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Writer's pictureBen

The Hybrid Athlete

Before I get into the point of this post today I wanted to first share my workout for the day.


Back Squat 5x2x420lbs


Rest about 45 minutes


3.71 mile run in 41:34 11:12 Pace


Because I was sick over the weekend and opted to rest yesterday I moved my back squats to before my normal Tuesday run. These felt heavy this week (I think due to still recovering from being sick) but by the last set, I felt like I found my groove. I skipped the accessory work for this week and then went into my run.


I knew this was going to be slow today due to squatting just before, being sick, and it being pretty hot by the time I got going. The goal was to just move and don't stop. Even though it was slow it felt great and I was happy with how the run turned out.


This brings me to the point of this post. What does it mean to be a Hybrid Athlete? I have been training for something most of my life. When I had found CrossFit I start really focusing on achieving specific goals revolving around performance vs weight loss or trying to look good.


Recently I have realized I just don't see the value in getting better at things like handstand push-ups, muscle ups, pistol squats, butterfly pull-ups, etc that are required to be good a CrossFit. In my opinion, most people don't need these to be fit.


That got me thinking about what I wanted to do with my training. I didn't just want to be a weightlifter. That is when I started running.


So what is a Hybrid Athlete? It is someone who focuses on improving multiple different disciplines at the same time. In this case maximal strength and endurance. Running ended up being the perfect outlet for me to get in my cardio. Unlike CrossFit, running was much easier to balance with lifting weights every week. I could lift heavy on Monday and follow that up with an easy run on Tuesday and still make progress in both because I gave each enough recovery time.


Today's workout was a perfect example of what my training has been about. I don't usually do both on the same day (except on Wednesday) but to be able to squat a volume pr and then go for a 3.5+ mile run and feel good doing it was awesome. I also know on that I could run this a lot quicker if I hadn't gotten sick over the weekend.


Hybrid training has allowed me to get stronger, and improve my endurance, all while not feeling beat up as much because I am allowing myself proper recovery (which the endurance training helps) time in between.


If you are looking for a change of pace don't be afraid to try different things. Hybrid training has completely changed how I look at performance training and what it means to be fit.


Imagine being able to squat 500lbs and run 1 mile in under 6 minutes. That in my opinion would be a much better variation of fitness than whether or not you can do 45 thrusters and pull-ups under 3 minutes.


Coach Ben

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