Podcast Summary
Champions are made by their preparation, not their victories: Four-time Fittest Man on Earth, Rich Froning, shares how his second-place finish led him to win and the importance of dedication and preparation in achieving success.
That champions are not made by their victories, but by the time and effort they put into preparing for them. Rich Froning, a four-time Fittest Man on Earth in CrossFit, exemplifies this idea. He discusses how his second-place finish at the CrossFit Games was a turning point that led him to win the next four years as an individual. Froning also shares his experiences with fear, adoption, and the greatest lessons he's learned from his wife and children. Throughout his career, he's remained humble and dedicated, a testament to his championship character.
Parents taught by example: Parents' actions instilled work ethic and respect for others in speaker, shaping who they are today
The speaker's parents instilled in them the value of hard work and leading by example. They didn't just tell their children what to do, but showed them through their own actions. The speaker learned that they would not ask anyone to do something they wouldn't do themselves, and this lesson has stayed with them throughout their life. Although the speaker wishes they had learned certain skills from their father, they are content with their upbringing and the lessons they received. Overall, the speaker's parents were present and supportive, and their influence has shaped the speaker into the person they are today.
Unexpected discoveries can lead to new passions and opportunities: Stay open to new experiences and the potential rewards of taking unexpected paths can lead to new passions and opportunities, as demonstrated by the speaker's discovery of CrossFit.
Sometimes unexpected circumstances or experiences can lead us to discover new passions and opportunities. The speaker, for instance, initially planned to pursue a baseball career in college, but ended up discovering CrossFit after an unplanned detour. He first learned about CrossFit from a professor who encouraged him to try it out due to his interest in working out and his background as a firefighter. Initially, they started doing CrossFit on their own without being affiliated, but eventually, they competed in sectionals and went on to win the regional competition, leading them to the CrossFit Games. The speaker also shared that he learned valuable lessons from his experiences, such as the importance of perseverance and not giving up even when faced with challenges. Overall, the speaker's story highlights the power of staying open to new experiences and the potential rewards that can come from taking unexpected paths.
Defeat at a young age shaped his perspective: Realizing identity isn't tied to athletic achievements brought peace and focus for future competitions
Experiencing defeat in a major competition at a young age helped shape this individual's perspective and focus in life. He realized that his identity should not be tied to his athletic achievements, but rather in his faith and the talents given to him by God. This realization brought him peace and relief from the pressure to constantly win. The disappointment of finishing second in a public competition lit a fire within him to work harder and improve for future competitions. He couldn't focus on just one competitor, as the field was tight with several contenders. This experience taught him the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective and not letting athletic success define him.
The cost of having an all-consuming goal: Pursuing a singular goal relentlessly can lead to sacrifices in relationships and personal well-being. Balance and prioritizing relationships are crucial for overall happiness and fulfillment.
Having a singular, all-consuming goal, such as winning the CrossFit Games every day, can come at the cost of relationships and personal well-being. The speaker shares his experience of dedicating every waking hour to training for six years, missing out on family time and neglecting sleep. He now values being a father and husband first and only competes for his team. He acknowledges that while those years were filled with hard work and great camaraderie, looking back, he realizes some aspects were not the smartest choices. He misses the intensity and focus of those days but recognizes the importance of balance and prioritizing relationships.
Listening to one's body during athletic pursuits: Ignoring injuries can lead to further complications, listen to your body and seek proper medical attention
Despite the high-risk nature of his athletic pursuits, the speaker has had relatively few major injuries over the course of his 10-year career. However, when he did sustain an injury, it was a broken ankle from a rope climb, which required significant time and attention for recovery. Another injury was a torn meniscus, which he tried to push through despite warnings from medical professionals, ultimately leading to further complications. The speaker's experiences highlight the importance of listening to one's body and seeking proper medical attention when needed.
Overcoming Meniscus Injuries in CrossFit: Despite injuries, determination and the right treatment can lead to a successful CrossFit journey, as one athlete's experience with meniscus injuries and strain counterstrain therapy demonstrates. CrossFit's growth as a global sport continues to impress.
Even with significant injuries, determination and finding the right treatment can lead to a successful CrossFit journey. The speaker shares his experience of dealing with meniscus injuries, trying various treatments, and eventually finding relief through strain counterstrain therapy. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he continued competing for four consecutive years and eventually reached 95% recovery. CrossFit has grown exponentially over the last decade, becoming a global sport, and the recent changes and the 2022 Games in Madison were particularly impressive.
Changes in CrossFit Games format: Individuals can now qualify for the CrossFit Games through the Open, while teams still need to win a Sectional event. Approx. 330 athletes are expected to attend, and CrossFit has cut all Games media.
The CrossFit Games competition format has undergone significant changes this year. Previously, athletes had to qualify through regionals to advance to the Games. Now, individuals can qualify through the Open, with the top 20 individuals, as well as winners of Sanctional events, receiving invitations. Teams, however, still need to win a Sectional event to qualify. The number of athletes attending the Games has also increased significantly, with approximately 330 individuals expected to attend. CrossFit has also cut all Games media, relying on external publications for coverage. These changes reflect CrossFit's shift towards a greater focus on health and accessibility, as opposed to the competitive aspect of the Games. Despite some frustration, it's important to remember that the CrossFit Games are just a showcase of what the community can do, and the real essence of CrossFit lies in the community, gyms, and affiliates.
Changes in the CrossFit community: Despite uncertainty in the CrossFit community, individuals with a strong mindset, shaped by a focus on hard work and competition, remain determined and adaptable.
The CrossFit community is currently experiencing significant changes, with the sudden removal of the CrossFit HQ presence on Instagram and Facebook due to privacy issues, leaving many feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future of the CrossFit Games and other media platforms. The lack of clear communication from CrossFit's leadership has added to the confusion. Despite this, some individuals, like the speaker, have developed mental toughness and resilience through a lifetime of competition and hard work, which they believe helps them navigate such challenging situations. The speaker's upbringing, with parents who emphasized hard work and competition, and a high school baseball coach who focused on mental toughness, played a role in shaping their mindset. The current situation in the CrossFit community is uncertain and resembles the Wild West, but the speaker remains determined and adaptable.
Mental toughness and past experiences contribute to handling pressure: Maintain focus through faith, learn from past experiences, and adapt to competition strategies for success. Mental and physical preparation key.
Mental toughness and a mix of various experiences contributed to the interviewee's ability to handle pressure during competitive events. The interviewee emphasized the importance of having a strong support system, maintaining focus through faith, and learning from past experiences. They also mentioned the importance of recognizing the strategic aspects of competition and making adjustments as needed. Ultimately, the interviewee's success came from a combination of mental and physical preparation, as well as the ability to adapt and respond to the unique challenges of each competition.
Enjoying the process leads to optimal performance: Embracing competition and enjoying the process are crucial for optimal performance. Understanding how different workouts complement each other in training is also important.
Having fun and enjoying the process is crucial for optimal performance. The speaker shares an experience where his wife encouraged him to leave a competition because he wasn't having fun, leading him to realize that he performs best when he enjoys what he's doing. He also mentions how his nerves used to build up before competitions but now disappears once the event begins. The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing the competitive nature and being present in the moment during the event. Additionally, he learned early on the importance of understanding how different workouts complement each other in his training regimen.
Embracing Pain for Growth: Pain is a necessary part of growth, whether physical or mental. Seeing discomfort as an opportunity for improvement can lead to personal development.
Pain is an essential part of growth, whether it's physical or mental. The speaker shares his personal experience of embracing pain during workouts, seeing it as a necessary step towards improvement. He also relates this idea to other areas of life, emphasizing that discomfort and challenges are opportunities for growth. The speaker acknowledges that not everyone may share his perspective and finds it hard to relate to those who don't seek out pain. Ultimately, he believes his competitive nature and desire to win drive him to embrace painful experiences.
Opposites Attract: Finding Love in Unexpected Places: Differences don't hinder a relationship when both partners offer unwavering support and understanding
Opposites can attract and build a strong, supportive relationship. The speaker met his wife when they were both getting their hair cut and fresh out of long, miserable relationships. He was a jerk to her initially, but she persisted and eventually won him over. They have different interests and hobbies, but they fully support each other in their pursuits. The speaker's wife has always been his biggest fan, even when it comes to his expensive hobby of CrossFit. Despite their differences, they have faced challenges together, such as infertility and adoption, and have three adopted children. Through their journey, the speaker has learned that unwavering support and understanding are key to a successful and loving relationship.
Resilience and compassion go hand in hand: Even in the face of personal struggles, one can offer kindness and understanding to others
Resilience and compassion go hand in hand. The woman described in this conversation is a testament to that. Despite facing numerous setbacks in her own journey to start a family, she remained caring and supportive towards others going through similar experiences. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of disappointment and heartache, one can offer kindness and understanding to those around them. The couple's plan to have three biological children and one adopted one eventually led them to adoption after facing fertility issues. The experience of adopting their first child was filled with uncertainty and anxiety, but ultimately resulted in the birth of their daughter Lakeland. Through it all, the woman's unwavering compassion for others shone through, making her an inspiring figure.
A Father's Love for Adopted Children: Despite challenges, a couple's love for their adopted children remains unwavering, providing them with a loving home and family.
Love knows no bounds. The speaker shares his experience of adopting three children, including during the CrossFit Games, and expresses that his love for them is the same as if they were his biological children. The journey to adopt Trice was particularly challenging, with failed adoptions and a last-minute call to pick him up from the hospital. Despite the difficulties, the speaker and his wife were determined to provide a loving home for their children, including Violet, who is Lakeland's biological half-sister. The experience of adoption has brought joy and challenges to their family, but the love they have for their children is unwavering.
The Impact of Loved Ones on Personal Growth and Success: Loved ones, such as spouses and teammates, have a profound impact on personal growth and success. Their support and influence can provide motivation, joy, and a sense of grounding during challenging times. Children also have a significant impact on their parents' actions and personal growth.
The support and influence of loved ones, whether it be a spouse or teammates, significantly impacts an individual's personal growth and success. The speaker shares how his wife's grounding presence helped him during his competitive years in CrossFit, and how the camaraderie of a team brings an added layer of joy and motivation to achieving goals. The speaker also mentions the unexpected impact children have on their parents' actions and the importance of being mindful of their influence. Additionally, the speaker reflects on the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than external validation, as demonstrated by his wife's unwavering support and belief in his worth beyond his athletic achievements.
Enjoy fitness, build foundation in childhood, and embrace community: Fitness should bring joy, childhood activities foster athleticism, and community support is essential
Fitness should be a source of enjoyment and stress relief rather than an obsession that negatively impacts other areas of life. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of participating in various sports and activities during childhood to build a strong foundation for athleticism and adaptability. Lastly, the community aspect of fitness, particularly CrossFit, should not be overlooked as it provides a supportive network of individuals who share similar goals and experiences. Reflecting on one's life's three truths, the speaker values their faith and the impact it has had on their journey, as well as the lessons they have imparted on their children.
Values family over fame and fortune: This individual prioritizes being a good dad and husband, maintaining authenticity in personal social media, and values consistency and good relationships, even if it means sacrificing fame and fortune.
The importance of being present and caring for one's family is a top priority for this individual, even if it means sacrificing fame and fortune. He values consistency and good relationships, and acknowledges the importance of having people who hold him accountable. He wants to be remembered as a good dad and husband, and strives to maintain authenticity in his personal social media presence. The individual also has a book and a movie based on his life called "Froning." Despite his success in the CrossFit world, he prioritizes his family and values the relationships and support system around him.
Emphasizing Presence in Every Role: CrossFit athlete Rich Froning encourages being fully present in every aspect of life, from parenting to being a world-class athlete, and not getting too distracted by external pressures or social media.
CrossFit athlete Rich Froning emphasizes the importance of being present in every aspect of life, whether it be as a parent, a worker, or a world-class athlete. He encourages being fully engaged in each role and not getting too caught up in the distractions of social media and external pressures. Froning also highlighted the upcoming CrossFit Games and encouraged support for his team, CrossFit Mayhem Freedom. He shared his definition of greatness as being present wherever you are and appreciating the unique contributions of others. Overall, Froning's humility, gratitude, and commitment to excellence were inspiring. Make sure to check out the CrossFit Mayhem Freedom team and Rich Froning at the CrossFit Games. Stay connected with Lewis House on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Spotify, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts for more inspiring conversations with world-class individuals.
Being a champion goes beyond just winning: Dedication, hard work, and preparation define a champion. Share positivity and inspire greatness in others.
Being a champion goes beyond just winning an event. It's about the dedication, hard work, and preparation put in beforehand that truly defines a champion. We can all be champions in our own lives by spreading positivity and sharing great experiences with others. Leaving a review or rating, sharing on social media, or reaching out to a friend are simple ways to make a difference. T. Allen Armstrong's words remind us that the demonstration of championship character is in the hours, weeks, months, and years of preparation. So, let's be champions in our own lives and inspire greatness in others. Share your positivity and encourage those around you to do the same. Together, we can make a difference.
