Building a Season for the ATHX GAMES Finals
It’s not often a coach gets the chance to work with the same athlete twice in their career, but with Jamie Wilson, I’ve had that privilege.
Jamie arrived with a rare blend of attributes:
• A former boxer’s athletic base
• Natural explosiveness
• A military mindset and attitude that amplifies his power
From day one, it was easy to get excited about what Jamie could become. His potential was undeniable. But great coaching demands discipline, the discipline to coach the athlete in front of you, not the future version you’re imagining. And just as we were building momentum, an injury forced us to pause our work together.
Even then, we both felt his athletic story wasn’t finished.
A New Chapter: The Rise of ATHX
Fast forward a few years. ATHX, a functional fitness competition built around three events (Strength, Endurance, and METCON), was gaining traction. The format suited Jamie’s nature: gritty, powerful, measured. It reignited something in him.
Jamie reached out and asked me to prepare him for a full ATHX season. With limited prep time, we started the way we always do at eddiesmethod:
We tested. We assessed. We built backwards.
Even with minimal time, Jamie attended an ATHX event and qualified for the finals on December 6th.
Building the Programme: Data First, Assumptions Last
We kicked things off with a complete run of the ATHX tests to gather objective data. Once we saw the numbers, we identified what needed the most investment and where we could create the most significant competitive gains.
Here’s how we structured Jamie’s prep:
1. METCON Development
As someone who spent years in a CrossFit gym, Jamie already had solid conditioning. But his METCON time improved significantly, precisely what we expected with structured training and honest pacing work.
This improvement also gave us more space to push other areas.
2. Endurance Work
We dissected the endurance event and rebuilt it piece by piece.
• Lots of interval sessions on the run and BikeErg
• Continuous endurance work to build stability and pacing control
• Progressions designed to increase durability, not just speed
The goal: turn endurance into a weapon, not a liability.
3. Strength Training
Because of Jamie’s previous lower-back injury, we were cautious with all bending and hinging patterns.
Instead, we invested heavily in safe, productive movements for him.
The result?
He reached new levels of back squat strength without compromising the old injury.
4. Anaerobic Power
We kept anaerobic work in the programme weekly.
Why? Because sharpening that system would make him more explosive and more confident in the rowing portion of the METCON event — a key component of the ATHX format.
Jamie competes on December 6th at the ATHX Finals.
If you want to follow his journey, watch his preparation, and support an athlete who truly embodies commitment, give him a follow.
This season has just begun, and Jamie is coming in ready to make a statement.
Eddie,