What is the difference?

Being around such amazing athletes all weekend was such a motivational treat.
And it got me thinking...
At that high of a level, there is not much separating each competitor.
Everybody who has made it that far is certainly deserving of the "bad ass" title.

So, what is the difference between the athletes who hold the top slots and those who sit just out of reach?

What is the difference between the top 6 qualifiers and everybody else?
What is the difference between first place and all the rest?

Well, besides a few uncontrollable factors - like genetics and overall potential for strength, endurance, etc. (and in the case of CrossFitters, type and length of athletic background...) - that difference relies on a few key things.

1) Preparation
The best of the best prepare themselves to learn how to handle any physical challenge when they are not fully recovered. They prepare for a strenuous competition by recreating those strenuous circumstances in the practice setting. They habitually perform the way they will need to perform - so that it is second nature in competition. Speaking from my own standpoint, I make damn sure that I am always a few steps out of my comfort zone in every single workout. I've gotten used to being uncomfortable. My body recognizes that feeling. So, when I'm in competition, I'm not unfamiliar with the pain I'm going through. I just do what I've been practicing - instead of trying something new. That was one difference between those of us in the top slots and the rest of the pack... we most likely prepared and practiced the exact same way in which we wanted to compete (or maybe even at a higher level than what is expected of us in competition).

2) Consistency
Being consistent goes along with being prepared. But it also encompasses consistency in nutrition... consistency in rest and recovery protocols... as well as consistency in exercise intensity. The more consistent an individual can be in all aspects of training, the more likely he/she will "peak" at the right time for competition.

3) Mental toughness
In a competition where every second counts, an athlete has to ignore pain and exhaustion and just keep going. The toughest competitors are those who have learned how to not only fight that internal voice that wants to quit... but to eliminate it altogether. All they hear is, "go, go, go, go." In the case of this past weekend, that was the difference between me and the first place female. She knew that, at some point, everyone would take a few breaks (albeit small ones)... and if she really wanted to come out on top, SHE would have to be the one to not take those breaks. And that's exactly what she did. Whereas I may have taken 4 small breaks in a challenge, she only took one. There's the difference. We were both struggling and hurting and exhausted - but she pushed that much harder - mentally. Wow.


How does that carry over to those of you who do not aspire to be high-level athletes?

Well, maybe you have nothing specific to prepare for... BUT, you do become what you practice, so isn't it essential to form habits that are compatible with your goals? Practice healthy habits in order to effortlessly be a healthy person!

Consistency is probably the most important aspect of this post for YOU.
Whatever you want out of life - whether it's fitness/nutrition/health-related, or whether it involves something completely separate - you must be consistent in your pursuit. Consistency is the only way to allow all those little steps you take to accumulate into the larger goal in which you seek.

And mental toughness... well, in a healthy eating setting, or in the exercise world, you absolutely NEED to learn how to ignore the negativity and the self-doubt. It's not easy to change your eating habits or gain strength. You will want to quit. That's a given. But the key to your success is allowing that positive, "I CAN do it!" voice to boom over the negative one. And the more consistent you are in your mental toughness, the more likely it is that you'll reach your goals!

That will be the difference between you and somebody else who never makes it there.

Will you be a champion in your own life??

I believe you can be...