Reflecting on the Spring Strength Cycle
Halfway There!
Halfway through a Strength Cycle and running the Goon 100. At MidState CrossFit, we—the coaching staff—are in the program no different than all of our athletes. Right now, today (Wednesday the 23rd), we are essentially smack dab in the middle of our Spring Strength cycle. A season of growth, renewal, and fresh momentum.
A Personal Reflection
Cutting out alcohol has made a real difference in my recovery. I’m sleeping better, bouncing back quicker, and feeling more dialed in. There’s actual data to support this—studies have shown that alcohol after training can increase muscle damage and slow down recovery. Additionally my mindset, mood swings, and physique have all had positive transformations proving yet again that nutrition is the base of the CrossFit pyramid.
All this running hasn’t wrecked my strength. I was curious (and honestly a little skeptical), but adding in more endurance work hasn’t pulled my lifts down. There’s even research showing you can build both, side by side, without sacrificing gains. James Wilke is impressed so that means I am impressed. I have a long way to go still to reach 100! Join me for an afternoon 5K around Bear Creek anyone?!
Consistency beats ego—every time. It’s easy to chase big numbers, but the athletes who show up, move well, and train with purpose are the ones making the most progress. That lines up with the basics of progressive overload: small, steady steps forward win out over random intensity.
Reflecting On A Conversation
Some of our newer athletes are on the verge of unleashing numbers that will redefine what they thought was possible—and watching that unfold is nothing short of electric. As we move into higher loading and decreased total volume on our strength training days, we want to express how essential it is to not sacrifice form for the sake of the number on the barbell.
I was talking with Cesar—an OG MidState athlete and good friend—and we shared a sentiment I think is worth passing along to the community. It’s the idea of not giving up ground to Father Time. Eventually, lifetime personal records are set and never broken again. That’s what makes them records. Cesar and I have been training together for 10 years now. We’re a decade older, a decade wiser. We’re busy adults with our priorities in order. Our responsibilities have grown, and so have our perspectives.
Our bodies are still strong, still capable, but not the same as they were ten years ago. And that’s okay. If we hit a PR—hell yeah, we are celebrating! But if, at the end of this cycle, we find that we’re still working at the higher percentages of our known maxes, moving with precision and control—that’s the win. That tells us our fitness has held the line. Our health curve is still bending in the right direction.
Call To Action
As we head into the second half of the Spring Strength Cycle, remember: don’t rush the process. There’s time. Focus on mechanics first, stay consistent, and layer in intensity with intention. Train hard. Move well. Strength isn’t just about chasing numbers—it’s about building a foundation for lifelong fitness, protecting your health, and increasing your quality of life through the daily work that keeps chronic disease at bay.
