What does it take to create a fitness competition that challenges athletes while building genuine community? In this revealing conversation with Preston Shepard, director of the Purple Mountain Throwdown, we explore the journey from concept to execution of Colorado's premier CrossFit competition.

Preston shares how his military background and passion for testing personal limits led him to fill a void in the Colorado Springs fitness community. "The impact that going to competitions, pushing myself, and proving that I can do something has really formed me as a human," Preston explains, highlighting why creating meaningful competitive experiences matters beyond just the leaderboard.

The episode dives deep into workout strategies for the 2024 event, with detailed breakdowns of the programming. From the seven-round triplet featuring echo bike, rope climbs and dumbbell snatches to the grip-intensive test of burpee bar muscle-ups and heavy dumbbell box step-overs, athletes will face classic CrossFit elements with strategic twists. Hunter and Drew offer invaluable coaching insights on pacing, movement efficiency, and mental preparation that apply to any competition scenario.

What truly distinguishes this conversation is the behind-the-scenes look at competition organization. Preston candidly discusses the challenges of bootstrapping a first-year event, the burnout risks of trying to control every detail, and the lessons learned about delegation and flexibility when things don't go as planned. These insights provide a masterclass in event planning for anyone considering creating their own fitness competition.

The Purple Mountain Throwdown (June 21-22 in Colorado Springs) represents more than just another competition—it's a gathering point for the Misfit community and a testament to the power of putting yourself to the test in a supportive environment. Whether you're a potential competitor or simply curious about fitness event organization, this episode delivers practical wisdom and inspiration in equal measure.

Register by April 15th to secure your competition t-shirt, and use code PMTMisfit25 for a discount available exclusively to Misfit Podcast listeners!

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