Musings

So, I've been thinking a lot lately about the "Crossfit Methodology" and the goals of the program.  One thing I'm having some trouble with is my goals.  I love Crossfit.  I think it's one of the best programs out there and it really kicks my butt.  The thing is, Crossfit is the "sport of fitness" so to say.  I'm not sure whether my goals for athleticism are aligned with Crossfit.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up on Crossfit or the many physical advantages I've already found in my short 5 months.  I'm just stepping back for a moment and reflecting.  As far as my "sport" is concerned.  I wish I could be a "firebreather" but I'm pretty sure that I do not have the discipline to maintain the super strict diet and as their pyramid shows, diet is the foundation.  Who knows?  Right now, I need to decide whether I'm a Crossfitter who climbs, bikes, hikes, etc or a climber/biker/mountaineer who Crossfits.  Personally, I think the latter fits me better.  

I've also been closely following the discussions and "living experiment" that are going on at Mountain Athlete.  The activities and sports of the athletes there are more closely aligned with my "sport."  One thing that I feel Crossfit lacks is the ability to routinely go long.  Maybe that is why there is Crossfit with an endurance bias, i.e. Crossfitendurance.com.  That being said, their method is extremely difficult to follow as it involves 2 workouts per day.  The nice thing about mthathlete.com is the hour long workout designed for heading into the mountains.  The coach has about 20-25 years of strength and physical preparedness training in his background.  One thing he believes is you have to train long to go long.  Alan can correct me if I'm wrong but the principles of physical adaptation support this notion.  So, since mountaineering involves going long, carrying a heavy pack up a steep hill for multiple hours per day perhaps training specifically for this makes sense.  Becoming a specialist so to say, which is anti-Crossfit.  Either way, I'm not sure which is better right now.  What I'm considering for the next 2 months leading into our outing is to switch to mountain athlete and head back into Crossfit once home from the mountains.  This would allow me to establish a solid endurance and strength base just in time to peak for climbing then back into the maintenance phase for the rest of the year.  Thoughts???