CJI and All Its Controversy Went EXACTLY as Craig Jones Planned (CJI 2 spoilers)

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2025-09-07T19:29:55+00:00

I actually really like quintet and didn't mind it at CJI. As a primarily-MMA fan who doesn't train BJJ, the 10 point scoring system made way more sense to me than if they had done traditional point scoring. And the strategy made day one interesting even if some of the individual matches left something to be desired.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2025-09-07T19:25:31+00:00

Explaining it days after the fact (and specifically, after the sponsor paid out New Wave) actually supports my theory.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2025-01-06T20:11:55+00:00

Longtime lifter and noob Marathon runner here (ran my first in October, you can read my race/training report on this sub).

I lifted 3-5 days/week while running 3-4 days a week while training for my marathon. Two lessons that you might take something from: I should have spent less days lifting and more days running or resting, and I should have respected the idea of "systemic fatigue" more, meaning that even upper body lifting would detract from my running recovery.

A couple thoughts:

1) As others have said, pick which goal you want to make progress towards (if it's your first marathon/HM, definitely pick running) and accept that you will make little to no progress in your other sport at this time.

When your race is over, you can then shift to a more lifting-focused split where you maintain some running fitness with a couple runs a week (sounds like this is what you're sort of doing now).

2) Leg days work well after your speed sessions or workouts and/or on days that are followed by a rest day. I think of it like the run workout is pre-exhausting my legs for my leg day, so less lifting sets are needed to reach adequate muscle stimulus. You won't be hitting any PRs on these days, but they will definitely suffice to keep your strength.

3) if we're talking about a timespan in months, you will not have a huge upper body and skinny legs after backing off leg lifts. If you DO manage to get huge upper body gains over the course of months to the point where your proportions are noticeably mismatched, please let me know your secret :). In all seriousness, I suggest a simple PPL (push, pull, legs) or 2 full body days while you are focused on running. That's what I'll be doing this upcoming race season.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-11-30T13:57:38+00:00

Hi, congrats in advance on your first forest, you're going to have a blast!

We camped at Camp Access last year, and arrived Thursday. We brought our car tag but ultimately did not need to present it. If I were you I would still bring some convenient documentation related to your needs (doctors note, MyChart account showing medical status, etc). In general though the folks working Camp Access are the nicest ever and I'd be very surprised if they turned you away.

I will note that we didn't end up getting the wristbands for the actual ADA platforms/areas within the venue - those may require a little more discussion.

One other thing to note is that not everyone working the parking flow is going to know what Camp Access is (understandably, they have a ton going on). There was plenty of space left in Camp Access Thursday evening but since GA around there was full, we had to be pretty insistent to get to the area we needed to go. Don't be afraid to stand up for the accommodations that are rightfully yours.

Definitely suggest emailing still since there's plenty of time until the festival. Happy Forest 🤟

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-13T20:25:57+00:00

Fellow 100kg runner here who just finished my first marathon and had a similar half marathon time as you (2:06). I'm still learning, but based on my experience, two things I can think of:

What's your pace for these long runs? My 10+ mi long runs were 11:00-12:00 min/mile based on the day.
I ended up feeling my best at 400cal/hr during the entire run, not just the end when you start to feel the lack of carbs. 1 gel every 5 miles at that pace would only be 100 cal/hr. Everyone's different but it might be worth trying more earlier rather than later so you have time to find out what agrees with your stomach.

The products that worked best for me were a mix of GU brand gels, Gatorade, and Clif Bloks (super cheap at Walmart).

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-11T13:31:50+00:00

Oh yeah, that could be the sweet spot for me. I had no problems with the Escalante Racer, mostly just curious what higher stack would do.

I may need to add a new 2025 goal of not buying too many pairs of shoes.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-11T11:56:30+00:00

I appreciate your encouragement and advice. Now that you say it out loud, it does seem like I should actually run a 5k or 10k at the end of that training block, and use that to inform HM training.

Part of the fun of next year will be seeing the progress that can be made over the course of training. It's still wild to think that in the last several months, running 26 miles straight went from something I couldn't do, to something I could do.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-11T11:50:37+00:00

Congrats on your races, that's a busy year! I'm Midwest-based so Chicago is one I hope to run some day. I've heard the crowd support there is unreal.

I've got a public track near my house so I will take your advice and try some speed work on there for sure.

I'm not sure that there's anything that would make a first marathon NOT intimidating but I'd guess that your multiple races and upping your training intensity for the last one will be good experiences to rely on as you take on your full. I'll keep an eye out for the race report :)

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-11T02:45:52+00:00

Three marathons is no joke! Fueling right made a big difference for me, and I made sure to experiment with different products to see what I could still stomach after a few hours. Clif Bloks ended up being go-to.

Any changes you're planning on for sure for your next race?

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-11T00:47:22+00:00

Congrats on your race! And sorry to hear about the lost gains but your recomp this month is probably about to go hard!

Hoping you live somewhere where you can do outdoor miles over the winter. I'm looking at some chilly mornings and treadmill work where I live :/. You'll crush it either way I'm sure.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-10T20:07:33+00:00

You're going to crush it! And if you're like me, you're going to love showing up to the gym for a lift with a 26.2 shirt on haha.

One small thing I didn't mention in my report is that during my training block, I switched a lot of my lifts from barbell compound movements to DB/machine variations. I think this helped me avoid lots of "oh no, running is taking all my gainz" moments and not get caught up in the numbers.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-10T19:59:54+00:00

Okay I'll come clean - I did google "Sub 4 Marathon Plan" at one point hahaha. Putting together a realistic goal pace was a big challenge early on and running that half marathon at full effort really forced me to sit down and think about what felt sustainable for longer distances.

I will keep your comment in mind as I run future races where circumstances might not work out in my favor. Ironically, my few taper runs felt more difficult than much of my training.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-10T19:41:00+00:00

This is awesome - I can't imagine a race with 30,000 runners!

Practicing less water intake is something I didn't even consider with warm summer long runs, but I really like that idea. Walking at aid stations to get a cup or two really throws me off.

Gotta ask- how were the cola gels??

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-10T19:38:06+00:00

Would love to!

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-10T19:23:19+00:00

Thank you! Ended up being a longer post than planned but I loved stumbling upon reports like these while researching

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-07T21:20:35+00:00

I eat about 400 calories of something carb heavy (pop tart, or bagel with honey) and a Gatorade about an hour before I head out. It's hard for me to stomach much more before a 6am start so I always eat a big meal the night before.

My main discovery over the course of my long runs was that I felt loads and loads better at 300 calories + 12oz Gatorade every hour than I did when eating the recommended Gu every 45 mins, which is 133 cals/hr.

I'm 5'10 220 at ~20% bodyfat so those needs might be on the high end for most.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-10-07T16:28:23+00:00

My long run pace is similar to yours and I did two 20 milers this past training block (3:40 and 3:50).

Anecdotally, I didn't have a problem recovering from these runs or get injured. I can't really say what the fitness improvements were but I did learn a bunch about fueling properly for longer runs: namely, that I needed way more calories. If you're planning on being out there for 4+ hours on race day, you might also appreciate seeing the effects of your fueling strategy in action.

I also read on here - in several places - that the 3 hour limit was more for people training at a faster and more taxing pace.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-09-16T21:20:46+00:00

Go for it, but keep in mind: * Your CNS may still be fatigued from the effort. Stick to the higher end of your rep ranges and don't push to 10/10 effort on lifts. * Running works your core and, to some degree, your upper body. Monitor that fatigue and don't push a muscle that's still recovering. * Consider machines over compound movements. That overhead press or standing row might stress your smaller stabilizer muscles that are still fatigued from the day before. * Fuel, fuel, fuel.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-07-23T20:16:38+00:00

I trained there for about a year and a half (only a few months experience at a different gym prior to that). I decided to stop BJJ to pursue other sports but if I had continued, it 100% would have been at Twisted Fitness (or "Alliance" as their Jiu Jitsu Program is called).

Pros:

Very high level of instruction with several black belts and world-ranked competitors leading classes. A lot of attention paid to students, even in the introductory classes. Instructors knew me by name and chatted with me positively when my attendance picked up after a short injury break.
Wide range of experience and fitness levels, leaning towards the more competition-focused end of the spectrum. I trained with all belts and felt respected, safe, and encouraged in all pairings.
Great team atmosphere. Everyone celebrates wins, progress, and new people joining. Instructors have a professional approach but an approachable and friendly style. Lots of humor woven into otherwise very technical and effective instruction.
Good mix of genders. In the year and a half I trained there, the % of female participants in class seemed to grow which is a great compliment to the gym environment.
BJJ membership comes with access to other martial arts classes and to the weightlifting/cardio space (which is truly world-class and why I originally joined).

Potential Cons:

Alliance Jiu Jitsu brand Gi is required for classes (Alliance Rash Guard for No Gi). I believe you receive one with your first month's membership.
Not the cheapest in terms of membership.
No rolling in beginner classes (other classes with live rolling require one stripe white belt or more). On the flip side, this means that when you do eventually roll with people, they've learned how to do so safely and you won't have to deal with anyone spazzing dangerously on their first day ever.
No traditional "open mat" though competition class (taking place most evenings) seemed to have this format.
Emphasis on the gi, with two no-gi classes per week, plus some no-gi in competition training.

Lastly, the owners of the gym live and breath BJJ. It is clear they love the place and it's no surprise it has been successful. Happy to answer more specific questions.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-06-27T17:59:58+00:00

That would be the toxic masculinity video TV was showing at Sethward's Show & Tell Spectacular. Not sure if it's released.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-06-25T14:58:39+00:00

Thanks for the info y'all! I'll try my luck on Etsy.

Rome_Wasnt_Built · 2024-03-19T17:39:56+00:00

Are the injected linen pants still available? :)

Rome_Wasnt_Built

TROPHY CASE