Jessica (Denney) Phillips has participated in the CrossFit Open since its inception in 2011. In fact, it was during that year that she realized she was a competitor, and able to hang with the ‘big dogs’ of the sport.

 

“I did my first ever Open WOD at World Camp CrossFit in Albany,Ga. Whew, have times changed. Going back through memory lane almost has me teary eyed!” Phillips said.

Phillips took 20th place worldwide on WOD 11.3 (5-minutes max squat cleans and jerks: with 37 full clean and jerks and one squat clean) and advanced to her first Regional and Games, as part of team World Camp CrossFit—her first, of many Regionals and Games appearances to come.

“(I love team competition) I'm all about suffering with someone by my side,” Phillips said, adding, “From that year on, I knew I wanted to be a competitor and knew that's where my heart was,” she said. 

Here the veteran shares her insights for doing your best in the Open this year.

What do you think training should look like leading up to, and during the Open?

Basically, keep it Open style with some moderate volume. Not too much heavy lifting.

How does the change in competition this year, with only the top 20 athletes and teams advancing to the Regional, change things?

20 athletes compared to 48 doesn't change my approach but makes Regionals that much more exciting. Its about to be epic and I'm just fortunate to be a part of it! You can expect to see team CrossFit Bound at regionals with much improvement this year, compared to last year’s disappointing 4th place.

You’ve performed well every year in the Open. Any tips for others on gaming the Open?

Stop overthinking! Do the work and do your best at it. You'll surprise yourself. Remember if it’s not fun, it’s not worth it so make the most of it.

Related Articles: 
Leblanc-Bazinet Registers For 2015 Open
2015 CrossFit Open Live Announcements
Friday Focus: Rachel Martinez Goes From Collegiate Gymnast To Games Athlete
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!