Welcome to the Unfair Advantage podcast hosted by Coach Jared, where we explore personal journeys in athletics and the transitions beyond. This episode features CrossFit athlete and former collegiate football player, Drake Dietrich, who shares insights from his athletic career, overcoming injuries, and his transition from football to CrossFit.
Discovering the Love for Sports and Training:
Drake Dietrich's athletic journey began in eighth grade, inspired by his older brother who first introduced him to weightlifting. Initially drawn to football, wrestling, and baseball during his school years, Drake discovered a passion for strength and conditioning that would shape his future endeavors. He learned that being versatile in training—whether in-season or off-season—was key, despite the outdated notion that weightlifting should be avoided during seasons for skill-based sports like basketball and baseball.
College Football: A Testament to Commitment:
After realizing his passion and talent for football, Drake sought opportunities to play at the collegiate level, eventually joining Monmouth College. This period marked an evolution in his approach to training, recognizing the importance of both physical and skill-based preparation. Despite initial struggles with understanding advanced defensive assignments, Drake adapted quickly, demonstrating resilience and commitment to improve both tactically and physically. The escalation of Drake’s college career in football was molded by setbacks and injuries, common in high-level competitive sports. He recalls balancing rehabilitation with training, revealing the grit required of athletes to overcome barriers.
Transition to CrossFit: A New Competitive Horizon:
Post-college, Drake faced a transitional period, questioning his next steps without the structured environment of football. His search for a new outlet led him to CrossFit, where he harnessed his strength and competitive spirit. Despite a natural athleticism and experience in Olympic lifts, Drake initially struggled with the demanding gymnastics elements and endurance components integral to CrossFit. Utilizing his background in football training, he gradually refined his skills, quickly finding a niche within the CrossFit community. The core lesson here emphasizes the importance of remaining adaptable, open to learning new disciplines, and committing entirely to personal and athletic growth.
Overcoming Adversity: Lessons from Injury:
Injuries are an inevitable aspect of any athlete's journey. Drake’s encounter with a tricep tear during an Olympic lift was a significant challenge that forced him to reassess and adjust. He maintained a focused recovery process, embracing the advice to be process-driven rather than strictly goal-focused. This approach facilitated a more sustainable and healthier rehabilitation, ultimately broadening his athletic horizons.
Advice for Aspiring Athletes:
Reflecting on his experiences, Drake advocates going all-in with whatever you pursue in life. Emphasizing discipline and the necessity of sacrifice, he highlights that real commitment involves aligning every aspect of life towards one's goals. Whether it’s maintaining nutrition, sleep, or rigorous training schedules, understanding the full scope of commitment required to succeed is paramount.
Looking Forward: Future Goals:
As Drake prepares for upcoming CrossFit competitions, he underscores a continual commitment to self-improvement, using events like the CrossFit Open to gauge progress and identify areas of growth. His journey is a testament to the resilience required in sports and life, where embracing challenges and maintaining a competitive spirit pave the way to achieving an unfair advantage. --- Drake’s story offers valuable insights for anyone navigating personal or athletic growth. The lessons from balancing commitment, overcoming injuries, and adapting new disciplines are universally applicable, inspiring us all to find our own unfair advantage.
Comments