The Open workout dropped: 100 pull-ups, among other things. Maria looked at her hands — still healing from Tuesday's high-rep workout. She had five days to get competition ready.
"You can't RX the Open with destroyed hands. I've seen athletes tear on bar muscle-ups and lose minutes trying to finish. Hand prep is performance prep."
The Competition Protocol
Maria's five-day prep: rest from bar work for two days, letting skin fully heal. Light grip work on day three. Strategic taping practice on day four. Competition day: pre-taped hands, backup tape ready, confidence high.
"I finished the workout with hands intact. Some athletes had blood running down their forearms. Same workout, different preparation."
Year-Round Thinking
Competition hands don't happen the week before. They're built all year through smart training and consistent hand care. Maria never lets hand damage accumulate.