Don’t follow exceptions
I think this video is funny too. And I don’t think for a second that it’s meant to be taken seriously. But still, “Neal Maddox eats donuts; so why can’t we?”
That’s one of those surly questions that we say with a smirk and a pause. It’s like the guy standing on the ledge of a skyscraper acting like he’s going to jump, but for some reason he’s having a conversation with the psychologist at the window. Sometimes we just want someone to talk us down before we plummet.
The day that Maddox video hit I got a few texts saying the same things athletes say when they see Froning eat jars of peanut butter – why can’t we do the same?
“We can,” I always respond. “But we probably shouldn’t.”
Today I call this “The Rich Froning effect.” It’s being awesome despite all logic. It comes up so often that now it kicks off our nutrition seminar that we have been giving for the past three years.
Froning, the fittest man in the world – twice, eats peanut butter and drinks milk all the time. And rumor has it, Maddox who took 20th at the Games last year, likes pastries. But who doesn’t?
I call these men the exceptions amongst the rules. And more than likely, if we mimic their lifestyle, we won’t get the same feedback.
To me, Rich Froning, Neal Maddox, and other athletes like them, are old beater trucks that will run forever no matter what you do to them, no matter what you put into them. They are that type of machine that is produced to handle lots of work. The rest of the population are more like Ferrari’s. They only run on the best fuel. They only corner well with new tires. And when they dent, no regular mechanic can fix it, it takes a specialist.
These guys are amazing athletes who perform feats most of us marvel at. We should applaud them for it. They’re warriors like few before them. But celebrating doesn’t mean mimicking. And most of us don’t need science, or experience to know donuts and peanut butter isn’t exactly premium octane.
Unexplainable exceptions will always exist. Life is just, not fair. And comparisons can make you better, or make you crazy.
Warm-up:
Coaches choice
Strength:
Front Squat
*Work up to one heavy rep.
For time:
12-Rack Lunges 65/95
12-Push-press 65/95
12-Push-ups
AMRAP 12 Minutes
Auxiliary:
5-Strict pull-up
5-Strict dip
5 Rounds
Post impression to comments.
Awesome 5am!! Most everyone PR’d their Front Squat!! Way to go Shelly, Matt, Robyn, Sandy, Jody and Ellie.
Good to have Becky and Debbie A. in class also even if we didn’t PR.
125 FS
4+1 rx
175 FS PR
3 + 33
I always love the 5 am group
Great way to start the day!
185 FS PR
4+24RX
125#PR
2+8RX!!! Was going to do it RX if it killed me.
Nice job, Robyn!!
Whoa. Back must be feelin much better, eh? Fantastic.
good job baby! love ya
145lbs not a PR but happy to finally get close to this weight again!
4+32
by the way this post is great. Not just for crossfitters but for anyone in general. Comparisons between yourself and another will either give you unnecessary dissapointment or false satisfaction. Love it josh.
155# PR
Thanks for the helpful tips Foster;)
4+16rx
310 FS pr
3+6 RX
165# FS PR
5+25 RX
195# FS PR
5 RX
Ten lb PR.. At the Y.. Couldn’t ring the bell or yell out in excitement lol
275 PR an assload
2+31 (m)
Almost got 305 but couldn’t stand back up with it.
Awesome class last night!
awesome job buddy!