Games Vet Moritz Fiebig Reignites His Fire

October 25th, 2024

Good morning and welcome to the Morning Chalk Up.

In today’s edition:

  • Like many Games athletes, German star Moritz Fiebig questioned his competitive future after the tragedy in Fort Worth. Learn how some early offseason experiences rekindled his fire.

  • We all respond differently to pressure. Some argue that “pressure is a privilege,” while others find it clouds their minds. Today, learn how “letting go” can help unlock your performance potential.

  • Whether you want to improve your rowing abilities for CrossFit or you want a challenge to keep you on track and accountable during the holidays, “Rowvember” by Dark Horse Rowing might be the answer for you. Check it out below and learn more about founder Shane Farmer.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“It helped me to get through so many things because I meditated every day for hours and spent the other hours (hiking) through the desert.” - German CrossFit Games vet Moritz Fiebig on his trip to Joshua Tree National Park following the tragic death of Lazar Ðukić.

PROFILE

Credit: Lydia Stadthoewer

Stoking the Fire: A Conversation with Moritz Fiebig

Having competed at the CrossFit Games in 2022 and 2023, German athlete Moritz Fiebig hoped the third time would be the charm when he arrived in Fort Worth, TX, in early August for the 2024 CrossFit Games. 

  • He was in the best shape of his life, feeling more prepared to compete than he ever had. 

The elite competitor and owner of CrossFit Sankt Pauli in Hamburg, Germany, had come to Texas with his crew — his partner Lydia, his manager Carmen, his coach John Singleton, and fellow Progrm athletes. 

  • The CrossFit Games began early on the morning of Thursday, August 8, but by that afternoon, everything had been turned upside down in the most heartbreaking way possible.

In an incredibly vulnerable and honest YouTube video, Fiebig shared his experience preparing for the Games, the days leading up to it, and his perspective on the nightmare that unfolded when his friend Lazar Ðukić died during the first event.

Upon learning of the tragedy, Fiebig was forced to quickly decide whether or not to continue the weekend while in a state of sorrow and confusion.

He chose to keep competing at the moment but soon withdrew after the Friday Night Lights event, “Track and Field.”

SPEED READS

📺👂Hear Their Stories: CrossFit’s new video series, called Hear Their Stories, brings viewers into the heart of the CrossFit community. Episode six is out, focusing on Brock Yost, Owner of CrossFit Triple River in Three Rivers, MI, and 2024 Teenage CrossFit Games Director. Watch now.

🏋️🏆 United Grid League Expansion: Formerly known as the Florida Grid League, the United Grid League (UGL) announced a new team based in Houston, TX. Sophia Davenport, a Grid League veteran from CrossFit Enoch, will helm the new team.

  • Only one more spot remains to complete the league’s 10-team lineup for the 2025 season. For those interested in forming a Grid League team in their region, please visit this page for more information.

😎🌴 Week 2 of the TYR Wodapalooza Miami Online Challenge & Qualifier Is On: Check out the details below for the TYR WZA Online Challenge & Qualifier (OCQ), which started last week for individuals (The Team OCQ is Oct. 31-Nov. 6). Get registered here. Check out the Week 2 WODs here.

  • TYR WZA OCQ Individual Divisions

    • Elite/Rx | Intermediate/Open

    • Masters 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+

    • Teens 13-15, 16-18

ICYMI: Lab Management’s roster is stacked with current, up-and-coming, and legendary CrossFit athletes. Learn more about the agency’s work with some of the sport’s best in our interview with co-owner Cooper Marsh.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE

Credit: @benbergeron / Instagram

The Pressure Paradox: How Letting Go Unlocks Peak Performance

We've all been there — striving for excellence, setting high expectations, and putting immense pressure on ourselves to perform at our best (in the gym and out).

But what if I told you that this pressure could hold you back from reaching your true potential?

The Discipline-Surrender Balance

Progress is not solely about discipline, willpower, and drive.

While these qualities are undeniably important, they only paint half the picture. 

  • The other half is surrender — the ability to let go, stay present, and trust in the process.

The delicate balance between these two seemingly opposing forces unlocks peak performance.

COMMUNITY

Credit: @DarkHorseRowing / Instagram

Find Out Why Rowvember Should Be Your Next Fitness Challenge

As November rolls around, many of us are shifting our exercise indoors thanks to the cooler temperatures and snowy weather. 

  • Others are looking to increase their activity levels to combat the extra calories from leftover Halloween candy, Thanksgiving meals, and the quickly approaching holiday season. 

If you relate to either of these scenarios, “Rowvember” could be the solution.

Rowvember is an annual fitness challenge run by Dark Horse Rowing to promote indoor rowing for health and fitness. 

  • The idea behind Rowvember is simple: Thirty days, 30 rowing workouts. 

With an array of lengths and formats, each day will be a challenge.

Origins

Dark Horse Rowing was founded by former collegiate rower Shane Farmer, who is certainly no stranger to the world of CrossFit. 

  • He competed at the CrossFit Games with Team CrossFit Invictus and was a member of the CrossFit seminar staff as an instructor for the CrossFit Rowing Course.

Entering its sixth year, Rowvember is Dark Horse Rowing’s way of giving back to the indoor rowing community by offering free programming to anyone interested. 

With a no-cost introduction to the training regiment, Farmer hopes to attract new people to the world of indoor rowing.

HIGHLIGHTS

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