Last year, Alex Anderson finished 25^th in the Worldwide CrossFit Open and 8^thoverall at the 2014 Central East Regional—his first year competing as an individual.

 

This year, he finished 8^th overall in the World during the 2015 Open, and has his eyes set on a podium spot at the Central East Regional for his first shot at the CrossFit Games.

 

With Rich Froning out of the individual running in the Central Super Region, Anderson, 24, of CrossFit Ktown in Knoxville, Tenn. has even more reason to believe his hopes could be a reality.

 

“My main focus is definitely on Regionals and the Games. This is my livelihood,” he said.

 

Anderson’s first place finish on Open WOD 15.5 (27-21-15-9 rowing and thrusters) with a time of 5:30 flat gave him an extra confidence boost as he now prepares to give it his all at the Central Regional in Minneapolis, May 29-31.

 

“15.5 was the best suited workout for me. I have a fairly high power output which allows me to work through those calories on the rower fast; also the thruster weight was very light for me which allowed me to cycle through those in an efficient and timely manner,” Anderson said.

 

Here, he reflected on how far he’s come in just a little under a year’s time—and how he’s preparing for the Super Regional.

 

 

What did you learn about yourself from last year’s Regional?

Last year was my first year competing as an individual. I took 8th place at Regionals and it gave me a great idea where I stood amongst these elite competitors. Going into Regionals, I really was uncertain where I would rank amongst these guys. I was also able to see where I needed to improve and how I needed to adjust my training.

 

Describe your training regime (hours spent, programming you follow, coach you work with, etc.)?

I train as much as I can every day. I follow the Invictus online programming. My sessions vary from day to day. First session will usually include strength work, Olympic lifting, skill work and conditioning. Second session will include more of the previously stated activities.

 

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

I have not had any major changes in my training since the 2014 regionals. I have learned how to focus on the little things in training and in life. I am constantly trying to improve every facet of my game to become the best CrossFit athlete I can be.

 

What do you eat to feed a machine?

I do not have a very strict diet at all. My nutrition has definitely come a long way over the last few years, but is still not great. I eat eggs and sausuge every morning, taco meat and rice for lunch, and whatever I can get my hands on for dinner.

 
Leading up to Regionals—what does your training look like now?

My volume and conditioning have definitely increased, but it is still the same training regime. There is very little improvement that one can make to there overall game in 5 weeks. So at this point it is mainly about staying healthy, and keeping everything crisp.

 

40 athletes…5 spots…how does this change things for you mentally and nerves wise as you march into Regional? EVERYONE wants a podium spot there?

I try not to think about the fact that there are 5 spots because I don’t want to sell my self short. I want to sit on top of the podium.

Related Articles: 
Sam Dancer: The Power Of Love (Episode 1)
Deadlift Is King