I have been to many boxes all over the place, and there is still no place like HOME. I recently got back from a trip to Florida, where I was super excited to go "box hopping". We stopped along the way at Crossfit Trussville, located in Alabama, to hit a WOD to try and get over our "jet lag" from driving for 7 hours. The day before I had a tangle with "Cindy", and left her sucking her thumb in the corner wanting her momma,. and me as well. So to say I was sore is a huge under-statement...but anyway back to my story. So after several calls to try and arrange to workout at Trussville, we finally get the green light to stop in and hit a WOD. We get there and the trainer is super friendly, and spot on as far as the CF personality goes. In talking with him, he shares that he called one of his top athletes to come hit the WOD while we were there. Everyone that knows me knows how I responded to this..."Hell Yeah"! We hit the WOD, had a good time doing it with a lil' bit of non-directed competition, and made some new friends in the meantime. ( Don't worry, you'll find out Monday what the WOD was :). ) What I'm trying to say is that never meeting us before, our new found friends wanted to show their best the first time, which is admirable in my book.
The second, and last "BOX" we visited on our trip was not the case. To call yourself legit, you have to eat, sleep, and breathe what you preach 24/7... CrossFit by definition is constantly varied, FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENTS, executed at high intensity. This is what we preach day in and day out...if it is not functional(squatting, picking heavy shit off of the floor, or moving and lifting in a natural way) then what is the purpose? Is it cool to preach this, then when all of the "followers" are not looking , go do some sort of sword fighting with a pole with weights on the end of it in some orchestrated movement that had obviously been practiced, some kind of upside down pullups, and some sort of barbell carry in a half bicep curl position, where dropping it to a full hang was penalized by who knows what. I'm not trying to be one way, or a complete jerk, but I am trying to say that if your going to call yourself something, then be that something. I was told by this person that was doing this that the standards for the KB Swings at the Regionals was totally bogus and kept him and his team from qualifying...and that there was this guy who had these abdomen muscles that stuck way out, so he was obviously taking some sort of performance enhancing drugs...fail! I had learned all of this within 5 minutes of meeting this dude...Really? You introduce yourself to CrossFit right, take all the steps to learn how to do it right(go to a legit Affiliate with legit trainers who know their stuff and are passionate about doing things right) expose yourself to HEAVY loads over your head, on your back squatting, and picking things off of the floor...HEAVY things, and you too could have these so called "enhanced Abs". It's from prolonged exposure of doing shit right, i.e. core training with functional movements. There are good and bad in everything you do or participate in. I am so thankful that I am part of a CrossFit family at my box that can without a doubt, call ourselves LEGIT! We show our best every hour of everyday, and for that I thank every person that calls their home CrossFit SoMO.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
A man among GIANTS
This past weekend at the CF North Central Regionals was amazing! I was honored to be a part of such an ELITE group of athletes. The competition was second to none, the judging was stellar, the coordination of the event was spot on, and the overall atmosphere of the entire weekend could never be duplicated except at an event like that one! Humbling and gratifying all at the same time, is the only way I can describe what I felt like being among all of the people I was around. Not only the athletes, but the friends that took the time and effort out of their already busy lives to come and support me in my endeavor, was priceless.
This little town that we live in is GREAT, with all of the amenities of home, but you truly have to go outside of the "normal" to test yourself, and all of your hard work from time to time. I ended up in 17th place in our 11 state Region, after what has felt like an eternity of competition. Am I happy with finish?...YES! Am I satisfied that 17th is all I can do?...HELL NO! I learned that I really need to submerge myself into a competitive atmosphere more often. I learned that I will lose sometimes, and that it is okay. I learned that the only time it is not okay is if you don't try again. I learned that there are people out there that really do want to see me succeed. I learned that no matter how good you are, or think you are, there is ALWAYS someone better. Someone that has put more effort into their goal. Someone who wants it more. Someone who is willing to put up with more pain to beat you, and then come over and cheer you on to finish.
I have to give props to a guy that I got acquainted with through CrossFit. His name is Jeremy Mhire, and he is an outstanding athlete, and overall has one of the best attitudes of anyone I have ever met. He crushed the Regionals this past weekend, but it wasn't easy sailing for him at first. He had a pretty rocky start on the first WOD, and came back with authority to advance to the Final Day of competition, where he crushed the last 2 WODS. He has had a positive influence on me ever since I met him 3 years ago. We competed in Ft. Worth, TX together at the Regionals, when you did not have to qualify to get to Regionals. Boy times have changed in 3 short years as far as evolving the sport. Anyway, back to the subject, I want to say a huge thanks to Jeremy for the attitude that he presents and puts forth always, not just when he feels like it.
So, things to focus on next year....get good enough to make top ten in my Region....or at least place 16th! I have more positive influence than I ever thought possible, and it is because of the people I surround myself with. If anyone reading this needs some of that influence, you should come and let me introduce you to a couple of my friends.
This little town that we live in is GREAT, with all of the amenities of home, but you truly have to go outside of the "normal" to test yourself, and all of your hard work from time to time. I ended up in 17th place in our 11 state Region, after what has felt like an eternity of competition. Am I happy with finish?...YES! Am I satisfied that 17th is all I can do?...HELL NO! I learned that I really need to submerge myself into a competitive atmosphere more often. I learned that I will lose sometimes, and that it is okay. I learned that the only time it is not okay is if you don't try again. I learned that there are people out there that really do want to see me succeed. I learned that no matter how good you are, or think you are, there is ALWAYS someone better. Someone that has put more effort into their goal. Someone who wants it more. Someone who is willing to put up with more pain to beat you, and then come over and cheer you on to finish.
I have to give props to a guy that I got acquainted with through CrossFit. His name is Jeremy Mhire, and he is an outstanding athlete, and overall has one of the best attitudes of anyone I have ever met. He crushed the Regionals this past weekend, but it wasn't easy sailing for him at first. He had a pretty rocky start on the first WOD, and came back with authority to advance to the Final Day of competition, where he crushed the last 2 WODS. He has had a positive influence on me ever since I met him 3 years ago. We competed in Ft. Worth, TX together at the Regionals, when you did not have to qualify to get to Regionals. Boy times have changed in 3 short years as far as evolving the sport. Anyway, back to the subject, I want to say a huge thanks to Jeremy for the attitude that he presents and puts forth always, not just when he feels like it.
So, things to focus on next year....get good enough to make top ten in my Region....or at least place 16th! I have more positive influence than I ever thought possible, and it is because of the people I surround myself with. If anyone reading this needs some of that influence, you should come and let me introduce you to a couple of my friends.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
4-19-11
WOW! Been a while since I have updated...no excuses, just being lazy. If you typed like I do, you would realize that it takes me a substantial amount of time to post anything even worth taking the time to read.
Well, we are well into the Games season, and I feel better than I have in over a year, both physically and mentally. I think I am currently sitting in 49th place in my Region, which I am okay with at the moment, but will not be satisfied until I quit scraping the bottom of the "To Go" list that advances to the Chicago Navy Pier on Memorial Day. There have been some challenging tests put forth so far, but I have felt comfortable in the fact that they were not too far out of my "Comfort Zone", if that makes any sense at all. Today I think they are going to release the last two workouts for the "Open Sectionals", and like always I will probably sit in the corner after I find out what they are, obsess about them, and get sick to my stomach thinking about how to perfectly execute them. Your mental state affects your performance so much, and like the last WOD, I literally beat myself into not performing at the level I know I can perform at, and have proven I can perform at so many times before...your intensity must be up during the WOD, not an hour before to where it drains every ounce of energy you have.
My focus is better now than it has been, one due to my health physically, and two due to the positive things I have going on in my life, and going on around me. I believe that if you surround yourself by "goodness", then you have no choice but to be saturated in it. I am very blessed to have two wonderful kids that absolutely make my world. They are so good for my soul, and everyday I thank God that they are mine. I have a wonderful support system that truly wants to see me do good...not say they would like for me to do good, but actually whole-heartedly without a doubt wants to see me advance to the next level. That is huge! As much as this blog is to help me vent, it is even more for me to thank every single person that is in my life right now both personally, publicly, and even the ones that want to see me fail, for being what you are to me and giving me whatever motivation you have brought about, whether it is positive enforcement, or making me so determined to kick the living sh!+ out of you. Everyone needs a motivator and I thank everyone for both kinds! So, until next time...be strong, be diligent, and be consistent.
Well, we are well into the Games season, and I feel better than I have in over a year, both physically and mentally. I think I am currently sitting in 49th place in my Region, which I am okay with at the moment, but will not be satisfied until I quit scraping the bottom of the "To Go" list that advances to the Chicago Navy Pier on Memorial Day. There have been some challenging tests put forth so far, but I have felt comfortable in the fact that they were not too far out of my "Comfort Zone", if that makes any sense at all. Today I think they are going to release the last two workouts for the "Open Sectionals", and like always I will probably sit in the corner after I find out what they are, obsess about them, and get sick to my stomach thinking about how to perfectly execute them. Your mental state affects your performance so much, and like the last WOD, I literally beat myself into not performing at the level I know I can perform at, and have proven I can perform at so many times before...your intensity must be up during the WOD, not an hour before to where it drains every ounce of energy you have.
My focus is better now than it has been, one due to my health physically, and two due to the positive things I have going on in my life, and going on around me. I believe that if you surround yourself by "goodness", then you have no choice but to be saturated in it. I am very blessed to have two wonderful kids that absolutely make my world. They are so good for my soul, and everyday I thank God that they are mine. I have a wonderful support system that truly wants to see me do good...not say they would like for me to do good, but actually whole-heartedly without a doubt wants to see me advance to the next level. That is huge! As much as this blog is to help me vent, it is even more for me to thank every single person that is in my life right now both personally, publicly, and even the ones that want to see me fail, for being what you are to me and giving me whatever motivation you have brought about, whether it is positive enforcement, or making me so determined to kick the living sh!+ out of you. Everyone needs a motivator and I thank everyone for both kinds! So, until next time...be strong, be diligent, and be consistent.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
3-8-11
Been a while since I last posted. Training has been going mediocre, fighting fatigue and drain, but overall not bad. I have been trying to focus on intensity throughout the WOD, and really pushing through the mental barrier of pain. The Games season is quickly approaching(next week), and the thought of a years worth of training for this brief period seems a bit overwhelming at times.Thoughts roll through my head a thousand times a day; Have I trained enough Oly? Are my strength numbers where they need to be? Is my metabolic conditioning where it needs to be? Is my mind going to be strong and firmly affixed to my goal, or will I let the pain of the WOD win over my desire to qualify for Regionals? I think if you are serious enough about anything, you will have these thoughts, you just have to harness that fear and use it for positive reinforcement. I have been really careful this year in the fact that I'm trying really hard not to peak too early. I still occasionally get the PR I was looking for, or crush a WOD, but I would really like to think that my training is peaking as I am writing this blog. The next 6 weeks will tell the tale as far as approach and conditioning, and God willing I won't get injured so I can have heal;thy Games season.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
2-26-11
The Air Force WOD has haunted me for over a year...Not anymore...here it is at 5:48
Then my good buddy Clayton made an awesome Athlete Profile for me...it is amazing...
Then my good buddy Clayton made an awesome Athlete Profile for me...it is amazing...
Monday, February 21, 2011
INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION...WHAT DRIVES YOU
The spirit of competition, elbow to elbow in a WOD, the fear of losing or failure, letting someone or everyone down...that has been my motivation for a long time. Recently I realized that not only was I putting a time limit on my progress into qualifying for the Games, but I was losing the luster that I once had for all out competition and fun.
I have been plagued with injury after injury for about 18 months off and on, and have been feeling sorry for myself a lot along the way. I have been really focusing on taking care of myself and keeping healthy, trying not to re-injure or cause any other injuries to my body. The other day I went through a grueling WOD that involved a bunch of HEAVY lunges, which left me somewhat crippled with soreness the next day. As I was laying in the floor on the foam roller, in quite a lot of pain rolling out the knots in my ass, a man walked through the door and changed my outlook on a lot of things. Keeping an anonymous profile, I will call this guy Bob. I will start by saying that this man has had a positive influence in my life and on me ever since I met him and his wife. Though they are not related to me at all, they are a big part of my very small family, and they both train with me at the box I co-own.
I have known the couple for over 6 years now, and started our relationship through business. In that time, my friendship with the wife became solid and un-wavered. She helped me in business decisions, morals, and gave me advice in some of my personal life as well.Bob worked on the East coast, doing stuff with computers that I don't even know where to begin to start to try and explain. He came home ever so often, visiting and making sure everything was okay, and then going back to work for months. Then it happened...RETIREMENT! He had worked all his life for this day, and it came! He moved back home with his wife, and life was good. Then one day he went for a physical, as directed by his wife, and revealed a monster. Bob was told that he was in Stage 4 Colon Cancer...devastating. Of course naturally, I would assume that one would lose hope, give up and just quit enjoying life, and worry constantly...but not Bob.Bob made a decision that day that he was going to give this thing one hell of a fight. Months of chemotherapy and being sick and weak all the time, and you ask him how he feels...the answer is always the same "I feel great!"
Getting back to the original story, we come to present tense. I am reflecting back to last week, when this man walked into my box, and while I was complaining about being so sore, he walks up to me asks if I would mind if he just rowed that day. With me laying in the floor, facing the entrance as he walked in, all I seen was a silhouette, but knew who it was. As I rolled off of the roller, got to my feet, and my eyes adjusted, I realized that Bob had a little backpack with him. Upon further inspection and information, I realized that Bob had finished his chemotherapy treatment the day before, and was carrying his pump that continues to pump the medicine through his body for 36 hours I think. So here is this man that I have the up most respect for, asking me if he can just row for a little bit that day because he was a little tired from his treatment.Now I ask myself, what is my inspiration and motivation...is it feeling sorry for this guy...HELL no, he would hate to think that I am...it is the will and drive of this man to not be defeated, to strive to maintain optimal health to his ability, and to not relent on his endeavors.Bob has what a lot of people want, but never claim, and that is a will to pursue his goals and achieve them. He has a heart of a champion, and that is my motivation and drive to keep up my relentless pursuit of my goals, so whether it is a 550# deadlift, a 300# clean & jerk, to make it to the Games, or to just be the best person I can be, Bob will be a huge motivator and inspiration to me.
I have been plagued with injury after injury for about 18 months off and on, and have been feeling sorry for myself a lot along the way. I have been really focusing on taking care of myself and keeping healthy, trying not to re-injure or cause any other injuries to my body. The other day I went through a grueling WOD that involved a bunch of HEAVY lunges, which left me somewhat crippled with soreness the next day. As I was laying in the floor on the foam roller, in quite a lot of pain rolling out the knots in my ass, a man walked through the door and changed my outlook on a lot of things. Keeping an anonymous profile, I will call this guy Bob. I will start by saying that this man has had a positive influence in my life and on me ever since I met him and his wife. Though they are not related to me at all, they are a big part of my very small family, and they both train with me at the box I co-own.
I have known the couple for over 6 years now, and started our relationship through business. In that time, my friendship with the wife became solid and un-wavered. She helped me in business decisions, morals, and gave me advice in some of my personal life as well.Bob worked on the East coast, doing stuff with computers that I don't even know where to begin to start to try and explain. He came home ever so often, visiting and making sure everything was okay, and then going back to work for months. Then it happened...RETIREMENT! He had worked all his life for this day, and it came! He moved back home with his wife, and life was good. Then one day he went for a physical, as directed by his wife, and revealed a monster. Bob was told that he was in Stage 4 Colon Cancer...devastating. Of course naturally, I would assume that one would lose hope, give up and just quit enjoying life, and worry constantly...but not Bob.Bob made a decision that day that he was going to give this thing one hell of a fight. Months of chemotherapy and being sick and weak all the time, and you ask him how he feels...the answer is always the same "I feel great!"
Getting back to the original story, we come to present tense. I am reflecting back to last week, when this man walked into my box, and while I was complaining about being so sore, he walks up to me asks if I would mind if he just rowed that day. With me laying in the floor, facing the entrance as he walked in, all I seen was a silhouette, but knew who it was. As I rolled off of the roller, got to my feet, and my eyes adjusted, I realized that Bob had a little backpack with him. Upon further inspection and information, I realized that Bob had finished his chemotherapy treatment the day before, and was carrying his pump that continues to pump the medicine through his body for 36 hours I think. So here is this man that I have the up most respect for, asking me if he can just row for a little bit that day because he was a little tired from his treatment.Now I ask myself, what is my inspiration and motivation...is it feeling sorry for this guy...HELL no, he would hate to think that I am...it is the will and drive of this man to not be defeated, to strive to maintain optimal health to his ability, and to not relent on his endeavors.Bob has what a lot of people want, but never claim, and that is a will to pursue his goals and achieve them. He has a heart of a champion, and that is my motivation and drive to keep up my relentless pursuit of my goals, so whether it is a 550# deadlift, a 300# clean & jerk, to make it to the Games, or to just be the best person I can be, Bob will be a huge motivator and inspiration to me.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
2-12-11
My good buddy Clayton hooked me up with a sick video of a WOD I done a couple of months ago, which was 5 rounds of 3 M/U-HSPU, 10 Burpee Pullups...it was a fun WOD to do, very challenging movement and very taxing! Anyway here is the clip...Thanks again Clayton for an awesome video!
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