4 Things I Learned at DEKA FIT

A while ago, Matt and I signed up to race individually in a DEKA FIT event here in Denver. After taking on the course in May, here are a few of my biggest takeaways.

1. DEKA FIT = Engine Class

The race consists of a 5K run broken up by 10 functional fitness stations, including rowing, skiing, sled pushes, sled pulls, burpees, and more.

Basically, it’s everything we do in Engine class.

We felt fully prepared after spending plenty of hours trying not to redline during Coach Jimmy’s workouts.

2. Coach Mike’s Machine Tips Are Gold

SkiErg damper low. Bike posture tilted forward. Going 10 seconds faster on a 500-meter row is not worth the extra fatigue. And, of course, the classic reminder to “relax your face.”

Mike’s machine tips gave us an edge at those stations. It also seemed like stepping back on the burpees was a “pro tip” that only Train athletes knew.

3. It’s Always Better to Race With Friends

Part of what attracts me to CrossFit is the element of competition. It throws me back to schoolyard days on the playground.

Your friends make you faster, both when you’re racing and when they’re cheering you on. The race setup was also very spectator-friendly, so Matt and I could feel the camaraderie at each station.

4. The Goal Isn’t the Race

The race was fun, and Matt and I threw down in the 35–39 age group representing Train. But the real reward was realizing that all the grindy workouts, random conditioning pieces, and tips learned in the gym added up to something.

Most of us aren’t training specifically for DEKA, HYROX, or any one competition. We’re training so we’re ready for whatever challenge comes next, whether that’s mountain adventures, chasing kids or chickens around, in my case, or simply moving for the sake of movement itself.

At the end of the day, whether we’re at a race or in the gym, it’s all just adult recess. It’s a celebration of our ability to move, and for that, I’m very grateful.

Mike Banasiak