Meredith Root finished 6th at the West Regional on Sunday, May 27. However, on July 16 Root was moved up to 5th and invited to compete at the CrossFit Games. The invite came after 1st place finisher Emily Abbott had failed a drug test.

Now with less than two weeks away from the start of the CrossFit Games (we think it will begin on Wednesday this year), we caught up with Root to find out about her invitation to the Games and her training.

Oh, and since Root just found out about her invite to the Games, her sponsor These Fists Fly is selling t-shirts to help support her costs to travel to Madison. Go grab a shirt (we’ll wait) and then read our interview with Root below.

The Barbell Spin: After a tough final day at Regionals and finishing 6th, what was your mindset and attitude towards CrossFit? Did you need a break to clear your mind or did you jump right back into training?

Meredith Root: I was obviously pretty bummed in the moment, but I recovered pretty quickly. I don’t do CrossFit because I want to make it to The Games, I do it because I love the training. The final event was tough but the rest of the weekend was so much fun. I jumped right back into training after spending the following week in West Palm Beach watching my sister compete.

TBBS: How did you find out that you were going to the CrossFit Games?

MR: I was contacted The CrossFit Games staff with my invitation.

TBBS: Had you heard any rumors prior to being contacted by CrossFit?

MR: I had heard rumors, but I try to not get mixed up in the rumor mill. There was lots of chatter going around, I tried my best to stay in my lane.

TBBS: What was your initial reaction upon finding out your were going?

MR: Pure elation. Very happy.

TBBS: What is your overall reaction to the 14, actually 17 since there are apparently 3 more under appeal, failed drug tests? Do you think the CrossFit Games has a problem with PEDs?

MR: I think there will be people trying to get an edge in any sport. CrossFit is doing a good job to head this off with extremely thorough drug testing. It’s not my place to pass judgment on any other athlete.

TBBS: At some point you picked up your training, thanks to Alex. What was the intensity of your training? Was it more focused towards recovery and preparing for 2019?

MR: Our training is very periodized, so after Regionals there was a shift towards “off-season” type training. Our coach is so good, neither Alex nor myself felt very beat up after Regionals, so there was not a need for time off. The training obviously changed once we figured out I would be competing at the Games.

TBBS: With only a couple weeks left until the Games begin, do you even try to change your training or just go with what you have been doing?

MR: My training changed to “Games Prep” as soon I found out.

TBBS: What are you goals for the Games?

MR: My goal is to enjoy the experience. I have no expectations of myself other than I do my best with every event. I think a lot of athletes put too much pressure on themselves to the point where The Games aren’t even fun. I want to have fun, meet as many people as I can, and make people laugh. That is my goal.

TBBS: If you could pick any prior CrossFit Games event to be repeated this year, what would it be and why?

MR: Well Triple 3 was already repeated at Regionals so I’d have to go with the Muscle-up Biathlon from a few years ago (in 2014). Two of my favorite things, running and muscle-ups, in one workout!

TBBS: This year you had obviously improved over prior years of competing. What would you attribute to your success?

I have more balance in my life this year. I actually have a lot more going on this year than I did last year with my job(s), relationships, etc. But I think that has really made me focus on my time in the gym when I am there. I only train about 3.5 hours a day, which is pretty low compared to a lot of athletes. But it’s a very productive 3.5 hours. I have a new coach (Mike Fitzgerald, OPT) who is amazing and have been working with (and now for) Mike Molloy of M2 Performance Nutrition who has really helped dial in my nutrition game. Having Alex [Parker] in my life is huge. She just makes me want to be better at everything I do.

If you don’t already, follow Meredith Root on Instagram. And keep an eye out for her, especially on those running and muscle-up events at the CrossFit Games.