Recovery Nutrition

This year at the Reebok Crossfit Games I was very in tune with my need to recover quickly between the very intense workouts. These bouts of maximum output from my cardiovascular, muscular, skeletal, and mental functions left me depleted.  In order to be ready to repeat this act 3 hours later depended largely on my ability to recover.

My recovery regiment worked really well this year.  To begin   with I was sure to stay hydrated by minimizing caffeine.  Over the course of the last several months before the games I reduced my reliance on caffeine for pre-workout energy; using it, but sparingly.  I drank my own home made hydration drinks that consisted of filtered water, chia seeds and some other anti-inflammatory food.  Example - black cherry juice, freshly squeezed lime or lemon and a splash of honey or agave nectar.  I also used mustard on my grass fed beef.  I used turmeric capsules to reduce inflammation.

In order to refuel I used Medjool dates, which are almost pure glucose to replace the glycogen stores (my main source of fuel).  It enters the blood stream very quickly.  I also used 100% pure egg protein powder, chocolate flavor, to add to the energy pool as this has some caffeine to dilate the blood vessels.  Almond milk was used to make the drink, which is helpful also with hydration.  This recovery "meal" did not take up much room in my stomach, was easy to digest, and easy to transport.  It worked like a charm.  This year at the Reebok Crossfit Games I felt physically better on day 3 than I did on day 1 thanks to good recovery nutrition.

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Take Advantage of YOUR Opportunity

2014 Reebok Crossfit Games
"Fittest on Earth"
50-54 Year Old Division

The dust has now settled a bit after competing the 2014 Reebok Crossfit Games in Carson, California.  I still have that feeling of elation from being crowned the "Fittest on Earth" in my age group, 50-54!  I am very thankful that God not only equipped me with the physical ability to accomplish this feat, but also for the discipline and determination I learned from reading his word in the Bible.  I am also thankful for the people He has put in my life to assist me along the way.  I am thankful for my parents who raised me and my siblings with grounded values and a strong work ethic.  None more important than my dear wife, Terry, of nearly 30 years.  She has been an awesome support and help mate.

Looking back at my life and my athletic career in general, I am amazed at what I have been able to accomplish  I never felt that I had the tools physically to be an elite athlete or outstanding at anything.  I now see that I am very accomplished at many things.  On reflection, it appears that the success has come more from things learned and applied than from some special physical prowess or heightened level of cognitive function.  To the contrary, I feel like I have taken advantage of equipment, both physical and mental and by a learning process to maximize my potential.  Nothing has been magical or special.  No, it has been a classic case of making the most of what you have.  This is an awesome feeling; the feeling of using your talents to their best, and in the process inspiring others to do the same. 

After all is said and done, it comes down to leaving no opportunity untapped, leaving nothing on the table so to speak.  In my estimate that is what true success is.  Not what you could have accomplished given someone else's opportunity, but what you make of the opportunity provided to you.  With that said, I encourage everyone to look for YOUR opportunities and learn how to maximize them and apply ample energy to make them pay off for you and the people that you can inspire to do the same. 

May God bless you with many opportunities,  

Will