Grace Dresher: It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint
Grace Dresher: It's A Marathon, Not A Sprint
Grace Dresher was one spot shy of qualifying for the Games in 2014 at the CrossFit North Central Regional.
The 26-year-old Neuro Surgery Monitoring Technician is another face to watch this weekend at the Central Regional.
She finished 2nd overall in the Open—only second to five-time Games competitor Stacie Tovar.
And while the Open and Regional events are typically not alike (the Open, known for more met-con intensive and lighter weight movements; and Regionals as heavier weights with more skills), Drescher said this year’s competition is in her favor:
“This year’s regionals looks pretty good for me. I like the longer events, and the 1-rep max snatch is my favorite. Also getting to run always works in my favor with my background in Cross Country,” ” Drescher said.
Adding, “At the end of the day, everyone has to do the same workouts. It is not about winning workouts, it is about being consistent throughout the entire weekend. If I can finish in the top 10 in all workouts, I am in. That is the goal. There is very little room for error. Everyone is going to be pushing super hard to get there. I will tell you that the hard work is finished. Grinding through workouts day in and day out in training is the hard part. I am prepared, and now it is time to go out and have some fun!”
Where does Drescher get her confidence from?
After, now, four of competing at the Regional level and work with one of the ‘best coaches’ in the business, Drescher said her confidence has gradually built over time. She currently trains under CJ Martin of CrossFit Invictus, with her training days consisting of 2-5 hours a day, 5 days per week, as well as one ‘off day’ and another day for a swimming workout.
“The preparation is more than just for regionals, it also prepares one for the Games. I have done more “CrossFit” in the past 8 months than I have in the years prior. CJ is a mad scientist, and he works with us on more than just the physical side, he helps us mentally prepare as well! The training really focuses on my weaknesses and deficiencies physically,” she said.
In addition to training with Coach Martin, Drescher also made several drastic changes to accelerate her gains in the off-season, as well as make it to the Games in 2015.Several of these changes involved her nutrition—the foundation of all performance.
“I changed my diet up significantly after regionals, going towards more of a Renaissance Periodization type diet. I make sure I am getting the right amount of protein and fats in my diet. I play with my carb intake depending on the workout to make sure I am ready for the event. I don’t eat heavy starches, but I do fuel with rice most of the time. I am pretty loose with my cheat meals throughout the off-season, but when I am 10 weeks from Regionals I go strict. I can tell when I am being weighed down by my food,” she said.
A typical day of eating includes lots of eggs and yogurt in the morning, followed by steak and chicken throughout the rest of the day. Around workouts, she consumes protein shakes and Xendurance around workouts, as well as Kill Cliff for post-workout.
Now with go-time less than 24-hours away, Drescher is relying on all the work she’s put in this past year to get her through the weekend.
Her seasoned advice for others wanting to be in a similar spot in the near future?
“This sport is a marathon, not a sprint. Gains don’t happen overnight. To get to the top of Regionals and the Games there is such a different level of dedication and commitment than doing general fitness CrossFit. Over the years, many people have asked for my training regimen. At first, I wouldn’t let anyone have it because I thought I had something special. I slowly realized that it is not the programming that necessarily makes an athlete, it is the dedication and unwillingness to give up that makes an athlete,” she said.
Adding that the ‘just do it’ mentality is a pre-requisite to excelling in the sport of fitness.
“98% of people that we give a competitors program to at my affiliate follow it for 2 weeks, and then you never see them do it again. I have crap days in the gym just like everyone else, but I grind through the workouts. If it says 50 HSPU, I do 50, regardless of how long it takes me. The other thing is working out when your body is telling you no. Within reason, we all deal with tweaks and injuries, but you have to keep driving forward. Work around it until you can get back to 100%. The phrase ‘The Grind’ is so fitting for what we do,” she said.