EP 47 | Chaz Hatton | US Marine | Multi-Deka World Champ | Father of 4-year-old son

Summary

Chaz Hatton discusses the importance of community in athletic endeavors and the impact of racing on personal growth and development. He shares his experience balancing a military career with personal goals and highlights the complementary relationship between racing and his career. Chaz provides insights into his training strategies for hybrid sports and the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones. He also emphasizes the role of communication and support in relationships, particularly in the context of parenthood. Chaz offers advice for those starting their fitness journey and expresses gratitude for the opportunities and connections he has gained through racing. In this conversation, Chaz Hatton emphasizes the importance of taking action and leading by example. He believes that when in doubt, it is crucial to take action and be an example for others. By leading by example, we can always be successful. Chaz Hatton concludes the conversation by expressing his gratitude.

 

Takeaways

• Community plays a vital role in athletic endeavors, providing support, motivation, and opportunities for growth.
• Racing and participating in hybrid sports can contribute to personal development and mental and physical fitness.
• Balancing a military career with personal goals requires prioritization and effective time management.
• Pushing beyond comfort zones and learning from failures are essential for personal growth and improvement.
• Incorporating fitness into family life can strengthen relationships and set a positive example for children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Appreciation for the Community

03:28 The Importance of Community in Athletic Endeavors

06:19 Balancing Military Career and Personal Goals

08:27 The Complementary Relationship Between Racing and Career

10:03 The Role of Racing in Personal Growth and Development

12:14 The Impact of Racing on Mental and Physical Fitness

14:02 The Importance of Communication and Support in Relationships

15:32 Participation in DEKAFit and High Rocks Events

16:31 Transition from CrossFit to Hybrid Sports

19:18 Building Running Capacity and Endurance

20:18 Training Strategies for Hybrid Sports

21:43 The Importance of Racing and Learning from Failures

23:33 The Fear of Failure and Pushing Beyond Comfort Zones

26:35 The Role of Parenthood and Balancing Responsibilities

31:06 The Impact of Parenthood on Personal Growth

36:15 Incorporating Fitness into Family Life

41:48 The Influence of Coaches and Mentors

46:10 The Role of Wrestling and CrossFit in Personal Development

50:19 The Importance of Effort and Competitiveness

54:20 Overcoming Challenges and Prioritizing Health

55:27 Finding Time for Training and Self-Care

59:35 The Importance of Connection and Community

01:05:29 Upcoming Races and Goals

01:20:17 Advice for Those Starting Their Fitness Journey

01:24:18 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

02:30 The Importance of Taking Action

05:30 Leading by Example

08:30 Conclusion

 

 

Full Name? *

Chaz Hatton

Home City and State? *

Joshua Tree, CA

Current Age? *

32

Current Occupation/Employment? *

Active Duty US Marine

How many kids do you have? Please include Gender ( No names needed) *

One; 4 year old son

What were your all-time biggest accomplishments as an athlete? *

2023 DEKA WC Age Group 30-34- 1st Place Fit, Mile, Strong 2022 DEKA WC AG 30-34- 2nd Place Fit 2022 DEKA WC Elite Mile- 7th Place 2022 HYROX NA Championship AG 30-34- 2nd Place 2022 and 2023 HYROX WC Qualifier

What are your biggest accomplishments in business or in your professional career? *

13 years in the US Marine Corps Coached Crossfit at Affiliate Gym in Joshua Tree, CA 2014-2017

What is your biggest accomplishment as a father (in regard to your family members)? *

I have spent a lot of time over the past four years doing by best to optimize my time to prioritize my duties as a father, in my career, and in the pursuit of physical performance. Over the past four years my family has moved back to the US from Japan, and later to Joshua Tree, CA from San Diego, CA. My wife also has a dynamic career field which requires us to work together to ensure we are the best parents that we can be to our son. We continue to grow and learn together and I am proud of the environment we have created for our son while still being able to accomplish our own personal and professional goals.

How would you define "Competitive Edge"? *

Thought a lot about this over the last couple of months.. for me competitive edge is the willingness to face failure in the pursuit of expressing your full potential. As we get closer to our limits, our proximity to failure becomes closer and the margin for error becomes smaller. We are often most limited by our fear of failure and hold back on our effort, which provides an excuse for our results. Putting our full capabilities on display requires an immense amount of courage, which often comes under great scrutiny when done in public. Full execution of our true potential requires us to put our hours of training and sacrifice on the line.

Optional: When did the competitive side of you begin? and please walk us through the sports you may have played as a kid into an adult

My first true exposure to sport was in the wrestling room in high school. My wrestling career was mediocre at best, but learned to love the grit and grind required on a daily basis. I was privileged to have a coach which kept me engaged in the sport until I moved to Texas my last year of high school. My last year of high school I enlisted in the Marine Corps and went to boot camp shortly after high school. I then got into Crossfit which I will detail below.

Optional: What kind of competitive athletic events did you compete in before kids as an adult?

Prior to competing in DEKA and HYROX, I was active in Crossfit. I started Crossfit in 2011 shortly after entering the Marine Corps. It was introduced to my by a Platoon Commander in an effort to prepare for a school which was physically challenging. My first day of Crossfit consisted of a 7 minute ascending ladder of thrusters and pullups, then we completed Murph. I was hooked for the beginning. I spent the last 10 years in Crossfit affiliates as an athlete and coach. While stationed in Japan, I was on a competitive team where I had the opportunity to participate in the Japan Championships. I began running and training for Hybrid racing after sustaining and elbow injury which developed to chronic arthritis which has limited my range of motion. While doing Crossfit, I was always drawn to the longer endurance WODs and found HYROX and DEKA to be the perfect fit for my abilities.

Optional: What did your training schedule look like before your kids?

I have been blessed to have maintained a similar training schedule after having kids. My workouts are now usually earlier in the morning and more focused on the task. I normally try to get a second session in the afternoons, normally consisting of some type of running or machine work, before going home to focus on family time. I have not had the opportunity to continue coaching since becoming a father due to the amount of time required to perform the task at a level I would be satisfied with. I also built a home gym which allows for a more flexible schedule for workouts where I can also be with my son and family.

Optional: What kind of competitive events do you compete in now as a father?

I look for as many opportunities as I can to compete in DEKA, HYROX, and local hybrid/running events. I plan to take more opportunities in 2024 to travel to compete in the DEKA FIT Elite division.

Optional: What does your training schedule look like now as a father? (hours per week est)

Each day I have two planned blocks for training: 5am-7am and 4pm-5pm. I consistently workout 12-16 hours a week, which is high volume for most but personally works well for my schedule and lifestyle. I am blessed to have a job which prioritizes physical fitness, which makes this schedule possible. On the weekends, I try to get all my training done in one extended training block to have the rest of the day for family time. Thursday and Sunday I take active rest days where I complete easy running or 90 minutes of biking at the house. Full rest days normally come naturally when I am required to work extended hours or on-call.

Optional: What are some things or ways you stay present as a father balancing training and fatherhood?

I do not remember where I first learned this concept, but as a young adult I was told you can really only perform optimally in three areas of your life. I do not know if this is true, but a concept which I adopted and works well for me. I prioritize being a husband/father, career, and fitness being my hobby. I rarely spend time doing anything else. The only exception to this was I was able to finish my degree after my son was born. I try to think in terms of prioritizing my time vs balance. I found prioritization puts me in a better mindset to optimize my time instead of stressing about if I am properly balancing work/family/fitness.

Optional: Why do you train and/or compete? What drives that bug in you to compete?

Fitness serves me in so many ways which compounds into other areas of my life. It serves as a benefit to my health, and I often use fitness as a way to relieve stress or think through complex issues. Running has been my go-to for the last couple of years when I need to spend time thinking or meditating. Competing adds an additional layer of challenge and personal development. Competing keeps me accountable and allows me to pursue a goal. I found competing to be an essential part of my life to develop desired character attributes and find social connection.

What advice would you have for those men out there that lost connection with their health when they finished competing as an athlete or as first-time dads that lost touch with their competitive edge and respect for the man in the mirror? *

Find connections and community. This will require you to first step outside of your comfort zone but will allow you to explore opportunities to connect and grow with others who have similar desires, challenges, and experiences. Find and hour three times a week when you can fully devote to exercise. Prioritize these opportunities. Communicate your goals with your partner and family, you will often get more support when there is more understanding of your goals. Lots to unpack on this one.

Optional: What big races, or events, coming up for you this year?

Still planning this out, but hope to travel around hitting as many DEKA FIT events as possible. I hope to be able to compete in the DEKA Ultra in July. Elite qualifications for the DEKA WC FIT/MILE/STRONG is the goal. HYROX PRO in Anaheim. I also want to complete another half marathon this year.

Optional: How can everyone find you and follow what you're doing (IG handle, website, etc)? any sponsors or upcoming items you want to share?

IG: @cl_hat