scenes at the Syndicate Crown CrossFit competition to examine the critical mental game that makes all the difference when athletes step onto the competition floor.

Fresh off witnessing the intensity of high-level CrossFit competition, we unpack what makes execution under pressure so difficult – and so important. The physical capacity of these athletes is undeniable, but what truly differentiates them is their ability to execute strategies effectively when the pressure mounts and adapt when things inevitably go sideways.

We share an in-depth analysis of Misfit athlete Erica Folo's performance, including both her dominant first-place finish in "Regionals Revenge" and a dramatic fall during a handstand walk workout that tested her mental resilience. These contrasting moments perfectly illustrate our central thesis: "You don't rise to the occasion; you fall to the level of your training." The habits you build in training – both mental and physical – determine your capacity to perform when it matters most.

For coaches and athletes alike, we explore the psychology behind competition nerves, breaking down how the same physiological response (increased heart rate, adrenaline) can be channeled either as energizing "fight" energy or debilitating "flight" anxiety. The difference often comes down to preparation, strategy, and the mental frameworks you've developed long before competition day.

Whether you're a competitive CrossFit athlete or simply someone who wants to understand the psychological components of high-performance, this episode offers actionable insights on developing strategic thinking, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt when your perfect plan meets the messy reality of competition. Join us for a fascinating journey into the minds of elite competitors and the coaches who guide them.

------------------------------
Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

How much does the time of day affect your workout performance? According to our latest deep dive, it could be impacting your results by as much as 25-30%.

During this illuminating episode, we unpack the fascinating relationship between mental load and physical output. Even with perfect nutrition, hydration, and recovery, the accumulated stress of daily life dramatically alters how your body responds to training stimuli. The science is clear—mental and physical resources pull from the same reserves, making that evening workout feel disproportionately difficult compared to your morning sessions.

We examine how this phenomenon affects athletes across all levels, from CrossFit Games competitors to everyday fitness enthusiasts. The tendency to misinterpret these normal performance fluctuations leads many into negative feedback loops, where one disappointing session breeds another. Learning to observe these challenges objectively rather than judgmentally becomes as critical as any programming or nutrition strategy.

Between previewing the exceptionally well-designed Syndicate Crown workouts and analyzing what makes effective competition programming, we reveal why a workout that appears identical on paper feels completely different at 9am versus 7pm. For coaches and athletes alike, understanding these patterns provides invaluable insight into optimizing training schedules and maintaining consistent progress.

Whether you're following our newly launched offerings on Strivee or simply trying to maximize your results in the gym, this episode offers crucial perspective on working with—rather than against—your body's natural performance rhythms. Listen now to transform how you approach your training schedule and mental preparation.

------------------------------
Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com

The long-awaited Off-Season Block 2 program launches May 26th, bringing exciting changes to Misfit Athletics' programming structure and delivery platforms.

We're thrilled to announce three new subscription tiers tailored to different athlete needs: Pro ($69/month) for elite athletes with two daily sessions and direct coach access through Telegram; Comp ($49/month) bundling Hatchet, Masters, and GPP together for maximum flexibility; and standalone GPP ($29/month) for busy professionals seeking general fitness. Additionally, we're expanding beyond Fitter to offer programming through Strivee, giving athletes their choice of platforms.

The cornerstone of Off-Season Block 2 is the Texas Method back squat program, proven to add 20-40 pounds to your 5RM over nine weeks when approached strategically. The program balances Olympic lifting technique work through tempo pull cleans and positional snatches with heavy pressing and supplementary strength work. For athletes following the conditioning bias track, expect structured zone 2 training and multi-gear conditioning pieces designed to develop proper pacing.

This program continues our emphasis on C2 bike training and running – essential tools for developing the metabolic capacities needed at the highest levels of competition. We're structuring conditioning sessions to help athletes understand and implement the Gears Matrix concept, creating consistency in intensity across varying time domains.

Perhaps most inspiring is the continued success of our Hatchet program, with athletes qualifying for semifinals three years running while balancing full-time careers. This demonstrates that following the appropriate program for your situation can lead to remarkable results without requiring a professional's schedule.

Ready to make meaningful improvements during this critical off-season period? Visit misfitathetics.com to select your program and start building the foundation for next year's competitive success.

------------------------------
Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to misfitathletics.com and start your free trial today.

Free Trial on PushPress:
https://www.pushpress.com/partners/misfit

Free Trial on SugarWOD:
https://app.sugarwod.com/marketplace/misfitathletics/misfit-affiliate-class-programming

As always, shout out to our sponsors who make this podcast possible
Sharpen The Axe - sharpentheaxeco.com
Proper Fuel - properfuel.co

For your Individual programming needs - misfitathletics.com
For your Gym programming needs - teammisfit.com
For your Apparel needs - sharpentheaxeco.com