Transitioning to the Master’s Category in CrossFit
By: Tiffany Ammerman and Megan Ruble
Transitioning to the Master’s category in CrossFit brings unique challenges and opportunities-especially as a young Masters athlete. As athletes age, they must adapt their training and mindset to maintain peak performance and health. In this article we talk to athlete Megan Ruble as she explains her personal experiences and insights into navigating this transition, highlighting the mental and physical adjustments required, the importance of recovery, and the support systems that keep her motivated.
How did your mindset change when you transitioned to the Master’s category in CrossFit?
So I never was really in the regular divisions before Master’s. I started CrossFit 3.5 years ago and I was already on the cusp of being a Master’s Athlete in the first place, so I decided to start the Master’s Programming with Invictus rather than doing the Athlete Programming for one year and then transitioning over.
What are some mental and physical adjustments you had to make as you entered the Master’s division?
Mentally, I always have to remind myself that everything is a process, a marathon if you will, with your physical fitness and lifestyle. Nothing comes easily and quickly.
Physically, I have to be mindful of my previous injuries that like to creep up if I’m being careless and trying to push when it’s not necessary. Considering that I’m a Certified Athletic Trainer and I handle injured Athletes all day I have to remind myself that recovery, preventative therapeutic rehabilitation, and treatment is key to prevent my injuries from flaring up.
How do you stay motivated and maintain a competitive edge as a Master’s athlete?
Surprisingly people from the local box think I’m nuts that I can workout at home or in my school’s weight room by myself. I think it’s just the focus and drive to complete the task at hand or specific movement/skill that allows me to stay motivated. Also good music always keeps the motivation high
What role does recovery and injury prevention play in your training now compared to when you were younger?
As an Athletic Trainer it’s usually always lingering in the back of my mind that I have to recover and I need to keep myself as injury free as possible. I already have to take athlete’s through rehab protocols for their injuries and also educate them on proper technique, recovery, nutrition, and all the other things so it’s always around telling me that I need to do the same. Since starting CrossFit recovery has been much more crucial than before. I’ve taken more time to work mobility pre and post workout, cold plunge has come in clutch so many times it’s unreal, and also doing injury prevention protocols on myself from work has definitely helped me stay ahead of the game.
How has your approach to goal setting and competition evolved as you’ve become a Master’s athlete?
I feel like I have goals and I have some sort of timeline for them, but I don’t always follow that timeline because I know there are many factors that can impede me from achieving those goals (time, work, life, nutrition, sleep, etc). I try to focus on one goal for as long as possible before I may have to change to a different one because something out of my control is impeding me from continuing on.
As far as competition, besides doing the Open I have never competed. But I am competing in my first team comp at the end of the month and I am super stoked about it. I guess I will have goals after the comp is over that I can work on for the next one whenever that will be.
Can you describe a typical week of training for you? How does it differ from when you were in a younger age division?
A typical training week consists of following the Invictus Master’s programming as best as possible with what equipment I have in my garage or in the weight room. There are many times I may only get the strength portion done just because of time purposes, but I try my best to get the strength and workout in. If I’m feeling froggy I’ll do the accessory work. I think time gets in the way because I video everything so I can review and critique my work and also see what Nichole has to say.
What advice would you give to other athletes who are transitioning into the Master’s category?
Transitioning to the Master’s Category doesn’t mean you are old. I 100% believe that I’m not old and I don’t let anyone tell me that I am at 37 years young. Keep grinding and make the younger athletes question whether you are a Master’s Athlete or not.
What support systems do you rely on to keep you motivated and on track with your goals?
The Invictus Master’s Community in the FB Group and also the members at the local box. The members at the box think I’m some amazing athlete and I keep telling them otherwise as there are much better athletes than I; I’m just a mere mortal. The Invictus Master’s Community keep the vibes high and because we support one another it keeps all of our motivation to continue to improve and slay away at our fitness and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Transitioning to the Master’s category in CrossFit can sometimes be daunting and often, as athletes, it requires mental resilience, physical adaptability, and a strong support network. By embracing the changes and leveraging resources like Invictus Master’s Programming, athletes can continue to thrive and achieve their fitness goals at any age. Stay motivated, stay active, and keep proving that age is just a number!
Ready to join our Invictus Masters community and take your fitness to the next level? Click here to join today!
