In this laid-back yet insightful episode of Masters in Motion, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson catch up after a busy start to the summer and dive into what it really means to train—and recover—as Masters athletes. From Jason’s recent back injury to Rick’s updates on summer CrossFit news, they share a raw and real conversation about the wear and tear of training, the importance of body maintenance, and how to find the right balance between intensity and recovery.

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Whether you're nursing an injury, trying to maintain momentum through the summer, or just curious about what’s next in the world of functional fitness, this episode delivers perspective, laughs, and a reminder to listen to your body.

🔑 Takeaways:

* Summer brings a different rhythm to training—and sometimes, setbacks.

* Injuries happen, even when we’re not pushing at full intensity.

* Longevity in CrossFit comes down to smart training and proactive recovery.

* Body maintenance isn’t optional—it's part of the sport.

* Listening to your body is a skill every Masters athlete must develop.

* Streetlifting is an emerging sport worth watching.

* You can train hard and train smart—it’s not either/or.

* Fun, food, and fitness still go hand-in-hand.

🧠 Chapters:00:00 – Summer Catch-Up and Podcast Dynamics04:06 – CrossFit News and Emerging Trends09:46 – Injury Setbacks and Masters Athlete Realities16:00 – Personal Injury Experience and Recovery Journey24:54 – Understanding Muscle Injuries and Recovery27:26 – The Importance of Body Maintenance29:54 – Listening to Your Body: Signs and Signals33:46 – The Balance Between Intensity and Recovery38:50 – Longevity in CrossFit: Finding the Right Approach

In this inspiring episode, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson sit down with Lon Allen, a Masters CrossFit athlete with an incredible story of perseverance, growth, and resilience. From his beginnings in a small town in New Mexico and military service to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with elite athletes at the CrossFit Games, Lon shares the highs and lows of his fitness journey.

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This candid conversation explores how Lon navigated challenges like COVID-19, imposter syndrome, and injuries, all while leaning on coaching, community, and mental strength to keep moving forward. His story is packed with lessons on finding joy in competition, creating lasting memories, and never giving up—even when the “blue line of death” looms large.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out in CrossFit, Lon’s journey offers perspective, encouragement, and a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

🔑 Takeaways:

* Lon’s path from military service to CrossFit shows the power of resilience and purpose.

* The CrossFit community continues to evolve and uplift Masters athletes.

* COVID-19 disrupted routines, but also reinforced the importance of adaptability.

* Finding the right coach can be transformative for mindset and performance.

* Lon draws motivation from personal loss, family, and inner purpose.

* Overcoming imposter syndrome is part of every athlete's journey.

* The Games are full of “pinch-me” moments that make all the sacrifice worth it.

* Injuries challenge more than just the body—they test mental resilience too.

* Fun competitions and memories often outweigh podium placements.

* The best part of the sport? The camaraderie and shared experiences.

🧠 Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Lon Allen01:41 – Lon’s Journey from Military to CrossFit06:33 – The Evolution of CrossFit and Community10:55 – Overcoming Challenges and COVID’s Impact17:38 – Training Strategies and Coaching Decisions21:46 – Motivation and Personal Drivers in Competition25:56 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome26:54 – The Journey to the Games27:29 – Pinch-Me Moments at the Games30:29 – Injuries and Mental Resilience32:33 – Finding Joy in Competition40:53 – Future Goals and Fun Competitions

In Episode 103 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson share their recent experience at Power Monkey Training Camp, a one-of-a-kind immersive fitness experience led by some of the world’s top coaches and Olympic athletes.

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They walk through the variety of training stations, including row technique refinement, kettlebell mastery, and sessions on gymnastics, Olympic lifting, and more. With insights from Olympians and seasoned CrossFit coaches, this episode delivers gold for athletes of all levels looking to refine movement and gain a competitive edge.

Jason and Rick also look ahead to the upcoming CrossFit Games, touching on everything from event logistics and community engagement to the little details like leader jerseys and quality meals that elevate an athlete’s competition experience. Whether you're preparing for a big event or just looking to level up your training, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and motivation.

🔑 Takeaways:

* Power Monkey Camp offers unmatched coaching across multiple disciplines.

* Access to Olympic-level instruction gives athletes a clear performance advantage.

* Proper kettlebell and rowing form can significantly reduce injury risk and improve performance.

* The athlete community and shared meals build long-term camaraderie.

* Camps like these provide a unique competitive edge and mental reset.

* Event planning (from hotel blocks to athlete meals) directly impacts athlete experience.

* Community support and logistics will be key in the upcoming CrossFit Games in Columbus.

* Details like leader jerseys, apparel, and crowd flow make a big difference.

* Columbus is a strategic, accessible location for major fitness events.

* The economic impact of competitions is evident through regional planning and local engagement.

🧠 Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Overview of the Podcast02:52 – Power Monkey Training Camp Experience05:58 – Training Stations and Expert Coaches08:59 – Insights from Olympic Coaches11:59 – Rowing Techniques and Coaching14:58 – Kettlebell Techniques and Competition Insights21:42 – The Value of Power Monkey Camp26:25 – Preparing for the CrossFit Games30:44 – Enhancing the Competition Experience34:19 – Details Matter in Event Planning42:39 – Looking Ahead to Future Events

In Episode 102 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, hosts Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson reconnect after a brief hiatus, sharing updates and diving into the latest in fitness and competition. They kick off by discussing new fitness products, including Jason’s new cold plunge from Redwood Outdoors and Rick’s excitement about a new lemonade flavor from Element.

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The conversation then shifts to Rick’s recent experience at the World Fitness Project. He shares his impressions of the athlete experience, competition structure, and the engagement level of the community. They discuss the contrast between pro and challenger athletes, the intimate spectator experience, and the impact of dramatic lighting on the event atmosphere.

They also delve into the challenges of video review in competitions, the impact of penalties on athletes, and how community feedback shapes future events. Rick and Jason discuss the importance of storylines in fitness competitions and how the structure of a season can influence athlete urgency.

Whether you’re into CrossFit competitions, curious about new fitness innovations, or interested in the evolving landscape of fitness events, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

🔑 Takeaways:

* Reconnecting after time apart gives fresh perspectives.

* The new cold plunge from Redwood Outdoors has unique features.

* Element’s new lemonade flavor is refreshing and worth trying.

* The World Fitness Project showcased both pro and challenger athletes.

* The spectator experience was intimate, with engaging event atmosphere.

* Athlete urgency can vary based on the competition structure.

* Video review penalties highlight the importance of rule adherence.

* Storylines in sports drive fan engagement and investment.

* Maintaining community involvement can strengthen future events.

* Athletes must be diligent to avoid mistakes in video submissions.

🧠 Chapters:

00:00 – Reconnecting After a Break02:53 – Exploring New Products and Innovations06:11 – World Fitness Project Overview09:11 – Spectator Experience and Event Atmosphere11:52 – Understanding the Challenger vs. Pro Dynamics14:55 – Community Engagement and Future Events18:00 – Overall Impressions and Future Prospects21:35 – The Thrill of Competition24:00 – The Need for Storylines in Sports27:20 – The Impact of Season Structure on Urgency29:05 – Updates on Semifinals and Community Feedback30:35 – Penalties and Video Review in Competitions34:00 – The Challenges of Qualifying and Competition Preparation

In Episode 101 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, hosts Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson break down the recent CrossFit Semifinals, diving into what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to evolve heading into the CrossFit Games in Columbus.

They share insights from behind the scenes—highlighting both the in-person and video review judging process, and the efforts being made by the Athlete Council to seek clarity on its role, improve communication with HQ, and streamline feedback mechanisms for athletes.

This conversation focuses on the big picture: celebrating wins across all age groups, emphasizing the importance of qualified judges, and laying the groundwork for a stronger, more unified CrossFit community. From planning logistics for the Games to improving judging standards, this episode is all about building momentum for what’s ahead.

🔑 Takeaways:

* The semifinals process was tough but fair overall.

* Judging included both in-person assessments and video reviews.

* The Athlete Council is pushing for clarity on its role and responsibilities.

* There’s a clear need for better feedback systems during video review.

* Planning meetings and communication are essential going forward.

* Community wins across all age groups deserve to be celebrated.

* The logistics for the Games in Columbus are already in motion.

* Maintaining judging consistency is critical for competition integrity.

* Upcoming events are building excitement and momentum.

* Community engagement will always be at the heart of CrossFit.

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In Episode 100 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, hosts Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson break down their personal experiences from the 2024 CrossFit Age Group Semifinals. From the intensity of Event 4’s sprint-style pacing to the raw power of Heavy Isabelle, they recap each event, sharing real-time strategies, emotional ups and downs, and lessons learned.

They also take a deeper look into the controversial video review process, examining how judging inconsistencies and unclear standards impacted the athlete experience. With growing concerns around fairness, clarity, and transparency, Jason and Rick call for a better system—one that supports athletes, values accountability, and upholds the integrity of the sport.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes insights, get practical tips for future competitions, and gain a deeper understanding of the mental and emotional journey of a Masters athlete during high-stakes qualifiers.

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Chapters:

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction and Overview of Semifinals03:00 – Experiences from the Semifinals Weekend05:59 – Workout Breakdown: Test One08:59 – Workout Breakdown: Test Two11:59 – Workout Breakdown: Test Three21:00 – Reflections on the Workouts and Community Feedback25:41 – The Challenge of Precision in Workouts32:40 – The Sprint of Event Four44:22 – Heavy Isabelle: A Weightlifting Challenge51:25 – Video Review Process Insights52:48 – Judging System Critiques54:51 – Feedback on Video Review01:00:11 – Challenges in Judging Fairness01:01:56 – Community Involvement in Judging01:09:15 – Final Thoughts on the Review Process

In Episode 98 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, hosts Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson dig into all things CrossFit Semi-Finals—what’s coming, what’s working, and what needs fixing. From lessons learned in past workouts to the strategy adjustments athletes are making right now, this episode is packed with insight for competitors and fans alike.

They explore the importance of scaling appropriately for age groups, how to plan your training cycles around competition windows, and why early workout releases can make or break your prep. They also share stories from Beach Brawl, celebrating the energy of local competitions and the tight-knit Masters community.

Plus, Jason and Rick highlight the increasing communication between CrossFit HQ and the community, and why feedback on movement standards and video reviews could help shape the future of the sport.

Whether you're aiming for Semis or supporting from the sidelines, this episode delivers valuable takeaways and stories from inside the world of competitive Masters CrossFit.

Presented by Bolder Athlete – For Masters, By Masters

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Chapters:

00:00 – Anticipation of the Storm: Semi-Finals Preparation05:11 – Reflections on Past Workouts: Lessons Learned10:15 – The Importance of Planning: Training Cycles and Strategy15:40 – Scaling and Adjustments: Navigating Age Group Workouts22:00 – Feedback Loop: Engaging with CrossFit HQ23:58 – CrossFit Community Feedback and Video Review28:16 – Experiences at Beach Brawl Competition36:15 – The Thrill of Competition and Community Events39:19 – Preparing for Upcoming Competitions and Qualifiers

In Episode 97 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson dive into their experiences and takeaways from the 2025 CrossFit Open. From retesting workouts to reviewing leaderboard shifts, they break down what went well—and what sparked debate.

The conversation turns to one of the most discussed topics of this Open: the controversial scaling for different age groups. Jason and Rick unpack athlete frustrations, reflect on what worked (and what didn’t), and explore the real impact of movement patterns on competitive outcomes.

They also tackle the growing importance of judging standards, accountability, and the community’s role in upholding fairness as we head into the semi-finals. From crowdsourcing judging to emphasizing the need for clean and consistent reps, this episode brings a passionate and constructive perspective on where CrossFit competition is headed next.

Whether you're a Masters athlete, a judge, or just love the sport—this episode is packed with insight and fire.

Chapters:

00:00 – The CrossFit Open Experience03:03 – Controversies and Feedback on Scaling05:58 – Judging Standards and Movement Patterns09:01 – Semi-Finals: A Different Challenge11:58 – Community Feedback and Movement Quality14:53 – The Importance of Proper Judging18:04 – Crowdsourcing Judging and Accountability20:55 – Movement Patterns and Performance

In Episode 96 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, Jason Grubb and Rick Stevenson reflect on their performances in the CrossFit Open, discuss the importance of quality movement in competition, and speculate on what’s to come in the remaining workouts.

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One of the biggest talking points this week is the announcement that CrossFit is officially for sale. Jason and Rick dive into the potential impact of a new owner, discussing what it could mean for the sport, the brand, and the community. They share their hopes for passionate ownership that will revitalize CrossFit and strengthen its future.

The episode also touches on the role of movement quality in competition, with the hosts emphasizing how proper execution can influence scoring, performance, and long-term athlete health. They also recommend a previous episode featuring an inspiring veteran’s story, encouraging listeners to check it out for motivation and perspective.

If you’re following the CrossFit Open, curious about the future of CrossFit, or looking for insights into competition and performance, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. #CrossFitOpen #CrossFitForSale #MastersInMotion #QualityMovement

Takeaways:

✅ Jason and Rick reflect on their Open performances.✅ Speculation is growing about upcoming workouts.✅ The importance of quality movement in competition.✅ CrossFit is officially for sale—what does it mean for the future?✅ New ownership could revitalize or shift the direction of the sport.✅ Anticipation for future movement analysis and judging discussions.✅ Encouragement to revisit an inspiring past episode featuring a veteran’s story.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Overview of the Open03:03 - Reflections on Performance in the Open06:06 - Speculations on Upcoming Workouts09:05 - CrossFit's Sale Announcement & Future Implications11:59 - Quality of Movement and Competition Standards15:06 - Closing Thoughts & Recommended Past Episode

In Episode 95 of the Masters in Motion Podcast, Rick Stevenson and Jason Grubb sit down with Ray Carr, a military veteran, CrossFit athlete, and coach, to discuss his journey through athletics, service, and competitive fitness.

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Ray shares his early years as an athlete in Maryland, the discipline and resilience he developed through his military career, and how he discovered CrossFit after his service. His transition into the competitive world of CrossFit, including his experience at the CrossFit Games, showcases both the highs and challenges of elite-level competition.

Beyond his personal achievements, Ray reflects on the importance of coaching and mentorship, highlighting his dedication to helping youth athletes and fostering community support in the fitness world. He opens up about recovering from injuries, the mental strategies he employs to push through workouts, and the lifelong pursuit of growth in fitness and personal development.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of CrossFit, Ray’s story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of community in shaping an athlete’s journey. #CrossFitAthlete #FitnessJourney #MilitaryToCrossFit #MastersInMotion

Takeaways:

✅ Ray Carr’s foundation of hard work was instilled by his parents.✅ His military career helped shape his discipline and athleticism.✅ CrossFit became a passion after his transition from service.✅ His first CrossFit competition was a pivotal moment in his fitness journey.✅ Lessons from the CrossFit Games include humility, preparation, and injury management.✅ Coaching and mentorship are a way for Ray to give back to the community.✅ Competing with a friend enhances the experience and strengthens camaraderie.✅ Overcoming injuries and mental barriers is part of the journey.✅ Community support is vital in an athlete’s growth and development.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Ray Carr’s Journey02:57 - Early Life and Athletic Background05:48 - Military Career and Transition to CrossFit09:07 - Discovering CrossFit and Its Impact11:59 - Competitive CrossFit Beginnings14:51 - First CrossFit Games Experience18:09 - Lessons Learned from Competition20:59 - Continued Growth and Coaching23:56 - Reflections on Community and CrossFit27:02 - Future Aspirations and Legacy36:44 - The Joy of Competing Together39:01 - Overcoming Challenges in Competition43:11 - Mental Strategies for Endurance45:57 - Navigating Injuries and Recovery51:55 - Transitioning to Coaching and Mentorship59:55 - Inspiring the Next Generation of Athletes