Misfit Podcast

In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige break down accessory work for CrossFit athletes from the ground up. They define what accessory work actually is (and what it isn’t), then go deep on how Misfit programs it, how it should be executed, and why most athletes either misuse it or skip it entirely. From primary vs. secondary accessory structure to the concept of “runway,” this episod...

Dive into the evolution of precision pacing with the newly updated Gears Matrix 2.0, a game-changing tool developed through 11 years of coaching data and countless athlete testing cycles. This episode unveils the comprehensive framework that has revolutionized how competitive CrossFit athletes approach machine-based conditioning. The Gears Matrix organizes training intensity into eight distinct "g...

A breakdown of Misfit’s upcoming Off-Season Block 1, including how to structure your training, choose between strength or conditioning bias, and execute with purpose to build toward the 2027 season. The episode also covers common athlete mistakes, the importance of athlete IQ, and how consistent, intentional work now sets the foundation for long-term progress.  Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this ep...

Quarterfinals exposed everything. We break down the programming, what actually mattered, and where things missed the mark. More importantly, we talk about what to do next. How to identify your outliers, adjust your training, and stop letting weaknesses drag your progress. If you’re trying to get better, this is the conversation that matters. —-------------------------------------------------------...

On today’s episode, Drew and Paige break down the 2026 Open and look ahead to Quarterfinals. They recap the Open as data. What mattered, what didn’t, and what athletes should take away. Then they give initial reactions to the Quarterfinal workouts, including where athletes can gain or lose ground. They also touch on common mistakes and overcomplicating strategy. If you are competing, this will hel...

Drew and Paige break down  CrossFit Open 26.2 , analyze what separated top performances from the rest of the field, and discuss the real demands of the workout—from pulling endurance and midline fatigue to athlete IQ and pacing mistakes. They also react live to the  26.3 Open announcement , offering immediate strategy insights, movement breakdowns, and coaching tips for approaching the workout eff...

The new  Misfit Affiliate “Rushmore” phase  kicks off Monday, March 16, and in this episode, Drew, Hunter, and Paige break down exactly what athletes and affiliates can expect over the next seven weeks. From weekly benchmarks and heavy-lift days to the philosophy behind GPP-focused programming, the crew explains why this phase is designed to build real, lasting fitness rather than just chase one-o...

Episode 262: 26.1 Recap + Live Reaction to the 26.2 Announcement In this special live-style episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige break down  CrossFit Open 26.1 , discuss strategy mistakes and lessons learned, and react in real time to the  26.2 Open workout announcement . Along the way they dive into pacing strategies, gymnastics fatigue, and how to approach the workout whether you're cha...

The 2026 CrossFit Games season is officially here. In this ultra-special edition of The Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige go live for the 26.1 Open announcement and break down everything you need to know — stimulus, strategy, pacing mistakes, movement efficiency, warm-up flow, priming, transitions, and post-workout recovery. This episode is more than a workout recap. It’s a masterclass in athlete IQ....

What does it actually take to level up in CrossFit? From Open athlete… to Quarterfinals… to Semifinals… and beyond. We break down the 2024 season workout by workout to expose what really separates levels. Spoiler: it’s not just your muscle-ups. In this episode we cover: • Why GPP is the foundation for everything • Movement efficiency vs. movement obsession • How pacing mistakes end seasons • The r...

Quarterfinals are back, and we’re breaking down exactly what that means for you. In this episode, we dive into what to expect from the 2026 Quarterfinals based on past data, how to prepare (whether you're following Misfit programming or not), and how we structure our Quarterfinals peaking phase to maximize execution and intensity. We cover volume distribution, workout styles, movement trends, athl...

Zone 2 training is back, and this time, we’re cutting through the noise. In this episode of the The Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige break down what Zone 2 actually is (and what it isn’t), why it’s so misunderstood in the CrossFit space, and how Misfit Athletics practically applies it with everyday athletes all the way up to elite competitors. You’ll learn: Why Zone 2 is defined by blood lactate , n...

The CrossFit Open is almost here, and in this episode, Drew and Paige go deep on what actually matters when it comes to performing your best. This isn’t just another Open preview. It’s a practical breakdown of how to think about the Open: pacing, athlete IQ, movement efficiency, and why the Open matters no matter where you fall on the competitive spectrum — from first-timers to Games hopefuls. The...

In this special Affiliate Edition of The Misfit Podcast , Drew is joined by Hunter Wood (Misfit Gym Portland owner) and Paige Semenza to break down everything coaches and affiliates need to know as the Mad Jack Phase kicks off — just in time for the CrossFit Open. This seven-week General Physical Preparedness (GPP) phase is built around versatility, strength, and adaptability, inspired by the lege...

In this Q&A-packed episode of The Misfit Podcast , Drew and Paige answer questions straight from the Misfit community—starting with Telegram, then social media, and beyond. They dive into how to balance training with online qualifiers, when Zone 2 work actually matters, and why competition exposure is essential at every stage of an athlete’s journey. The conversation also covers mindset traps...

Testing. Training. Competing. They sound interchangeable—but confusing them is one of the fastest ways to stall your progress. In this episode of The Misfit Podcast , Drew and Paige break down: What testing , training , and competing actually are Why each one exists (and when it doesn’t ) How ego, pacing, and athlete IQ derail results How to use data, RPE, and strategy to actually get better The d...

In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige walk through Open Prep / Phase 3 — what it is, why it’s structured the way it is, and how athletes should actually execute it. They cover: How to choose the right program and track Why stimulus matters more than chasing scores How to use gears, instructions, and athlete IQ properly Mandatory vs non-mandatory work (and how to personalize) The ro...

This week’s Misfit Mind is a reminder that progress isn’t found in novelty, it’s found in consistency. Inspired by a quote from investor Howard Marks, this episode breaks down the trap of constantly starting over: new programs, new routines, new plans, all chasing the feeling that this one will finally be different. Whether we’re talking about training, business, relationships, or life, the hard t...

In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew and Paige unpack why most people struggle to change — even when they want to — and why motivation alone almost always fails. Using the Tiny Habits framework, they talk through: Why starting smaller actually leads to bigger results How identity changes before outcomes do The role of trust, reassurance, and celebration in behavior change Why “helping” frie...

In this episode of the Misfit Podcast, Drew takes a deeper dive into this week’s Misfit Mind post through the lens of Finite and Infinite Games by James Carse. Most people don’t fail from lack of effort. They fail because they need the work to end. Using examples from training, sport, business, and creative work, this episode explores the difference between playing to win and playing to continue—a...

In Episode 379, Drew sits down with Paige Semenza to unpack one of the most challenging seasons of her career — a year defined by injuries, travel, overlapping competitions, and hard decisions. They talk candidly about: The hidden cost of chasing every opportunity Why skipping competitions can be harder than showing up How narrative and identity shape performance Finding the “sweet spot” between e...

We launch a short-form Misfit Mind and dig into why chasing approval undermines progress, while building substance creates steady gains. From blue-collar brilliance to gym vanity traps, we argue for identity over image and community over novelty. • optics versus substance across upbringing and training • why skills and gear can’t replace GPP • the emotional cost of keeping up appearances • program...

We lay out a seven-week “stimulus bomb” phase that aligns coaches and members around five by five back squats, pulling gymnastics, and a smart rowing bias, all aimed at real adaptation and Open readiness. We explain the why, show how to coach it, and offer flexible tools for holidays, engine work, and competitors. • Five by five back squats as the universal strength driver • Coaching neutral spine...

A stronger engine won’t save a weak strategy. We unpack the Athlete IQ triangle—mind, body, and experience—and show how smarter decisions, realistic expectations, and consistent recovery convert raw fitness into reliable performance. We start with the mind: maturity built from tiny habits, patience to trust the timeline, expectations that stretch without delusion, and dedication that actually fits...

We announce a sponsor we chased for over a year, outline programming changes that bring back quarterfinals prep and a five-week peak, and share big life updates: Hunter takes ownership of Misfit Gym Portland while Drew moves to Colorado to double down on Misfit Athletics. The theme is alignment—letting each of us lead where we create the most impact. • why most supplement deals are bad value and w...