Tuesday Jan 31, 2023

EP. 27: Adaptive Athletes in CrossFit with Derek Weida

"Every day we come to that intersection where you either choose weakness or strength. If you want to be your best, you choose strength as often as you can."

2022 WheelWOD Champion Derek Weida joins me as a repeat guest in this episode. Derek was my 1st ever guest! Derek is CrossFit and a competitor in the adaptive lower division. Despite being an amputee, Derek is such a positive, grateful, and strong character who has overcome life’s adversities and inspired people for a long time.

Derek Weida, who has served in the military his entire life, finds strength and purpose in the CrossFit community and in competing. He has also mastered sports psychology and meditation to get over obstacles and pre-competition anxiety.

Highlights

(3:43) One thing Derek is grateful for

(5:52) How to Overcome Competition Nerves: "The Less You Care, the Better You'll Do"

(13:09) Future of the Adaptive Division in CrossFit

(18:17) Advice to CrossFit Adaptive Athletes: Patience & Creativity

(23:33) Overcoming Adversity: How to Make the Most of Your Life

(24:40) What motivates Derek

(28:40) Staying strong, inspiring people, and building a personal brand despite amputation

(32:35) Improving Daily Habits through Meditation, Health, Nutrition, Exercise, and Napping

(38:00) The value of naps

(33:53) Derek’s Favorite Intra-workout Snack, Fitness Machine, Lift

Derek’s Links: