Sometimes we get so caught up in the numbers game that we forget about why we are training. We get so focused on hitting a specific weight, doing a WOD as prescribed, or beating someone's time that we lose focus and use unsound or unsafe technique, use a weight that is more than we can handle, or scale inappropriately just to get a better time. All of these things will blunt the training effect and ultimately undermine your fitness. It is important to remember that we are all here to improve our own levels of fitness. Don't get me wrong, competition is good. It drives us to work harder and pushes us to our limits. But when this competition starts affecting the quality of our training, then it is time to step back and refocus.
We are striving for virtuosity in our movements. Remember that it is technique, consistency, and then intensity...in that order. You should not be trying to go heavier or go faster until you are proficient with the movement and can perform it well across repetitions. If that means that you need to scale a movement or weight, then do it. If it means settling for a lesser weight rather than risking injury while pursuing a PR, then that's just being smart. There is no shame in it and you will ultimately be a better athlete for it.
So let's check our egos at the door....and train hard but train smart.
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