Modern WisdomUnderstanding Fitness As A Competitor | Steven Fawcett | Modern Wisdom Podcast 155
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 0:44
When CrossFit gains stall: unbundling lifting, conditioning, and gymnastics
Steven opens with a core principle for competitors: general CrossFit works well early on, but progress eventually plateaus. When that happens, the solution is to separate major modalities, build them up individually, then recombine them closer to competition.
- 0:44 – 0:59
Setting the scene in Wigan: quick catch-up and podcast kickoff
Chris introduces Steven and the setting—Steven’s garage gym/man cave in Wigan. They ease into the conversation with light banter and context about Steven’s recent travel.
- 0:59 – 2:19
Why Miami/Wodapalooza was the most fun comp Steven’s had
Steven explains why this particular competition felt uniquely enjoyable. The mix of teammates, a larger crew, and the ability to switch between focus and fun made the weekend stand out.
- 2:19 – 4:14
Competition focus vs relaxation: finding each athlete’s optimal balance
Chris probes how athletes can stay intense while still recovering mentally between events. Steven argues the right balance is highly individual and depends on stakes, personality, and experience.
- 4:14 – 7:18
Competition weekend fundamentals: sleep, food choices, and energy management
They discuss practical rules that matter across most athletes, especially sleep and fueling. Steven shares his own patterns—falling asleep is easy, but waking early from nerves is common—and emphasizes banking sleep beforehand.
- 7:18 – 16:37
Coaching by competing: why athletes learn faster when you’re in the trenches
Steven describes how he uses competitions and shared training to educate younger athletes in real time. Leading by example helps athletes absorb the tiny execution details that are easy to miss in a purely coach-to-athlete relationship.
- 16:37 – 17:52
JST’s track record: firsts, Games appearances, and building credibility
Chris asks about JST’s achievements and Steven lists key milestones. They frame these results as proof that the system and culture behind JST have produced repeated high-level outcomes over time.
- 17:52 – 22:14
‘Inches’ that create ‘miles’: small technical and lifestyle details that compound
Steven explains JST’s competitive edge as consistently doing many small things correctly. He gives concrete examples—like when to use lifters or how to perform strength pulls—to show how minor execution choices add up over months.
- 22:14 – 29:13
CrossFit as training method vs CrossFit as sport: why elite prep isn’t ‘constantly varied’
They unpack CrossFit’s identity conflict: group fitness classes versus elite sport preparation. Steven argues elite training is often repetitive and progression-driven, not random variety, because it must reliably build capacity and skill.
- 29:13 – 37:55
Progressive overload and periodization: building bases, then blending for event specificity
Steven outlines how JST periodizes: develop rowing/running, gymnastics, and lifting separately, then combine them closer to competition. He explains why copying specialist programs (elite runners/gymnasts/weightlifters) is often too advanced for CrossFitters, making simple progressive overload highly effective.
- 37:55 – 58:00
How often should you compete (and qualify)? Goals first, then a sustainable season
They tackle the question everyone asks: competition frequency. Steven’s answer depends on intent—fun vs long-term performance—and he recommends a limited number of priority competitions clustered together, leaving a long off-season for development.
- 58:00 – 1:11:45
The post-competition crash: CNS fatigue, identity whiplash, and recovery planning
Chris asks about the psychological and physiological aftermath of big competitions like the CrossFit Games. Steven describes his 2015 crash—needing far more rest than expected—and explains how awareness, spacing plans, and genuine downtime prevent burnout and preserve longevity.
- 1:11:45 – 1:18:06
Knowing when to push vs when to back off: health signals, life priorities, and longevity
They close with a practical but hard question: how to tell if you’re doing too much or not enough. Steven shares personal markers—illness frequency, relationship strain, business pressure—and how his priorities shifted with age and family, reframing training as one part of a larger life system.
- 1:18:06 – 1:19:08
Where to find JST Compete: programs, platforms, and getting in touch
Chris gives Steven a chance to plug JST and direct listeners to resources. Steven shares the main channels for programming, information, and contact.
