Misfit Athletics provides information and programming to competitive Crossfit athletes of all levels.
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Phase 1: Basecamp marks the start of the next evolution of Misfit Affiliate. Drew, Hunter, and Paige break down the seven-week phase, including front squats, toes-to-bar, running, and daily conditioning, before digging into the new workout leveling and class plans designed to give coaches more structure without taking the coaching out of their hands. They also explain why Basecamp fits the moment:…
Drew and Paige break down all 20 events from the 2026 CrossFit Games, examining the movement selection, time domains, workload, strategy, and historical callbacks that shaped the competition. They discuss which events delivered as tests and spectacles, what the programming reveals about the evolution of elite CrossFit athletes, and how accumulated fatigue, adaptability, athlete IQ, mental…
Makenna Enslin-Mell joins the podcast to talk about the two injuries that brought her competitive seasons to an abrupt stop, the identity shift that followed, and what it means to keep showing up when training no longer looks the way it used to. Makenna, Paige, and Drew discuss the emotional reality of injury, rebuilding trust in your body, finding purpose in rehab, and maintaining an athlete…
The 2027 Misfit Athletics season begins July 27 with Phase Zero. Drew and Paige break down the five-week baseline testing phase, how to prioritize the 25 mandatory tests, when to establish new training maxes, and why this is the perfect time to increase your Zone 2 volume. They also explain how athletes should use their results to identify weaknesses, improve athlete IQ, practice competing, and…
In this coach-focused Q&A, Drew and Paige answer questions submitted by Misfit Athletics apprenticeship applicants and pull back the curtain on coaching, competing, programming, and the future of Misfit. They discuss why some athletes continue progressing while others disappear, how old-school CrossFit intensity compares to modern training, the importance of athlete IQ, and why more training is…
Getting stronger in CrossFit sounds simple: lift weights, add load, repeat. But athletes rarely get stuck for the same reason. In this episode, Drew and Paige break down four common strength archetypes we see in competitive CrossFit athletes: the GPP monster who hopes the barbell stays light, the naturally strong athlete who moves poorly, the one-rep-max strong athlete who can’t express it in…
Kenzie Riley is back on the Misfit Podcast to talk about the messy middle between being all-in and being done. She joins Drew and Paige to unpack her return to the Masters competition season, the realities of training inside a packed life, motherhood, imposter syndrome, and why the competitive fire does not disappear just because priorities change. From technical difficulties and bike cool-downs…
In this episode, Drew sits down with Paige Semenza and Hunter Wood to break down The Compound Part 2 , Misfit Affiliate’s next seven-week training phase. The crew walks through the bigger picture behind the phase, including heavy back squats and overhead pressing, strict pulling, intentional conditioning, continued running, and the return of Engine Class Sundays. They also dig into the why behind…
What actually makes someone "fit" in CrossFit? In this episode, Drew and Paige break down the four components of monostructural conditioning and explain how they work together to build a complete engine. From Zone 2 foundations and aerobic capacity to anaerobic repeatability and power output, they explore how athletes can identify weaknesses, structure their training, and execute conditioning…
For years, Kyle Moline was just like a lot of Misfit athletes. He showed up, worked hard, chased progress, and slowly fell in love with the process. Fast forward to 2026 and Kyle found himself competing alongside Games veterans at the NorCal Classic in his first individual semifinal appearance. On this episode, Kyle joins Drew and Paige to talk about his journey from Division I swimmer to CrossFit…
Offseason Block 2 starts Monday, June 9. In this special programming deep dive, Drew and Paige break down the structure, intent, and athlete decision-making behind the second offseason phase of the year. The focus is on helping athletes choose between a strength bias, conditioning bias, or hybrid approach based on their current weaknesses, goals, and training history. Topics include: How to decide…
Episode 400 of the Misfit Podcast is here, and Drew and Paige celebrate the milestone by diving deep into one of the most misunderstood areas of CrossFit: pressing gymnastics. From wall walks and handstand push-ups to handstand walking, they break down the difference between chasing skills and actually building the strength, stability, and positioning required to sustain them in competition. The…
What does it actually take to get better at gymnastics in CrossFit? In Part 1 of this series, Drew and Paige Semenza break down pulling gymnastics through the lens of the sport—not traditional gymnastics, not random drills from Instagram… but the movements that actually show up in the Open, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the CrossFit Games. Inside this episode: Why your GPP may be the biggest…
This one has a little bit of everything. Drew and Paige break down the newly released Age Group Semifinals workouts, what they like, what has them scratching their heads, and what Misfit athletes should be thinking heading into competition weekend. They also recap two huge weekends at Magic City Throwdown and Del Mar , including Paige’s first experience coaching an athlete on the semifinal floor,…
The 2026–2027 Misfit Affiliate season starts now. In this episode, we break down Compound P.1 , the first phase of the new training year, and the foundation everything else will be built on. We get into the structure of the phase, the thought process behind it, and how to communicate it to your coaching staff and members so you actually get buy-in. From heavy deadlift and bench progressions, to…
In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige break down accessory work for CrossFit athletes from the ground up. They define what accessory work actually is (and what it isn’t), then go deep on how Misfit programs it, how it should be executed, and why most athletes either misuse it or skip it entirely. From primary vs. secondary accessory structure to the concept of “runway,” this…
Dive into the evolution of precision pacing with the newly updated Gears Matrix 2.0, a game-changing tool developed through 11 years of coaching data and countless athlete testing cycles. This episode unveils the comprehensive framework that has revolutionized how competitive CrossFit athletes approach machine-based conditioning. The Gears Matrix organizes training intensity into eight distinct…
A breakdown of Misfit’s upcoming Off-Season Block 1, including how to structure your training, choose between strength or conditioning bias, and execute with purpose to build toward the 2027 season. The episode also covers common athlete mistakes, the importance of athlete IQ, and how consistent, intentional work now sets the foundation for long-term progress. Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this…
Quarterfinals exposed everything. We break down the programming, what actually mattered, and where things missed the mark. More importantly, we talk about what to do next. How to identify your outliers, adjust your training, and stop letting weaknesses drag your progress. If you’re trying to get better, this is the conversation that matters.…
On today’s episode, Drew and Paige break down the 2026 Open and look ahead to Quarterfinals. They recap the Open as data. What mattered, what didn’t, and what athletes should take away. Then they give initial reactions to the Quarterfinal workouts, including where athletes can gain or lose ground. They also touch on common mistakes and overcomplicating strategy. If you are competing, this will…
Drew and Paige break down CrossFit Open 26.2 , analyze what separated top performances from the rest of the field, and discuss the real demands of the workout—from pulling endurance and midline fatigue to athlete IQ and pacing mistakes. They also react live to the 26.3 Open announcement , offering immediate strategy insights, movement breakdowns, and coaching tips for approaching the workout…
The new Misfit Affiliate “Rushmore” phase kicks off Monday, March 16, and in this episode, Drew, Hunter, and Paige break down exactly what athletes and affiliates can expect over the next seven weeks. From weekly benchmarks and heavy-lift days to the philosophy behind GPP-focused programming, the crew explains why this phase is designed to build real, lasting fitness rather than just chase one-off…
Episode 262: 26.1 Recap + Live Reaction to the 26.2 Announcement In this special live-style episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige break down CrossFit Open 26.1 , discuss strategy mistakes and lessons learned, and react in real time to the 26.2 Open workout announcement . Along the way they dive into pacing strategies, gymnastics fatigue, and how to approach the workout whether you're…
The 2026 CrossFit Games season is officially here. In this ultra-special edition of The Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige go live for the 26.1 Open announcement and break down everything you need to know — stimulus, strategy, pacing mistakes, movement efficiency, warm-up flow, priming, transitions, and post-workout recovery. This episode is more than a workout recap. It’s a masterclass in athlete IQ.…
What does it actually take to level up in CrossFit? From Open athlete… to Quarterfinals… to Semifinals… and beyond. We break down the 2024 season workout by workout to expose what really separates levels. Spoiler: it’s not just your muscle-ups. In this episode we cover: • Why GPP is the foundation for everything • Movement efficiency vs. movement obsession • How pacing mistakes end seasons • The…
Quarterfinals are back, and we’re breaking down exactly what that means for you. In this episode, we dive into what to expect from the 2026 Quarterfinals based on past data, how to prepare (whether you're following Misfit programming or not), and how we structure our Quarterfinals peaking phase to maximize execution and intensity. We cover volume distribution, workout styles, movement trends,…
Zone 2 training is back, and this time, we’re cutting through the noise. In this episode of the The Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige break down what Zone 2 actually is (and what it isn’t), why it’s so misunderstood in the CrossFit space, and how Misfit Athletics practically applies it with everyday athletes all the way up to elite competitors. You’ll learn: Why Zone 2 is defined by blood lactate ,…
The CrossFit Open is almost here, and in this episode, Drew and Paige go deep on what actually matters when it comes to performing your best. This isn’t just another Open preview. It’s a practical breakdown of how to think about the Open: pacing, athlete IQ, movement efficiency, and why the Open matters no matter where you fall on the competitive spectrum — from first-timers to Games hopefuls.…
In this special Affiliate Edition of The Misfit Podcast , Drew is joined by Hunter Wood (Misfit Gym Portland owner) and Paige Semenza to break down everything coaches and affiliates need to know as the Mad Jack Phase kicks off — just in time for the CrossFit Open. This seven-week General Physical Preparedness (GPP) phase is built around versatility, strength, and adaptability, inspired by the…
In this Q&A-packed episode of The Misfit Podcast , Drew and Paige answer questions straight from the Misfit community—starting with Telegram, then social media, and beyond. They dive into how to balance training with online qualifiers, when Zone 2 work actually matters, and why competition exposure is essential at every stage of an athlete’s journey. The conversation also covers mindset traps like…
Testing. Training. Competing. They sound interchangeable—but confusing them is one of the fastest ways to stall your progress. In this episode of The Misfit Podcast , Drew and Paige break down: What testing , training , and competing actually are Why each one exists (and when it doesn’t ) How ego, pacing, and athlete IQ derail results How to use data, RPE, and strategy to actually get better The…
In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige walk through Open Prep / Phase 3 — what it is, why it’s structured the way it is, and how athletes should actually execute it. They cover: How to choose the right program and track Why stimulus matters more than chasing scores How to use gears, instructions, and athlete IQ properly Mandatory vs non-mandatory work (and how to personalize) The…
This week’s Misfit Mind is a reminder that progress isn’t found in novelty, it’s found in consistency. Inspired by a quote from investor Howard Marks, this episode breaks down the trap of constantly starting over: new programs, new routines, new plans, all chasing the feeling that this one will finally be different. Whether we’re talking about training, business, relationships, or life, the hard…
In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige unpack why most people struggle to change — even when they want to — and why motivation alone almost always fails. Using the Tiny Habits framework, they talk through: Why starting smaller actually leads to bigger results How identity changes before outcomes do The role of trust, reassurance, and celebration in behavior change Why “helping”…
In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew takes a deeper dive into this week’s Misfit Mind post through the lens of Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse. Most people don’t fail from lack of effort. They fail because they need the work to end. Using examples from training, sport, business, and creative work, this episode explores the difference between playing to win and playing to…
In Episode 379, Drew sits down with Paige Semenza to unpack one of the most challenging seasons of her career — a year defined by injuries, travel, overlapping competitions, and hard decisions. They talk candidly about: The hidden cost of chasing every opportunity Why skipping competitions can be harder than showing up How narrative and identity shape performance Finding the “sweet spot” between…
We launch a short-form Misfit Mind and dig into why chasing approval undermines progress, while building substance creates steady gains. From blue-collar brilliance to gym vanity traps, we argue for identity over image and community over novelty. • optics versus substance across upbringing and training • why skills and gear can’t replace GPP • the emotional cost of keeping up appearances • program…
We lay out a seven-week “stimulus bomb” phase that aligns coaches and members around five by five back squats, pulling gymnastics, and a smart rowing bias, all aimed at real adaptation and Open readiness. We explain the why, show how to coach it, and offer flexible tools for holidays, engine work, and competitors. • Five by five back squats as the universal strength driver • Coaching neutral…
A stronger engine won’t save a weak strategy. We unpack the Athlete IQ triangle—mind, body, and experience—and show how smarter decisions, realistic expectations, and consistent recovery convert raw fitness into reliable performance. We start with the mind: maturity built from tiny habits, patience to trust the timeline, expectations that stretch without delusion, and dedication that actually fits…
We announce a sponsor we chased for over a year, outline programming changes that bring back quarterfinals prep and a five-week peak, and share big life updates: Hunter takes ownership of Misfit Gym Portland while Drew moves to Colorado to double down on Misfit Athletics. The theme is alignment—letting each of us lead where we create the most impact. • why most supplement deals are bad value and…
What if the secret to leveling up this season isn’t a new cycle, but the courage to keep showing up when everything says stay home? We call it monsoon season: the messy middle when daylight fades, holidays crowd the calendar, and motivation leaks. The athletes who keep climbing the leaderboard aren’t chasing hacks; they’re mastering simple behaviors done relentlessly and refining how they think…
We map the full Phase Two plan and explain how to pick the right track, set clear priorities, and train with intent through the toughest stretch of the year. From squat clean peaking and volume squats to Echo Bike zone two and muscle-up progressions, we show how to build a season-proof base. • choosing between Pro, Hatchet, Masters and GPP • variable training system and what is mandatory vs…
Most athletes don’t lose because they’re undertrained; they lose because their systems fail when it counts. We unpack a full, practical framework for competition prep and execution that turns hard-earned fitness into points on the leaderboard. From building a “maturity meter” through daily habits to knowing exactly when to chase threshold and when to game a Metcon, you’ll get a clear plan you can…
We lay out the Montezuma phase and show how deadlifts and wall walks, paired with smart cardio and GPP rotations, build a sturdy trunk and a stronger culture. We share why narratives matter, how PAP and reset deadlifts teach bracing, and how wall walks outperform handstand walking for GPP. • Montezuma phase theme of midline and posterior chain • Deadlift heavy days with PAP and reset mechanics •…
We lay out a simple matrix to fix pulling and pressing gymnastics: audit, plan, execute across mobility, stability, strict work, low-rep checks, capacity, intervals, and metcons. Coaches get a system to diagnose and program; athletes get clear steps that trade ego for durable skill. • moving community chat from Discord to Telegram • early-bird camp at CrossFit Roots announced • why practice hard…
The season just got sharper. Quarterfinals are back, the pathway is clearer, and the middle tier finally means something again. We break down how the top 25% advance from the Open and why landing inside the top 2,000 in Quarterfinals is the new threshold for Semifinal eligibility. Beyond the headlines, we talk about what this structure does for real athletes who need meaningful checkpoints, not…
Ever wonder why some athletes crumble under pressure while others seem to thrive? The difference often isn't talent or even preparation—it's confidence. But not the shallow, Instagram-quote variety. We're talking about the deep, unshakeable confidence that comes from understanding exactly who you are and what you're capable of. In this revealing conversation, we break down the five essential steps…
Does pushing your fitness to the extreme eventually circle back to poor health? How do elite athletes train through injuries and still perform at their best? When does scaling a workout become self-sabotage? The Misfit Athletics podcast tackles these thought-provoking questions and more in this comprehensive Q&A episode. Drawing from their experience coaching Games-level athletes, the hosts share…
Dive into the evolution of precision pacing with the newly updated Gears Matrix 2.0, a game-changing tool developed through 11 years of coaching data and countless athlete testing cycles. This episode unveils the comprehensive framework that has revolutionized how competitive CrossFit athletes approach machine-based conditioning. The Gears Matrix organizes training intensity into eight distinct…
The 2026 season kicks off with Arkham Phase, a meticulously designed training cycle that builds on summer programming while introducing new movement biases to create well-rounded CrossFit athletes. Drew and Hunter dive deep into the front squat and squat clean focus of this phase, explaining how these movements represent a logical progression from the deadlift and back squat work of previous…