Younger brothers look up to older brothers.

 

Alec Smith is no exception.

 

Every year since 2009, Alec, now 22, has watched his older brother compete at the CrossFit Games from the stands.

 

For the past two years, he even had the opportunity himself to compete at the Mid-Atlantic Regional where he finished 25th as an individual (2012) and 15th as part of Team CrossFit Krypton (2013).

 

Now, this year, after finishing 4th in the Mid-Atlantic Region Open, he is genuinely hopeful to make a run for the Games himself at the Atlantic Super Regional in less than two weeks.

 

Ben Smith’s shadow shared a little more about who he is and what he’s bringing to the next stage on the road to the Games.

 

First things first, we don’t know a ton about you. What is your athletic background?

I was a competitive gymnast for 8 years, played volleyball for 4 years in high school and 1 in College, ran track for 4 years in high school, and did swimming and diving for 4 years in high school. Currently, I am a CrossFit athlete and coach and Gymnastics coach. 

 

Describe your current training regime.

Training for regionals, for me, isn't any different than a normal training day. I try not to think about it much, and focus on enjoying every workout and enjoying my time spent in the gym. Being a full-time college student, I have to schedule my training and classes around each other so I am able to keep them balanced. I normally will workout 5 days a week, with 2 active rest days which consist of either running, rowing, biking or swimming. In the mornings, I workout with my brother and the rest of the coaches from Crossfit Krypton, and in the afternoon I workout while the classes are normally running. I follow a program called Misfit Athletics. 

 

What has changed in your lifestyle, training, nutrition, etc., from last year to this year in prep for the 2015 season?

I’ve focused a lot on putting on weight and trying to get stronger. I went from 170 last year to just under 180 this year and have felt a big difference in my lifts and metcons. I eat a lot of dairy; milk, ice cream, chocolate milk, and also a lot of meat and veggies. 

 

What do you eat to feed a machine?

For breakfast I normally will have something small like an apple or banana with some water. After my morning training I recover with Progenex More Muscle, and then have a big lunch that normally consists of a home-made paleo meal or some bacon and avacado. Before my afternoon sessions ill take Progenex force mixed with iced coffee for a little energy, and once again recover with their More Muscle. Dinners are normally Meat and veggies and then I'll take Progenex Cocoon to help me recover while I am sleeping!

 

What weaknesses do you have that you know you have to compensate for or make up in other areas? What areas do you make up for these?

I love any and all gymnastics movements; pull ups, muscle ups, handstand push-ups, toes to bar, handstand walking. Some things I have been working on this year that aren't my best movements are rowing, and heavy deadlifts. After putting on a few pounds, these movements have been feeling a lot stronger lately. 

What advice would you give to other athletes wanting to be in your shoes now!?

Work hard, and always have fun with training. Think of your long term goals, and don't forget why you started.

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