After a chance encounter with “Fran,” Travis Mayer feels passionate about CrossFit.

If there’s one thing about Travis Mayer you’ll know right away, it’s that he’s committed to CrossFit. The owner of CrossFit Passion isn’t only in it for the business, either. He’s a four-time competitor in the CrossFit Games and finished in the top 10 back in 2016.

Watch the 2018 Kill Cliff Granite Games LIVE on FloElite!

Mayer missed the cut this year by the slimmest of margins, which many would consider a setback, but he’s become more excited about training and is getting ready for 2019. This coming September, he’ll take a big step when he competes in the Individuals section of the 2018 Kill Cliff Granite Games, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 7-9. Don’t forget that you can watch the competition right here on FloElite. 

Name: Travis Mayer

Age: 27 

Height: 5-foot-11

Weight: 195 pounds

City: Marietta, GA

Occupation: Gym Owner

Instagram: @tmayer18

Twitter: @travis_mayer

Best Competitive Finishes

CrossFit Games 2017- 12th

CrossFit Games 2016- 10th

CrossFit Games 2014- 28th

CrossFit Games 2013- 18th

Dubai Fitness Championship 2017 – 2nd

FloElite: How did you get into fitness and specifically CrossFit?

Mayer: I was introduced to CrossFit in October 2010 from a friend of mine that showed me videos of Spealler, Khalipa, and Josh Evert at the ranch. After that I tried “Fran” as my first WOD and fell in love with the sport, haven’t looked back since. 

You barely missed qualifying for the CrossFit Games this year after being in it the previous two. So how do you go into the Granite Games from a mental standpoint? Is this "on to the next" or are you looking to redeem yourself?

Each competition is a learning opportunity, and I take something new away from each one. After Regionals, this year I was fired up to get back to training to make some improvements and ensure I qualify next year. Let’s just say I am very excited about this upcoming year! 

Is there a different way to prepare for an event like the Granite Games as opposed to the CFG?

I will keep my training the same as the end goal for me is the Games. However, this is a great offseason competition to test my fitness and see where I am at this point in the season! 

What do you feel you need to work the hardest at or what do you feel you need to improve on the most?

For me it comes down to what goes on between the ears, so I spend a large amount of my time growing and understanding myself and how I can use mental training to take me further.

I saw a post on Instagram about your food prep. Mind sharing some insight on how important nutrition and recovery is for you?

Nutrition is a huge part for me, not only because I love food and eating, but it fuels me in my workouts and helps me recover faster to get back to training. At the end of the day I ask myself, “Did I do everything in my power to be the best version of myself?” Eating and staying on track with my macros is a huge part of that process. 

Does the work get tougher as you get closer to the event or do you find yourself improving and needing to make training more challenging?

My training is typically tough so I usually don’t need to make it more challenging. I trust the training I do all year and plan to go out there and execute on each workout.

How important is having support from your own inner circle when training competitively at the level you're at?

This is really important to me as I train full time. Especially with a wife and two kids, life can get kind of crazy sometimes! She allows me to stay longer at the gym to finish a session and never complains about it. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my family and friends supporting me on this journey! 

Some people will read this and consider taking part in a competition next year. What should they know about training for an event as opposed to training for their own benefit?

Have fun and give it your best, don’t overthink the workouts or movements just give your best and you can walk away keeping your head up high. 

What are the plans for you after the Granite Games? Offseason or preparing for something else?

After the Granite Games I plan to do a local competition with my coaches, followed by the team series with Noah (Ohlsen), then finally I will close out the year competing in Dubai again.

Don't forget to watch the 2018 Kill Cliff Granite Games right here on FloElite!

Roger Lockridge is from Lewisburg, WV. His work has been featured on numerous platforms and magazines in the fitness industry over the last 10 years. You can find him on Twitter and Instagram @rocklockridge.