Why This CrossFit Athlete Swears By Gatineau Park | Tommy Markhauser
2x CrossFit Games Team Athlete, Coach, and Former Canoe Sprinter
Last month, I teamed up with Nomades du Parc, Chelsea Athletica and Ciele Athletics to launch the Local Legends podcast series.
“A local legend isn’t defined by titles or records but by the impact they make in their community and the inspiration they provide to others.”
Being a local legend means leaving a legacy of excellence, camaraderie, and sportsmanship that goes beyond competition. It's about using your passion to bring positive change to your community.
The Local Legends speaker series tells the stories of athletes: how they discovered their love for their sport, the lessons they’ve learned, and how nature has influenced their athletic journeys.
In the second episode, I sat down with two-time CrossFit Games team athlete, coach, and former canoe sprinter, Tommy Markhauser to explore his origin story and how he leveraged the diverse terrain of Gatineau Park for cross-training. Tommy is also one of the co-founders of Chelsea Athletica.
Through our conversation, Tommy shared invaluable life lessons that transcended beyond athletics, providing wisdom that can be applied to various facets of life. Here are some of the key takeaways.
Episode Lessons
1. The Power of Community
Tommy highlights the vital role a supportive community plays in achieving fitness goals. “Being surrounded by people who encourage you and share your journey makes all the difference,” he said. This sense of belonging fosters good habits and motivation, helping individuals push through challening times.
Chelsea Athletica embodies this belief by creating a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Tommy adds, “The most rewarding thing is seeing newcomers gain confidence and make friends at the gym.”
2. Diverse Training for Well-Rounded Athleticism
Tommy’s varied athletic journey, from canoeing to CrossFit, demonstrates the benefits of cross-training. “Engaging in diverse sports like kayaking, skiing, and CrossFit has not only made me a better athlete but also helped in injury prevention,” he shared.
Gatineau Park, with its range of outdoor activities, played a key role in his training. Tommy’s experiences highlight the importance of trying different activities to build overall fitness and resilience.
3. Balancing Confidence and Humility
Competing at a high level requires both physical strength and mental resilience. Tommy discussed the need to balance confidence with humility. Qualifying for the CrossFit Games was a significant moment for him, where he found himself among athletes he idolized.
“The coolest moment was being in the warm-up area with athletes I looked up to,” he said. This experience emphasized the importance of staying confident while remaining humble and grateful for every achievement.
4. The Importance of Simplicity in Training
Tommy pointed out that the simplest workouts can often be the hardest. “A simple movement like a calorie on the echo bike can be extremely challenging due to the mental toughness required,” he explained.
This highlights the value of straightforward training and pushing beyond mental barriers. It’s often the simplest exercises that test our resilience the most.
5. Family and Community Roots
Chelsea Athletica's growth from a small garage gym to a thriving community hub is a testament to perseverance and support. Tommy attributes much of their success to his father's help and the backing of their community.
“Working in a family business has its highs and lows, but it’s important to set boundaries and give back to the people who supported you,” he said. This reflects the importance of having strong roots and a sense of community.
6. Celebrating Small Wins
In competitive sports, recognizing and celebrating small milestones is crucial. Tommy emphasized, “It’s important to appreciate and celebrate your accomplishments, whatever the outcome.”
This lesson reminds us to find joy in incremental progress and acknowledge our efforts, no matter how small they may seem. It’s a key to maintaining motivation and perspective.
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Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Writer l Speaker l CEO of Living Your Greatness
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