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First: What It Takes to Win Paperback – June 21, 2013
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From the Back Cover
What does it take to be the best?
Strength. Endurance. Skill. Discipline. Those are the qualities that made Rich Froning a two-time CrossFit Games champion and earned him the title of “The Fittest Man on Earth.” But it takes more than sheer physical strength to compete and win at an elite level. It takes incredible mental and spiritual toughness as well. And it is the precise balance of all three that makes Rich Froning a champion.
In First, readers come alongside Rich as he competes in back-to-back-to-back CrossFit Games and get an inside look into the CrossFit phenomenon that is sweeping the world as well as a personal glimpse into the life of the down-to-earth champion. From the infamous rope climb that cost him the title in 2010 through his subsequent wins in 2011 and 2012, Rich shares invaluable lessons, priorities, and insights that have transformed his life and career and ultimately underscore what CrossFit is all about.
Most important, Rich shares the secret to his own success both in and out of the gym: when God comes first, everything else falls into place.
Strength. Endurance. Skill. Discipline. Those are the qualities that made Rich Froning a two-time CrossFit Games champion and earned him the title of “The Fittest Man on Earth.” But it takes more than sheer physical strength to compete and win at an elite level. It takes incredible mental and spiritual toughness as well. And it is the precise balance of all three that makes Rich Froning a champion.
In First, readers come alongside Rich as he competes in back-to-back-to-back CrossFit Games and get an inside look into the CrossFit phenomenon that is sweeping the world as well as a personal glimpse into the life of the down-to-earth champion. From the infamous rope climb that cost him the title in 2010 through his subsequent wins in 2011 and 2012, Rich shares invaluable lessons, priorities, and insights that have transformed his life and career and ultimately underscore what CrossFit is all about.
Most important, Rich shares the secret to his own success both in and out of the gym: when God comes first, everything else falls into place.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
90 of 102 people found the following review helpful
By
David
on July 10, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
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6 Comments
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Rich Froning: CrossFit Champion
A biography
I enjoyed reading about Rich Froning but only for a little while. It was interesting reading about his family and background and how he grew up and the book is at its best when Mr. Froning takes you through the games and competitions themselves.
It was not what I was expecting. There is nothing in this book about learning to be come a better athlete (mentally or physically) or a better CrossFit(er). In short, this is a very short biography with a lot of Born Again Christian themes.
Froning is a two time CrossFit Games Champion. He has beaten a lot of other people in some tough events. There is nothing detailed in the book about how he trains or what he eats. Just general stuff like:
"I work out five times a day...based on how I feel...I eat what a feel like..."
"I follow the Forrest Gump diet plan: when I'm hungry, I eat; when I'm thirsty, I drink."
"To get better at CrossFit do more CrossFit".
Yes, you have to push yourself beyond your mental barriers but how does Rich Froning do that? What does It Take for Rich Froning to do that over the last 2-4 years? That's what I was expecting based on the title and the reason I bought the book in the first place.
A biography
I enjoyed reading about Rich Froning but only for a little while. It was interesting reading about his family and background and how he grew up and the book is at its best when Mr. Froning takes you through the games and competitions themselves.
It was not what I was expecting. There is nothing in this book about learning to be come a better athlete (mentally or physically) or a better CrossFit(er). In short, this is a very short biography with a lot of Born Again Christian themes.
Froning is a two time CrossFit Games Champion. He has beaten a lot of other people in some tough events. There is nothing detailed in the book about how he trains or what he eats. Just general stuff like:
"I work out five times a day...based on how I feel...I eat what a feel like..."
"I follow the Forrest Gump diet plan: when I'm hungry, I eat; when I'm thirsty, I drink."
"To get better at CrossFit do more CrossFit".
Yes, you have to push yourself beyond your mental barriers but how does Rich Froning do that? What does It Take for Rich Froning to do that over the last 2-4 years? That's what I was expecting based on the title and the reason I bought the book in the first place.
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12 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By
Ben Reed
on July 11, 2013
Format: Paperback
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If you have any inclination towards CrossFit, you'll enjoy this book. Rich chronicles his rapid rise to success in the CrossFit world, sharing his story from life on the farm to back-to-back "World's Fittest Man" titles. Reading this book is like sitting down with Rich over a cup of coffee. Or, more likely, over a protein shake after a WOD. (workout-of-the-day)
Every time I read a portion of the book, I wanted to throw it down and start working harder. Rich's work ethic and passion are infectious.
Equally infectious is Rich's faith.** It's genuine, and you see it laid bare in this book as he does battle against his own pride. I found his faith refreshing, bold, and courageous.
The big question Rich wrestles with throughout the book is, "What legacy am I going to leave when I die?"
Hopefully you're asking something similar.
For Rich, faith and fitness go hand-in-hand. I've found the same to be true, which is why the book resonated so well with me. When I'm disciplined with my body, I find myself more disciplined spiritually.
This is a great summer read. And a great read just in time for this year's CrossFit Games, as Rich looks to become the three-time champion for this sport.
Every time I read a portion of the book, I wanted to throw it down and start working harder. Rich's work ethic and passion are infectious.
Equally infectious is Rich's faith.** It's genuine, and you see it laid bare in this book as he does battle against his own pride. I found his faith refreshing, bold, and courageous.
The big question Rich wrestles with throughout the book is, "What legacy am I going to leave when I die?"
Hopefully you're asking something similar.
For Rich, faith and fitness go hand-in-hand. I've found the same to be true, which is why the book resonated so well with me. When I'm disciplined with my body, I find myself more disciplined spiritually.
This is a great summer read. And a great read just in time for this year's CrossFit Games, as Rich looks to become the three-time champion for this sport.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By
Quincy
on February 8, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I admire the man and his story is very interesting... but his writing is not very interesting or captivating. It is rather shallow and does not make me feel like I know more about him - I do know his story but not HIM.
And that is okay - I wish him best of luck and he is an inspiration to many, and I hope he continues to change lives.... But this book left me feeling unfulfilled. Rich isn't a good story teller or a writer, so keep your expectations low.
The man might be 5 stars, but the book is 2-3 star territory. If he put as much effort into writing a compelling and colorful story as he does into multiple daily workouts, it would likely come out with a higher rating.
And that is okay - I wish him best of luck and he is an inspiration to many, and I hope he continues to change lives.... But this book left me feeling unfulfilled. Rich isn't a good story teller or a writer, so keep your expectations low.
The man might be 5 stars, but the book is 2-3 star territory. If he put as much effort into writing a compelling and colorful story as he does into multiple daily workouts, it would likely come out with a higher rating.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By
M. Jones
on November 1, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition
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Not only a beast of an athlete, but also a Christian and a great role model for many of us. I mean 3 time fittest man on earth, but humble as they come - you have to respect that.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By
Lucas
on September 3, 2013
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And that's...okay. Eighteen more words are required, so don't go looking for training tips other than doing manual labor as a kid. Good guy, competitive athlete, touching personal story.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
Craig
on July 14, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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Love this book and for someone to put God before anything it always great. He is a very influential man and people should look up to him and God more than the so called "pop" stars of today.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
Tammy
on June 9, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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I LOVED this book!! For real. LOVED IT. I finished right before I went to my very first Crossfit Competition in April and I WON!!!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By
Don Fancher
on May 23, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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As a CrossFitter, you can't help but enjoy reading about Rich and his focus and dedication to fitness and his efforts to be the absolute best at CrossFit. As a father and husband, it is refreshing and humbling to read about how Rich's upbringing and family continue to drive him in so many ways today. Most importantly for me, as a follower of Christ, it is awesome to read how Rich's focus on Christ is at the center of all he does and drives the success he has.
This book reads like you are sitting down and having a conversation with the fittest man on earth and hearing of his life story. It is inspiring, humbling, and also a fun read that I didn't want to put down. Most importantly, it reminded me to always put my faith first and everything else will follow!
This book reads like you are sitting down and having a conversation with the fittest man on earth and hearing of his life story. It is inspiring, humbling, and also a fun read that I didn't want to put down. Most importantly, it reminded me to always put my faith first and everything else will follow!
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