Inspiration
5 quickies with Kaitlynne Rahner!
Meet Kaitlynne Rahner, the Borås girl who, after a figure skating career, completely changed her mind – and fell in love with the enchanted world of CrossFit. Your favorite workout song right now? Right now I'm training to "Blackout" by Tritonal feat. Steph Jones (Madison Mars Remix). It's perfect for a sweaty and dirty workout, you can't stand still! Tell us about your expectations for the Open! Personally, I expect five tough and fun weeks, where I obviously want to advance as an individual athlete – but I also expect my team: Team Vagnhallen Crossfit to advance to Regionals. What do you do right before you go out to compete? Crossing my fingers with both hands and kissing each hand once – always! I can't go out and drive until I've done that. It brings me luck! Describe what CrossFit means to you in 3 words. Joy, challenge, life. What are your goals for 2017? My goals for 2017 are of course to compete in Regionals (as an individual athlete or team) and I would like to compete more abroad. I did that last year and it went really well. I've got the appetite for more. I also have smaller goals, like I want to snatch 90 kg, clean & jerk 110 kg and jerk 120 kg. But right now the biggest goal is Open/Regionals, that's where I'm putting all my focus.
Learn moreInterview with the lovely @boxliv!
How was @boxliv started? The idea was born in the spring of 2016, one early morning. The close-knit 5:30 a.m. gang at CrossFit Ibex in Borås had just completed a powerful workout, followed by a mandatory stretch in the northwest corner of the facility. During the stretching sessions, they talk about everything and nothing. They often discuss the day's WOD, but also more serious topics that affect life in general. This particular morning, there was one person in the group who had completed the workout in an exemplary manner, whereupon he blurted out in a cheerful mood: – Wow, what a wonderful life we live here in the box! The next member filled in: – A real “boxing life”! After talking about it for a while, where we felt the word "boxliv", we understood that this was something that everyone should be able to take part in: our wonderful Boxliv! Said and done, right after the session the Instagram account was started: @boxliv and the ball was rolling. The start of our success story was a fact. Who are you who are participating? Many people wonder who is in @boxliv. The answer to the question is simple: everyone who lives in the box. Especially the athletes who find their way there at 5:30 and 6:30, every weekday. However, who or what publishes the posts on Instagram is a well-kept secret. What is the idea of @boxliv? That everyone who wants to is welcome in a group of athletes, where all WODs are performed with impressive discipline every morning, every week, every month and year - regardless of gender and qualities. The goal is to make a few posts per week. However, sometimes #sexlife, #businesslife and #privatelife get in the way – which are, after all, ingredients for a rich #boxinglife. What do you get to see if you follow @boxliv? There are often very personal and colorful texts, where the published image/film sequence of the athletes is described. The texts are always written with a twinkle in the eye and irony is often present. It's great fun to scroll back in the feed and read our posts over and over again, it usually ends with a big smile on our faces. We are not elite super athletes, but more the upper class of exercisers - who have taken CrossFit to their hearts. What does a typical @boxliv-WOD look like? We all have our personal favorites, but if we had to choose, it would of course be a dirty chipper – preferably with a time cap of at least 40 minutes. This is what it might look like: 30 HSPU 30 Powerclean (60/42.5) 30 Pistols 800m Row 30 Power Snatch (60/42.5) 30 OHS (60/42.5) 30 CTB 800m Row 30 Burpees 30 STOH (60/42.5) 30 Wall climbers 800m Row You feel proud and happy after completing a powerful workout like this: the endorphin level is extremely high and you can easily take a weekend off with a clear conscience. Were you in the Open last year? Many in @boxliv have been in the Open for several years now, we consider it the highlight of the year when it comes to training. We train extra sessions, special train on our weaknesses and discuss different WOD's left and right. The competition between the athletes in @boxliv is also important, it may not be stated but everyone takes it very seriously. This is what it can sound like in the locker room: - Hope it comes HSPU - then you're screwed! - Heavy thrusters, I'm just saying! Heavy thrusters! - You look a little out of sorts, I'm going to crush you at the Open this year! The atmosphere is raw but heartfelt and deep down we love each other. Expectations for the 2017 Open? Everyone has very high expectations for the Open 2017! We also have a good self-awareness and recognize our personal limitations. Injuries put a damper on some athletes, which is inevitable when we train as much as we do. Despite that, everyone will be there and do their best in every WOD. Ask any of us and the answer will of course be: – I will win! What is the goal of your training? Getting up at 5:00 AM every morning to go to the gym and train is not something you just do. It's a lifestyle and a way of life. It's not always the training itself that drives you out of bed, but the fact that it's so extremely fun to meet all the like-minded athletes and yell shit in the locker room. We live a powerful boxing life (as we have chosen to call it) and it is a bit like practicing a team sport – with all that that entails. The fact that we then become extremely fit is just a welcome bonus.
Learn more5 Fast With Axel Lundgren!
Meet Axel Lundgren, our youngest CLN athlete. With a determination rarely seen, he manages his schoolwork from home – never missing a training opportunity. At just 18 years old, he is now competing in the 2017 Open, with his sights set on Regionals. Your favorite workout song right now? It's easy to "Bounce back" with Big Sean. Drake's songs are also an obvious choice. What are your expectations for the Open? I just competed in the Teen Games, in that division and with their standard. During the Teen Open 2016, it was almost no different compared to the Senior Open – it was almost as tough. But I'm going big, my goal is to reach the top and with it the Regionals. Europe is hard though and everyone in the top 30 is really good, so at least reaching the top 200 would make me very proud. After all, I'm only 18 years old. What do you do right before you go out to compete? I calm down. It may sound strange, but sometimes you get too excited and do something completely crazy, instead of following your game plan. A thousand thoughts go through your head and you have to focus on the right thing: with your absolute best you are home. Describe what CrossFit means to you in 3 words. Fulfillment, self-confidence and family. What are your goals for 2017? Considering that this is my first time competing in the Senior Open, my goal is to reach the top 200. Also, I want to win the French Throwdown.
Learn moreMeet John Singleton, the founder of The Program!
The Progrm offers CrossFit-focused training programs for two different levels of ambition. Athletes like Sara Sigmundsdottir are already among the satisfied users, and founder John Singleton coaches several rising stars in the CrossFit sky. We caught up with John to learn more. Who are you? My name is John Singleton, I am a coach and osteopath and for over 10 years I have worked with CrossFit athletes. I have supported and coached some of the world's best athletes, which is fantastic fun. Describe what The Program is. In short, The Progrm is a training program, specially developed for CrossFit athletes. Our idea is based on supporting athletes, so that they become the best they can be. The Progrm has been used and developed by several CrossFit athletes who have participated in The Games, including Sara Sigmundsdottir. The Program is divided into two different levels: The Elite and The Daily. The former is designed for those who want to compete in Regionals and beyond. The Daily is perfect for those who practice CrossFit in their spare time, but still want to develop. Where is your focus for the Open? Right now I am making sure to provide the best possible support to the athletes, everything to help them achieve their goals. This year I am working closely with some of the highest level athletes and we aim to maximize their results. Your goals for 2017? I have set specific goals for my athletes and how high I think they can reach. In addition, I want to strengthen the organization around The Program so that more people can achieve the same, amazing results that the elite level athletes have done. Share a typical The Progrm WOD before the Open! Of course, repetitions are a smart choice, so here comes a tough session signed The Program, adapted for the Open. 12 min AMRAP: 10 Clusters: 45/30kg 10 Bar facing burpees 10m Hand Stand Walk (2 x 5m unbroken)
Learn more5 quick ones with Hanna Moisander
The countdown to the Open continues and with only 3 weeks left it's high time to boost your inspiration supply again. Next up in the series about our athletes is Borås' Hanna Moisander. We'll take the temperature of her competition nerves, stay tuned! Your favorite workout song right now? "Man must dance" with John Ossi. What are your expectations for the Open? All the burn! No, I feel a total thrill mixed with dread. I love the war in every WOD during the Open and I long for it, while I know that I will feel performance anxiety and crazy nerves when it finally comes. As it should, perhaps. What's the last thing you do before you go out to compete? I visualize the achievement and smile. Describe what CrossFit means to you. Community, sweat and endorphins! What are your goals for 2017? They include Regionals with my awesome team: CrossFit Onyx The Usual Suspects.
Learn more6 fast with Philip Thun Bisgaard!
The countdown to the Open is in full swing and there is a fog of determination, dedication and pep over the country's boxes. We chose to take the pace of our awesome athletes and first we meet Danish Philip Thun Bisgaard. What does crossfit mean to him and which CLN product would he never do without? We have the answers. Your favorite workout music right now? Right now it's psytrance, where the bass and beat make me fight even harder! What are your expectations for the Open? My absolute ambition is to qualify for The Meridian Regionals! That's what I've been training for and striving for all year and that's the only thing on my mind. What's the last thing you do before you go out to compete? I take as big, deep a breath as I can. Describe what CrossFit means to you. To stretch your mental limits! What are your goals for 2017? My main goal for 2017 is to qualify for The Regionals. The rest is still a work in progress. Your favorite product at CLN? It's without a doubt The Ultra Shorts! They are the most comfortable shorts I've ever tried, and they also breathe well and allow me to move freely.
Learn moreTogether with Team CLN Athletics!
What happens when you gather a bunch of CrossFit athletes in an industrial space, filled with all the training equipment you could want? Our curiosity took over and we had the results immortalized together with the awesome gang at Superstudio. We promise a raised pulse and a real injection of inspiration. Meet the majority of Team CLN Athletics: Lukas Högberg, Jocke Bengtsson, Mattias Jepson, Kaitlynne Rahner and Hanna Moisander. Also take the opportunity to check out this winter's new products, with our newly launched colors: Turtle, Bordeaux, Plum and Raspberry.
Learn moreDiscover the new colors of the season!
We are facing the dark months of the year and the desire for richer colors increases as the autumn leaves fall to the ground. That's why we are now launching a brand new color palette, inspired by the fashion world's must-haves for this season. Our product news is presented in shades such as Bordeaux, Plum, Raspberry and the army green Turtle. Meet your upcoming workout in style, welcome into the warmth at clnathletics.com!
Learn moreFilm and interview with Lukas Högberg
Where does your self-confidence and winning instinct come from? I have a very good team behind me, and I also think that CrossFit is so incredibly fun. I can filter out all the pressure and everything that is hard, and that means I beat a lot of people. It is common for many people to hype themselves up by posting their best results, which they achieved at home in the box. When they then leave their safe zone with best friends and family, to come to a new place and see someone in person – they get nervous. When it comes to competition, I know that I am the one of the athletes who will be able to do it: I have experience and know what I am doing. What was your preparation like for the Crossfit Games? Swimming, running and some form of heavy lifting are common in the competition, so I make sure to practice those. Lots of movements that can cover many parts of the competition. Then I travel to the competition destination about 3 weeks in advance, to get used to the time and heat. We train outdoors in the sun the whole time, followed by hot sauna baths. When there is 1 and a half weeks left, I reduce the volume and training, but maintain the intensity – all so that I have time to recover. Then I peak before the competition. What does a day look like during the Crossfit Games? It's extremely well planned. Martin Altemark sets my alarm when I'm supposed to show up for warm-up – so I can focus on other things. I also get food and water, exactly what I'm supposed to eat. Mentally, it's important to be prepared for things not to go as you think. Lower your expectations and just have fun – that's the most important thing. What is the atmosphere like in the athletes' warm-up zone? It's always great. We hang out there all day: eating, sleeping, hanging out and watching the others compete on TV. The focus is to relax and not stress. I'm especially close to the Europeans and Americans, but everyone is super nice. In 2015 you came in 30th place in the Crossfit Games, this year you moved up 16 places and finished in 14th place. What did you do differently compared to last year? It's all about routines. Talking about what you do and how you think. I'm also very inspired by track and field athletes: even if we don't train in the same way, the feeling of training in the same room creates a sense of security. Also, sleep is invaluable, I sleep 10 hours a night. It may sound boring to go to bed at 8 pm, but with my high motivation it becomes easy. And this year everything was right. It's important to understand how incredibly good the world elite is, if you come last in the Games you're still a professional. What are your plans for the rest of 2016? The big goal is always the Crossfit Games, I don't put energy into peaking off-season. However, I will compete at the Alpha Games in Nice and also coach at Profitness Camp with Peter Blaha. I am also thinking about moving to Dubai, to train and coach. And for 2017? We will be bringing in more people to my team, such as a nutritionist who will plan my meals even more carefully. Otherwise, we will just improve small things that will make my shape even better. You are an ambassador for CLN Athletics. Why? I think it's so fun with Swedish. It's important that people like the product and I really do. Then it's important that I have good chemistry and get along with those behind the product: that everyone is honest and shows understanding for each other. Together we build both my name and CLN Athletics.
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