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, athlete IQ, and how to navigate prep during the Open.

We also get into:

• Why Quarterfinals returning is a big deal for the sport
• The in-person semifinal structure debate
• Movement patterns that consistently show up
• How to approach redos and stress during Open season
• What makes comp prep different from standard phase training
• Sprintervals, in-WOD lifting, and why stimulus is king

If you're aiming for Quarterfinals, chasing Semifinals, or just want to understand how to think like a competitive athlete for the next six weeks, this episode lays it out clearly and practically.

Quarterfinals peaking phase begins February 16th. Execution starts now.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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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, not heart rate, and what that really means
• Simple ways to tell if you’re accidentally living in Zone 1 or drifting into Zone 3
• How Zone 2 builds aerobic capacity, mitochondrial density, fat oxidation, and long-term work capacity
• Who truly needs Zone 2 (and how much), based on training volume and aerobic background
• How Misfit uses Zone 2 to increase volume without crushing athletes during high-stress phases
• Real-world execution tips: pacing, warm-ups, warning signs, and how to track progress

The episode also includes a camp recap from a weekend at CrossFit Roots, highlighting high-level coaching, athlete breakthroughs, and why staying a student of the game matters, no matter how long you’ve been in fitness.

If you’re a CrossFit enthusiast who “knows enough to be dangerous,” this one’s for you. Expect practical takeaways, honest nuance, and zero dogma, just how to use Zone 2 as a tool instead of a trend.

Train smarter. Build the base. And stop guessing.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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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.

They unpack:

• What the Open is really testing (and why fitness still reigns supreme)
• The most common movements and workout formats you should expect
• How to approach strategy vs. effort, when to push, when to stay smooth
• Why grip strength, pulling gymnastics, overhead stability, and leg drive are non-negotiables
• The difference between training and practicing
• How to use Open simulations to build confidence, sharpen execution, and uncover weaknesses
• The role of objectivity, data, and self-awareness in leveling up as an athlete
• Why “going hard” isn’t always the same as performing well

They also dive into mindset, flow state, community, and how to reverse-engineer competitive success, plus their usual Read / Listen / Watch recommendations and updates from inside Misfit Athletics.

Whether you’re chasing leaderboard spots or just looking to show up better than last year, this episode gives you a clear framework for attacking the Open with purpose.

Let’s get to work.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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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 legendary “Mad Jack” Churchill — a true jack-of-all-trades. The crew dives into how affiliates can best prepare athletes for Open season, from coaching heavy squat cleans and front squats to managing gymnastics progressions, cardio days, and movement efficiency in real-world class settings.

They also cover:

• How to coach front squats and squat cleans more effectively
• Teaching gymnastics to mixed-ability classes
• Scaling bar muscle-ups for large affiliate groups
• Why monostructural conditioning still matters (even when it’s not “fun”)
• How to communicate Open strategy to different athlete personalities
• Keeping coaches aligned across large staffs
• Creating better buy-in and consistency during Open season

Whether you’re an affiliate owner, coach, or athlete, this episode offers practical insight into smarter programming, better coaching communication, and how to help your community thrive during the Open.

Mad Jack Phase starts Monday, January 26th.
Get in the Telegram, grab your free trial, and sharpen the axe (or sword 😈🗡️)

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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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 over-analysis, when work ethic becomes a liability, and how to trust the process without losing self-awareness.

You’ll hear practical advice on nutrition, recovery, and long-term progression, plus insights for affiliate athletes looking to improve their health beyond just “working out.” The episode wraps with tips on skill development (including handstand walks and bar muscle-ups) and a reminder that consistency beats intensity when it comes to real progress.

Whether you’re training for competition, getting back into functional fitness, or just trying to move better and feel stronger, this episode delivers actionable guidance with Misfit’s trademark honesty and edge.

Topics covered:

• Pacing vs. gamifying workouts
• How to integrate qualifiers into training
• The value of competition exposure
• Over-analysis, self-regulation, and trusting the process
• Work ethic vs. burnout
• Nutrition basics for performance & body composition
• Skill progression for gymnastics movements
• Building long-term fitness habits

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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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 dangerous gray area of “throwing down” too often

This conversation is part philosophy, part practical coaching clinic—covering everything from AMRAP math and baseline tests to why intensity without intention kills adaptation.

Whether you’re prepping for the Open, Quarterfinals, or just want to train smarter without burning out, this episode will change how you approach your workouts.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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https://misfitathletics.fitr.training/t/misfitathletics/

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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 role of accessory work, volume, and repetition
• Why buying into the narrative of Open Prep actually matters

This episode is part programming breakdown, part coaching philosophy — and a reminder that execution, not just fitness, determines results.

If you’re heading into the Open, Quarterfinals, or just want to train with more intention, this is required listening.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

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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 truth is the same:
It’s always going to be hard.
It just doesn’t have to be start–stop hard.

In this episode, I unpack:

• Why jumping from “bus stop to bus stop” kills long-term progress
• How dopamine, beginner gains, and shiny objects keep us stuck
• Why staying on the path is harder, and why that’s the point
• How to use past consistency as proof you can stay the course again

If you want to enjoy the view, you’ve got to keep climbing.
Log the hours. Stay on the path.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

Join your fellow Misfits on Telegram, today! It's Free! https://t.me/+4jt4uAMmtFA5NGQ5

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