What does it take to transform from promising talent to elite competitor? For Erica Folo, the answer lies not in the gym, but between the ears.

Erica's journey began as a sprinter who was drawn to CrossFit after spotting a "jacked" teammate who was secretly training at a local box. Despite her initial assessment of the warehouse gym as "looking like a jail," she found herself immersed in the community. Natural talent quickly became evident, leading to a CrossFit Games appearance as a teen in 2018.

Then came the unexpected plot twist – a departure from serious training during university years where partying took priority over PRs. It wasn't until 2022 that Erica returned to competitive fitness, initially joining a team before surprising herself by surpassing her teammates' abilities. The physical capacity was always there, but something was missing.

The breakthrough moment came during a brutal mental breakdown at the 2024 Syndicate Crown semifinal. Despite impressive early performances, Erica describes entering the final day convinced she would fail: "I could tell you I lost the last workout before it even started." That painful experience catalyzed a transformation in her approach to competition.

Fast forward just months later, and we witness a completely different athlete mentally. Describing her approach to a crucial qualification event, Erica reveals: "My brain was just literally shut off... when I'm able to shut my brain off and literally just complete the work, knowing what rep scheme I'm going to do, that is the key for me."

Now deliberately seeking uncomfortable training scenarios that trigger her ego's resistance, Erica builds bridges between her exceptional physical capabilities and a developing mental game that could propel her to the sport's highest levels. Her story reminds us that the greatest battles in fitness are often fought not against weights or workouts, but against the limitations we place on ourselves.

Want more insights on developing your mental game for competition? Subscribe to the Misfit Podcast for weekly conversations with the sport's most compelling athletes and coaches.

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What would happen if you decided that something was possible instead of impossible? Brandon True's remarkable transformation from struggling CrossFit athlete to two-time semifinals competitor provides a compelling answer to that question.

Brandon's journey began with a casual bet against two 40-year-old CrossFitters who claimed they could beat him in a workout. His competitive spirit ignited, Brandon dove headfirst into CrossFit with the ambitious goal of reaching the CrossFit Games. Little did he know the mental and physical challenges that awaited him on this path.

The turning point came after his first semifinals appearance in 2023, where he finished near the bottom of the field. "I felt like I didn't belong there," Brandon reveals, describing both his performance and physical appearance compared to other competitors. This painful experience became the catalyst for profound change. Working closely with coach Drew Crandall, Brandon embarked on a comprehensive transformation that addressed everything from his nutrition to his mindset.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Brandon's story is his battle with self-limiting beliefs. Despite being exceptionally strong – with impressive numbers in cleans, squats, and deadlifts – Brandon struggled with movements like snatching. When faced with a heavy Isabel workout during qualifying, his initial reaction was "I can't do this." Yet through a powerful mindset shift and targeted coaching, he completed what he thought impossible, proving that many performance limitations exist primarily in our minds.

Perhaps most remarkable was Brandon's transformation in running workouts. After finishing last in a running event at his first semifinals, Brandon made a life-changing decision: "I will never come in last place in a running workout again." Through dedicated aerobic development and mental toughness, he turned his greatest weakness into a competitive strength.

What's your impossible challenge? What would happen if you simply decided it was possible? Take inspiration from Brandon's journey and discover what might be waiting on the other side of your self-imposed limitations.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to the link in our Instagram bio to get started today.

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Imagine training for years but never truly reaching your potential. This episode reveals why linear progression—the simple concept of systematic improvement—might be the missing piece in your fitness journey.

We begin by introducing "The Ramp Theory," a powerful visualization tool that explains why so many athletes fail to progress despite consistent training. Picture yourself as a cyclist facing a massive jump. Starting at the bottom with no momentum leads to failure; beginning high on the ramp with enough runway creates the momentum needed for success. This metaphor perfectly captures how proper progression sets you up to surpass previous limitations.

What makes linear progression so effective is its versatility across all training domains. For strength work, we explore multiple variables beyond simply adding weight—increasing reps, sets, improving technique, or manipulating rest periods. We share specific rules for accessory work that prevent plateaus and build sustainable progress. Machine-based conditioning offers perhaps the clearest application through the Gears Matrix, allowing precise improvements in pace, wattage, or RPMs across different energy systems.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we discuss applying these principles to metcons, skill work, and even mobility. By identifying specific variables to track and improve within complex workouts, you can continue progressing where most athletes plateau. For gymnastics and technical movements, we emphasize breaking skills into component parts and progressively checking more boxes over time.

Perhaps most importantly, we address the mindset needed for long-term success. The athletes who consistently improve year after year aren't necessarily those with the most natural talent—they're the ones who understand that progress comes from small, consistent improvements accumulated over time. They prioritize proper technique over ego, building foundations that support continuous growth rather than chasing short-term numbers on the whiteboard.

Whether you're struggling with plateaus or simply want to maximize your training efficiency, this episode provides a framework that works for athletes at any level. Tune in to discover how to create momentum in your training and finally break through barriers that have held you back.

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Misfits! We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did and you're feeling generous throw us a review and let us know how we're doing, we'd really appreciate it.

If you'd like to join the Misfit family and get fit head to the link in our Instagram bio to get started today.

Misfit Athletics Programming:
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https://misfitathletics.fitr.training/t/misfitathletics/

Misfit Affiliate Programming:
https://teammisfit.com/subscribe/

Misfit Apparel at sharpentheaxeco.com
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