What is high-intensity resistance training?
FEB 07, 2023
What made us sign up for the Thailand Throwdown?
Courtney and I love an excuse to travel! We always plan a tourist trip, and of course a night out after the event.
We joke that these sort of events we do just get in the way of us having a good time.
But we did actually want to see how we would get on in our first individual CrossFit competition, more so to see our own progress rather than against others.
Our Training and Travel Plans
We actually found it hard to find a training plan that suited our needs, lots of CrossFit programming out there are designed for Rx (elite) athletes and also really long sessions! Which is hard for us to complete with such long coaching days.
So coach Andrew, who is not only qualified to coach CrossFit, but also practises what he preaches, helped us with the training leading up to the event and also the prep of the individual workouts. He has been coaching us for years so annoyingly knows exactly where to push us when we are slacking off!
We also went to Mobilus CrossFit gym to get some specialist gymnastic coaching from Sammy.
Our First Impressions on Hearing About the Workouts
When the first workout was released we actually wanted to cancel our flight.
We were surprised when handstand walks were in the first event! But instead of backing out (which we know we would never do!) that’s when we got some extra coaching on this.
Here’s How Each Event Went
Event 1 – Breaking bad
I actually thought this was going to be my worst event so went in without any pressure. I actually managed the over head squats ok, I just had to concentrate! Which is something I struggle with!
I managed to get to the handstand walks, which I didn’t expect. I didn’t quite make the 5ft (out of 30ft needed) but I was close. It something I want to practise over the next year. Purely so I can walk down super marked isles on my hands.
Event 2 – The Classic
My perfect kind of event, 12 minutes of non stop movements with nothing technical. Box jump overs, burpees and cleans light enough to cycle. No break just go!
Event 3 – Deceptacon
I liked this event… until they added a weighted vest! Actually this was ok, unfortunately for me it was only 5 mins, I’m too slow to start. The judge was also super on point which is great, but meant I got a few no reps (rightly so). So a learning curve to make sure I concentrate on making sure I hit the target each time!
Event 4 – Eliminator
For me this was the hardest but my best event! And surprisingly I did the best at this (2nd) even though it had my least favorite movement in (Toes to bar). I really enjoyed the format of getting eliminated if you didn’t make the 4 minute cut off, where the row got progressively harder, extra pressure!
So for me the first 2 rounds were a warm up… something that plays into my endurance base favor!
Event 5 – Mic Drop
Double unders and heavy snatch… could go either way. Surprisingly my DU’s were ok, but I just had no power when it came to the snatch, it was just too heavy for me so I didn’t manage to complete the workout, but as always I got better as the time went on. But i really did give everything so can’t ask for any more 🙂
Floater 1 – 3RM Thruster
Such a strange event as have no idea what this should be, i’m not powerful or have good over head strength so my plan for this is to go light enough on the first attempt to get a score. Then add more to try and push for a higher place.
With a 2 minute time cap you have enough time for 2 good sets. I tried a third set but failed… so at least I know I couldn’t have done any more.
Floater 2 – Max ring hold
Again no idea what to be aiming for here! But I was pretty confident going in as my grip strength is actually something that gets me by especially when coming to pull up strength. I can hang on forever! In reality I came in at 7th!
Will I ever do this again… nope. It was a fun event to put in but I doubt I’ll ever be in the same situation again.
Here’s FIVE Things We Learned at the Thailand Throwdown
- The events you think you will be good at don’t necessarily work out to be your best events so just go for it.
- Concentrate not to get no reps! They cost!
- Competitions are always a great excuse to travel
- Don’t be too hard on yourself – enjoy the moment
- Hair braids are the way forward (especially for double unders!)
How This Experience Will Change Our Client Sessions
In terms of competing, having a goal to work towards is always something i would advise. Whether a run, triathlon, CrossFit… it is always good to push yourself mentally and physically every now and again.
I will also be making some clients to do a version of the workouts 🙂
One Thing I Learnt to NEVER Do Again…
Never eat a banana on camera again!
Comparisons Between an Individual Comp and a Pairs Comp
It kind of felt like we were doing a pair comp as we made sure we got our hair braided the same!
I find it actually less pressure as an individual as you don’t feel like you are going to let the other person down.
It was good as an individual to see where your strengths and weaknesses lie. In a pairs comp it’s hard to know what improvements you need to make as an individual.
Courtney and I are literally the opposite of each other. We either make the perfect pair so we can push each other in different ways, or the worst pair as we slow each other down!
I’ll definitely go with the best pair!
Our Rest and Recovery Plan
In between each event there wasn’t enough time to eat too much, so definitely something high in carbs, eating little and often. Prevent being sick!
CrossFit is pretty taxing on the central nervous system so we found a quiet spot in between the events away from the crowd, just to give ourselves time to chill.
Our post competition plan as always was to eat, chill (not for long enough that we fall asleep), find a cool bar and see where the night takes us! And pray the hangover won’t be as bad as a Vietnaman (IYKYK).
Our Training Leading Up to the Comp
For me I had to scale back on the running and do more advanced CrossFit skills, such as gymnastics. But I’m terrible at practicing what I’m not good at, thats why its so good to have Courtney as a training partner to make me do it.
Will I Alter My Training Plans Post Competition?
For me I’m having a little break from CrossFit, even though i’ll have huge FOMO when it comes to the opens. I have promised myself I will practice the more advanced gymnastic skills and see where it takes me. From my results of this competition I can really see that my power really let me down to progress further at CrossFit, but for an endurance athlete I have pretty good power.
I have just signed up for a 30km trail run so I will be working on my strength and running efficiency ready for this.
How About a Competition at Empower Fitness?
Never say never! I love competing, I love pushing my body to see what it can cope with. In terms of CrossFit, I would really like to improve my gymnastics before entering another event.
But Courtney and I hope to be competing as a duo again this year!
We would love to do an event at Empower Fitness for our community!
Final Thoughts on the Competition
All in all it was a great competition, the events were varied and fun, the judging was excellent, the facility was amazing!
But by far the best part for me was being surrounded and competing against like minded women, who were there to challenge themselves. It wasn’t about body image – it was about performance! And it is always humbling to get your ass kicked when you least expect it!
