What's Your "Y"
Interview with David Johnson, CrossFit Athlete
How has your sport journey evolved?
I’m a former pro baseball player who has now been retired for a second time, for 4 years. CrossFit is something new to me and also something I got into by accident. However, it’s been possibly been one of the greatest things that has happened to me in life.
CrossFit has not only made me healthier than I ever was when playing baseball, it has also given me something that goes hand in hand of what I’m about: Always pushing and becoming great, no matter the odds that are in front of you or what the naysayers are saying.
My journey of CrossFit and how I got into it by accident is kind of long. Yet it’s one I’m looking forward to showing in my efforts in this upcoming CrossFit season.
As it’s truly been a amazing and enlightening experience for me from day one. An experience words can’t fully describe. Only actions can. Relentlessly
Who has been your main source of motivation or inspiration?
My main source of motivation has been myself and not tolerating failure.
Pushing to get better daily.
Eliminating weaknesses.
No excuses.
No explanation.
Where do you find more motivation, doubters or supporters?
I find motivation in many different ways. First and foremost. I’m relentlessly driven. My level of focus and intensity is extremely high. I never need motivation, nor ever doubt myself.
That being said, knowing no matter how great I may have become, there are many others working hard to close the gap. My motivation is to continue to separate myself from the pack. Becoming better than the best out there.
What is the biggest mental challenge you've had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?
I have yet to have a big mental challenge per say. My only challenge has been to learn all of the many facets of CrossFit (all technical aspects of performing Olympic lifts, gymnastics and everything in between).
What do you do to make sure you're physically and mentally prepared for competition?
Mentally. I’m an extremely mentally tough person. That aspect comes naturally as it’s who I’m. I’m always ready and focused.
Physically. Rest to make sure my endurance is where it should be. Nothing too complicated.
Oh! Music. Need music to mentally float off and lock in even deeper before a competition.
Describe your recovery strategies. How do you know if those recovery strategies are working?
My recovery strategies consist of a packet of YOLKED mixed in with a protein shake immediately after a workout as well as two other times throughout the day.
That, along with doing some post workout stim treatment with my PowerDot.
What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?
What’s the “why” in why I do what I do? I’d say competing and finding a way to measure myself in so many aspects of life that CrossFit forces you to do.
In order to compete on a high level in CrossFit, you truly have to make sure not only are you physically fit, but also mentally fit. That, along with having attention to detail for every other aspect of your life is what I’m all about: Growing and improving in all aspects of life.
Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years?
Well, be known as one of the fittest men in CrossFit - with a few number one finishes to solidly that. Along with possibly training other CrossFitters.
Favorite song and quote?
Song- “Till I collapse” - Eminem.
Quote: Pain is welcomed. Failure isn’t.” - Myself
"YOLKED has been a great product for me since day one. I’m very strict in what I try and take when it comes to supplements and/or vitamins. So there was some “is what they claim true?” However I quickly found out it is true. New growth and strength gains have been noticeable from the jump! Love the product. Tastes great! Mixes well with my protein powder. Definitely recommend it to anyone from a weekend warrior to a pro athlete. It’s legit!"
#relentlesslydriven