For elite athletes, returning to training after a break isn’t just about rebuilding physical capability—it’s about reinforcing mental resilience. In a recent behind-the-scenes training vlog, CrossFit champion Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr shared raw and honest insights as she began her countdown to the CrossFit Games: 36 days out, on day one.
From intense heat and humidity to parenthood distractions, barbell lifts, and mindset shifts, the footage paints a powerful picture of what it really means to chase greatness. If you’ve ever wondered how top athletes push through pain, doubt, and distraction to reach peak performance, there’s a lot to learn from this candid moment in Tia’s journey.
Jump to:
- The Brutal Truth of Day One
- Chasing the Feeling—Not the Pain
- Heat, Sweat & Home Turf Advantage
- The Mindset Shift of Motherhood
- Strength in Simplicity: Back to Barbells
- Discipline, Not Motivation, Sets the Tone
- Balancing High Performance with Joy
- Redefining Focus for the Long Haul
- Takeaway Lessons for Everyday Athletes
The Brutal Truth of Day One
The first day back is always the hardest—physically and mentally. For even the fittest on Earth, it can feel unfamiliar and grinding.
“It always hurts,” Tia confessed. “It’s definitely physical, but it’s mental as well. Can I hold this pace?”
That creeping self-doubt is a silent opponent many athletes face. For Tia, acknowledging it is key, but so is reframing it.
“It’s really important to check in with yourself, remember your why, and remind yourself it’s not going to last forever,” she added.
Chasing the Feeling—Not the Pain
While some people believe elite athletes are addicted to suffering, Tia offered a different perspective. It’s not the grind that’s addictive—it’s the feeling of readiness earned through it.
“You feel invincible. That’s the addictive part,” she explained. “When I’m out on the competition floor, I’m going to feel that. That’s what makes it all worth it.”
The suffering is the path, not the pleasure. The end goal? The confidence that comes from knowing you are ready, no matter what the workout or event throws at you.
Heat, Sweat & Home Turf Advantage
Tia trained under brutal humidity, but to her, it’s just home. Having grown up in hot, sticky climates, she embraces the elements as an equalizer.
“The heat doesn’t bother me. I prefer it. It affects everyone else,” she stated confidently.
Her training location may vary—Madison, Texas, or beyond—but her readiness shines regardless of the weather.
The Mindset Shift of Motherhood
One of the most touching themes in Tia’s training day was how she juggles elite fitness and parenting. With her young daughter Willow by her side, she’s found new focus—and fulfillment.
“I don’t like it when she’s not here,” Tia said warmly. “She’s a good distraction. My priorities have changed. Willow comes first now.”
This new perspective doesn’t detract from her performance—it adds to it. She’s more grounded, more mature, and more intentional with her time and energy.
Strength in Simplicity: Back to Barbells
Tia made her return to heavy lifting by hitting 195 pounds with ease. “That’s what it feels like when you feel fresh,” she said joyfully. “It felt effortless.”
Though her body has been put through the wringer competing across multiple seasons, she credits crossover training styles like HYROX for helping her stay healthier longer.
“My body from doing HYROX has been so nice,” she shared. “I think my longevity in this sport could really extend with that approach.”
Discipline, Not Motivation, Sets the Tone
Her training wasn’t just about brute effort—it demanded precision, control, and intentionality.
- Wall-facing handstand push-ups
- Legless rope climbs
- Accessory work focusing on skill and quality
While some view Games-level training as playful or improvisational, Tia acknowledged the hidden agony behind it.
“There’s fun in Games training. But with that fun comes a lot of pain,” she noted. “Leading into the Games, it’s different. It’s more versatile, and that allows for creative workouts, especially outdoors.”
Balancing High Performance with Joy
Tia’s tone wasn’t all serious. In between lifts and rope climbs, there was laughter, jokes with teammates, and playful banter about sweat and stray dumbbells.
On Lucy, her overenthusiastic training partner dripping with sweat, she quipped: “I’m going to have to tell Lucy to stay on her side of the mat!”
This camaraderie isn’t just fun—it’s vital. Community lifts the mental load in elite functional fitness, especially when training demands are sky-high.
Redefining Focus for the Long Haul
Tia concluded the day with reflection, owning the fact that she’s evolved. “Back then, I only had to focus on myself and Shane. Now Willow is my focus, and that changes everything.”
Despite long-term pressures, fatigue, and balancing new roles, she’s showing what it looks like to evolve gracefully—without sacrifice.
Takeaway Lessons for Everyday Athletes
Tia’s day one offers strong reminders for us all—no matter where we are in our fitness journeys:
- Start slow, but stay consistent: Even champions experience “rust” on day one.
- Reframe the discomfort: The work creates the confidence.
- Balance is fluid: Parenthood, stress, or non-athletic goals don’t diminish commitment—they deepen it.
- Your “why” is everything: Come back to it when doubt creeps in.
With 36 days until the CrossFit Games, Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr is proving once again that greatness is built one gritty, focused, joy-filled day at a time.
