I first had this discussion with Coach Brian McKenzie circa 2010 or so and guess what? Things haven’t changed.
Olympians don’t PR in the Olympics.
That’s a problem, because literally they’ve got one job and that is to be the best they can be on one day. Roughly 20% of the time, however, are the world’s best athletes able to be their best when it counts. That’s absurd, right?
What does this mean for you?
I think it means two things. One is empathetic and heart felt and the other is more tactical. Here they are:
- Chill out about your numbers in the gym! If the world’s best athletes with the world’s best coaches can’t sync up how to peak when it counts, you can give yourself compassion when you don’t hit a lift that you want. Plus, you’ve got a real job to get to.
- A Case for Readiness. A point of pride in General Physical Preparedness (GPP) training is exactly that: preparedness. And, developing a level of readiness that you can meet and exceed the demands of your life without needing to peak, taper, and perform (with special shoes on) isn’t something to scoff at. It’s the whole point!
My question for you is: can you build your level of readiness and not be too precious about your performance?
If so, you’re going to enjoy your ride.
7/28/26 WOD
DEUCE Athletics GPP
Complete 5 rounds of the following:
2 Power Cleans
Complete 3 rounds for quality of:
10 Zottman Curls
16 Alternating KB Gorilla Rows
12 Seated db Presses
For Time:
24-20-16-12-8-4
Front Rack DB Reverse Lunges(40/20)
3-6-9-12-15-18
HR Pushups
DEUCE Garage GPP
Complete 3 rounds for quality of:
3 Box Jumps
12 Alt Ipsilateral DB Deadbugs
4-4-4
1 1/4 Deadlift
AMRAP 16
400m Run
15 Pull Ups
30 Squats