WODAPOLOOZA - the world’s premier Functional Fitness Festival, takes place this weekend in Miami starting Thursday 13th January finishing Sunday 16th. The 4 day event brings together thousands of athletes, spectators and fitness fanatics to celebrate fitness, community and life. Bringing the heat on AND off the competition floor, some of the biggest names in the sport will be there with different seminars, workouts, and appearances.
Chat with Emma and Lucy
Is this your first time competing at Wodapolooza?
Emma: Yes, this is my first time competing in Miami and I can’t wait. Especially with it being so cold in Northern Ireland right now. A bit of sun is well needed.
Lucy: Yes, as it was cancelled last year, and last year was my first serious competition year, competing at The CrossFit Games.
How did you find the qualifiers?
Emma: Thankfully I didn’t have to do them. I got an invite as it is based on past Sanctional and CrossFit Games finishes. The groundwork was put in earlier in 2021!
How will you adapt to the time zone?
Emma: I usually give myself enough time to adjust to the time zone. I’m cutting it extremely short this time around with the Christmas period being in the mix. I am hoping my body clock will have kicked into gear in time for the first day of the competition on Thursday (13th January). I usually wake up and train really early before a big day of traveling and sitting. So my plan is to get up around 3am and train from 3 am -4.30 am then get ready and leave at 5am for the airport for my flight on Sunday.
Lucy: Going out 5 days earlier has helped to acclimatise so I'm good to go for Thursday for when the competition starts.
How did you train over the festive period?
Emma: I trained as normal because of Wodapolza being so early in the year. This time of year is usually my down time but I'll take some down time at Easter after 1/4 finals this season instead.
Lucy: I trained harder over Christmas than I normally do as I wasn't at school, 2 sessions each day and tested out my new concept 2 bike erg on Christmas day.
What workouts would you like to see appear at the event?
Emma: I love strict handstand push-ups and bar muscle-ups, so those would be the dream to appear at the weekend.
Lucy: I'd really like to see some heavy snatches and maybe some ring or bar muscle ups.
What are the plans for 2022?
Emma: 2022 is set to be a busy year, if all goes to plan! The CrossFit Open is next on my agenda with the Quarter and Semi Finals. My goal is to make it back to the CrossFit Games in the Summer. One of my 2021 highlights was attending Rogue Invitational, so would love to make that happen again this year. The Dubia CrossFit Championships is also on the wish list, if the season plays out how I see it in my head.
Lucy: Plans for 2022 would be to get back to The Games and do better than I did last year.
How are you balancing school whilst you are away?
Lucy: School have been really supportive and winter exams are while I'm away so I'm allowed to do those when I get back. I shouldn't be missing too much actual schoolwork which is good.
Who do you think your biggest competition is?
Lucy: My biggest competition is mostly myself and making sure I'm improving year on year but I am excited to compete against the other girls who competed at The Games with me.
