Erving Goffman was a leading proponent for symbolic interactionism. He believes people behave based on what they believe and not just on what is objectively true. His theory also suggests we as humans play certain roles (like actors in movies) in society and we interact with others based on those roles we play. The amount of sociological theories out there is overwhelming but I chose this for application to my world and my observations.
In today's society we have millions searching for "roles" to play (i.e. careers/jobs) but they're only searching for those to which they're passionate about. I was one of them and was fortunate enough to find it without really having to look. Having said that, we have millions out of work and others quitting their jobs to play "roles" they are passionate towards. Mike Rowe wrote an article on why the majority of people today SHOULDN'T FOLLOW THEIR PASSION BUT SHOULD ALWAYS BRING IT WITH THEM. At first I was shocked and angered he would hold a stance like that on such a sensitive and personal subject. After I took the time to read the entire article I couldn't agree more with him. We live in a social media driven world where perception is reality and instant gratification is not only demanded, it's expected. A by-product of that is an insane sense of entitlement and a complete lack of awareness. This may come as a shocker, but...."JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING DOESN'T MEAN YOU WON'T SUCK AT IT."--Mike Rowe. You may be determined to improve but that doesn't mean you will. In this day and age failure equals someone else's fault with no attention paid to the expectations being unrealistic in the first place. There isn't a shortage of people dreaming big but there's an abundance of people with lofty goals and no plan of action to accomplish them.
Here is my perspective. Follow your passion. Fucking go for it, whatever it is. However, know for how long and to what end. If it doesn't work out, don't search for others to blame, take accountability for your actions and remind yourself happiness doesn't come from a job or a hobby. It comes from knowing what you value, surrounding yourself with those that share the same values, and acting in accordance with those values. You may find certain relationships run there course, even with those who share similar interests. It's ok, life goes on. And despite what news media or the amazing amount of trash on social media might lead you to believe, you are in control of whose opinions matter and you are in control of your own happiness; a lesson I learned far too late in life. If you're unsure of what values to believe in, start with these basic ones:
1. Treat people the way you want to be treated
2. Have pity for those with hate in their hearts
3. If you wouldn't say something to someone who was standing directly in front of you, than you probably shouldn't say it at all.....gossip is poison.
4. Hypocrisy is not a way of getting back to the moral high ground. Pretending you're moral, saying you're moral is not the same as acting morally.
All of us are flawed, myself more than others, but I try my very best to live by these values. My hope is that the people Arron, Steph and I interact with on a daily basis at CFNP feel better walking out our doors than they did coming in, which goes far beyond just getting a workout in. That is my "role" and I'm content with it.........What's yours?
#NESS
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Monday, May 12, 2014
My Team Recap of Regionals
To all those who came out to support Amanda, Steve, Mekenzie, Jake, Steph and I....Thank you!
Let me start this off by saying the rules of this years regionals placed a tremendous amount of pressure on the athletes competeing on both the team side as well as the individual side. Congratulations to anyone who qualified for this past weekend because I understand first hand the amount of focus that was needed to compete.
Amanda, who in my opinion is the beating heart of our team, was nothing short of perfect in her performance. The only thing she fumbled on was missing her first attempt on her opening weight for the hang snatch event and with only one remaining attempt (thats part of the pressure placed on the athletes I was speaking of) stuck it. I know how nervous she was for that particular event and I was unbelievably proud of the way she bounced back from that miss. I'm soooooo happy she made her way to us because she's as genuine and sincere as anyone I have ever met. I'm glad to call her a friend.
Stephanie had a series of highs and lows this weekend. She came out in the opening workout and moved through her muscle-ups with ease. After about nine, she started to get shaky and ended up missing two before her tweleve were complete. She only had one remaining attempt before our team was time capped for the workout (again, the pressure I was talking about), which is what happened to more than half of the teams. She didn't miss again and completed her set!! This allowed us to move through the workout with no failures and place high in the opening event. I cannot explain to you in words how happy I was for her. She was placed in the exact same situation in the handstand push up event and with pure determination, came through; again leaving us with no fails and a high ranking going into the last day. Let me be clear about something, we are not in fifth place with a chance to go to the games on the final day of competition without Stephanie. She hit seven overhead squats at that weight mutliple times in training in preperation for that particular workout. Any athlete that has competed at a high level understands that you could potentially hit a wall, it could happen in training or at the most inopportune of times. You did great Steph! I'm excited for the future of CFNP with Arron, You and I as the core of the trainers.
Mekenzie is one of the best athletes I have ever trained with. Her strength is unreal and she proved that in the Snatch event by hitting 155 pounds (alot of guys can't snatch that). I was most proud of the way she battled for us in event 6 (handstand push up/ hang clean/ burpee). She was the anchor and went nuts the entire way through, getting us the fastest time possible. I'll never forget screaming at her "get your f*cking ass on this mat" and then all of us hugging her. I saw a look of satisfaction on her face at that moment, which is all I've wanted for her since she has been traning with us.
Steven Palmer is a freak athlete. He is as strong and goofy as they come, so he fits right in with Arron and myself. The thruster rope climb event was his shining moment this weekend in my opinion. He did 47 of the 120 thrusters we had to complete as a team, and he did twenty in a row the first set. Not many guys have balls that big to even attempt that and he did it with ease. He has truly found a home at CFNP and I look forward to future 10 am debauchery with him and Arron.
Jake Servis was a wild card for me heading into the weekend competition. He's a stud athelete who, at times, is uncoachable. With that being said, he showed up with an open mind and positive attitude and he was truly a pleasure to watch and compete with. The big moment for Jake, in my opinion, was when we as a team fucked him. We didn't leave him enough time to hit the weight he was capable of on the hang snatch event. I know how badly he wanted to hit a heavy weight, and he was proficient at way more than 205. He ran out there, hit the weight I asked him to hit, and gave us a chance to truly compete the rest of the weekend. He also carried the load on the rope climbs for Steve and I on event 5 (thruster/ rope climb)!
Last but not least. Arron McCall and Stefanie Seneca. Thank you and I love you both.
Let me start this off by saying the rules of this years regionals placed a tremendous amount of pressure on the athletes competeing on both the team side as well as the individual side. Congratulations to anyone who qualified for this past weekend because I understand first hand the amount of focus that was needed to compete.
Amanda, who in my opinion is the beating heart of our team, was nothing short of perfect in her performance. The only thing she fumbled on was missing her first attempt on her opening weight for the hang snatch event and with only one remaining attempt (thats part of the pressure placed on the athletes I was speaking of) stuck it. I know how nervous she was for that particular event and I was unbelievably proud of the way she bounced back from that miss. I'm soooooo happy she made her way to us because she's as genuine and sincere as anyone I have ever met. I'm glad to call her a friend.
Stephanie had a series of highs and lows this weekend. She came out in the opening workout and moved through her muscle-ups with ease. After about nine, she started to get shaky and ended up missing two before her tweleve were complete. She only had one remaining attempt before our team was time capped for the workout (again, the pressure I was talking about), which is what happened to more than half of the teams. She didn't miss again and completed her set!! This allowed us to move through the workout with no failures and place high in the opening event. I cannot explain to you in words how happy I was for her. She was placed in the exact same situation in the handstand push up event and with pure determination, came through; again leaving us with no fails and a high ranking going into the last day. Let me be clear about something, we are not in fifth place with a chance to go to the games on the final day of competition without Stephanie. She hit seven overhead squats at that weight mutliple times in training in preperation for that particular workout. Any athlete that has competed at a high level understands that you could potentially hit a wall, it could happen in training or at the most inopportune of times. You did great Steph! I'm excited for the future of CFNP with Arron, You and I as the core of the trainers.
Mekenzie is one of the best athletes I have ever trained with. Her strength is unreal and she proved that in the Snatch event by hitting 155 pounds (alot of guys can't snatch that). I was most proud of the way she battled for us in event 6 (handstand push up/ hang clean/ burpee). She was the anchor and went nuts the entire way through, getting us the fastest time possible. I'll never forget screaming at her "get your f*cking ass on this mat" and then all of us hugging her. I saw a look of satisfaction on her face at that moment, which is all I've wanted for her since she has been traning with us.
Steven Palmer is a freak athlete. He is as strong and goofy as they come, so he fits right in with Arron and myself. The thruster rope climb event was his shining moment this weekend in my opinion. He did 47 of the 120 thrusters we had to complete as a team, and he did twenty in a row the first set. Not many guys have balls that big to even attempt that and he did it with ease. He has truly found a home at CFNP and I look forward to future 10 am debauchery with him and Arron.
Jake Servis was a wild card for me heading into the weekend competition. He's a stud athelete who, at times, is uncoachable. With that being said, he showed up with an open mind and positive attitude and he was truly a pleasure to watch and compete with. The big moment for Jake, in my opinion, was when we as a team fucked him. We didn't leave him enough time to hit the weight he was capable of on the hang snatch event. I know how badly he wanted to hit a heavy weight, and he was proficient at way more than 205. He ran out there, hit the weight I asked him to hit, and gave us a chance to truly compete the rest of the weekend. He also carried the load on the rope climbs for Steve and I on event 5 (thruster/ rope climb)!
Last but not least. Arron McCall and Stefanie Seneca. Thank you and I love you both.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Pompeii
---I told most of you a posting about that awesome song would be coming; here it is---
If you've been coming to CFNP consistently for the last month and a half or so than you have undoubtedly heard the song "Pompeii" by Bastille; probably to the point of nausea. At first, the only reason I liked the song was because it had a catchy beat and it seemed to bother Arron so naturally I played it in spite of him. However, the song took on a whole new meaning to me after I carefully listened to the lyrics.
If you've been coming to CFNP consistently for the last month and a half or so than you have undoubtedly heard the song "Pompeii" by Bastille; probably to the point of nausea. At first, the only reason I liked the song was because it had a catchy beat and it seemed to bother Arron so naturally I played it in spite of him. However, the song took on a whole new meaning to me after I carefully listened to the lyrics.
For me, the phrase, "Many days fell away with nothing to show," hit me like a fucking freight train. I started thinking about all the days in my late teens to my mid twenties that I wasted away either being wasted (which was a lot of fun but done in a very irresponsible manner) or focusing my energy on things I felt others wanted me to be doing and not necessarily what I was meant to be doing. Many of you may have this same feeling of dissatisfaction with the way you spent certain periods in your lives, many of you may not regret a god damn thing. I've spent countless hours agonizing over past life choices. While hindsight is 20/20, there are decisions I wish I could go back and change. It wasn't until I had a conversation with my mom that I finally accepted and understood that those feelings were normal and the only choice that is now important is my next one. (I bet my mom is smarter than your mom)
"And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love." Immediately I thought about our new members from D-Fit and how they must have felt the day they showed up to the place they grew to love only to find it empty. Building trust is a process and the folks that came to us from D-Fit undoubtedly allowed themselves to trust the people that ended up betraying them. It's hard for me to understand how people could treat others in such a disposable fashion and I can only imagine the frustration and anger that comes along with being treated that way, but I hope we have made you feel welcome and filled that void that was left by those douche bags.
"Great clouds roll over the hills bringing darkness from above." This is just a bad ass line and clouds are pretty cool.
"But if you close your eyes....Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?...And if you close your eyes....Does it almost feel like you've been here before?" I had to think long and hard about how I was going to apply this lyric to myself. I could have literally gone a thousand different directions with it because it is that powerful of a line. I found myself closing my eyes when this part of the song played, then opening them and looking at where I was....in a gym, surrounded by people I am emotionally invested in. I have always dreamt I would someday be in a position where I could impact peoples everyday lives, I just didn't know how long it would take and what kind of impact I could make. I'm not very smart, so teaching was off the table. Again, I'm not very smart so becoming a doctor was off the table but I knew I wanted that everyday connection with people. Coaching the training program that is crossfit has allowed me to share my knowledge of physical fitness with truly wonderful people. People that are willing to put in the work that is required to be healthy and in the process they allow us into their lives. I remember being at the grocery store with my mom and starring at this man who had clearly been crying. I wanted to go over to him and talk to him and try to make him smile but I didn't because I was twelve and that would've been fucking weird. I have always had the instinct to want to help and to comfort (not a pun) people so even though I haven't done so as much as I would've liked in the past, it feels like I have which is why I am constantly trying to make all of you smile.... because you never truly know what kind of day someone is having. Maybe I over analyzed this song but it's awesome and it gave me something to write about so fuck you if you don't like the song.........just kidding.
I usually end these posts with a quote, this one is no different. "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
--Albert Schweitzer
"And the walls kept tumbling down in the city that we love." Immediately I thought about our new members from D-Fit and how they must have felt the day they showed up to the place they grew to love only to find it empty. Building trust is a process and the folks that came to us from D-Fit undoubtedly allowed themselves to trust the people that ended up betraying them. It's hard for me to understand how people could treat others in such a disposable fashion and I can only imagine the frustration and anger that comes along with being treated that way, but I hope we have made you feel welcome and filled that void that was left by those douche bags.
"Great clouds roll over the hills bringing darkness from above." This is just a bad ass line and clouds are pretty cool.
"But if you close your eyes....Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?...And if you close your eyes....Does it almost feel like you've been here before?" I had to think long and hard about how I was going to apply this lyric to myself. I could have literally gone a thousand different directions with it because it is that powerful of a line. I found myself closing my eyes when this part of the song played, then opening them and looking at where I was....in a gym, surrounded by people I am emotionally invested in. I have always dreamt I would someday be in a position where I could impact peoples everyday lives, I just didn't know how long it would take and what kind of impact I could make. I'm not very smart, so teaching was off the table. Again, I'm not very smart so becoming a doctor was off the table but I knew I wanted that everyday connection with people. Coaching the training program that is crossfit has allowed me to share my knowledge of physical fitness with truly wonderful people. People that are willing to put in the work that is required to be healthy and in the process they allow us into their lives. I remember being at the grocery store with my mom and starring at this man who had clearly been crying. I wanted to go over to him and talk to him and try to make him smile but I didn't because I was twelve and that would've been fucking weird. I have always had the instinct to want to help and to comfort (not a pun) people so even though I haven't done so as much as I would've liked in the past, it feels like I have which is why I am constantly trying to make all of you smile.... because you never truly know what kind of day someone is having. Maybe I over analyzed this song but it's awesome and it gave me something to write about so fuck you if you don't like the song.........just kidding.
I usually end these posts with a quote, this one is no different. "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
--Albert Schweitzer
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Conviction
I've been crazy busy with school, training, and the gym so sorry I haven't put anything out here in awhile. I threw this one together this morning but I have some pretty awesome shit coming your way in the near future.
The original thought theory states that anything anyone can ever say has already been said by someone else. This theory, in my opinion, is bullshit. I'm on the cusp of an original thought but it has yet to manifest itself. Until it does, I'm going to continue quoting people I think are awesome. "People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent." This is a line from the great Bob Dylan. I came across this quote when I was looking up Bob's concert dates and it has been in the back of my mind ever since. I always try and apply the quotes I put in this blog to my life and personal experiences. I only write about what I have experience with and hope it resonates with you, the reader.
I began to think about how this line applies to me. What do I believe in? It's a simple question, yet I couldn't come up with an answer. Then I started thinking about our gym and the people that make it such a wonderful place. I started thinking about why in the name of Zeus's butt hole, do I get up at 4 in the morning to go to a filthy gym (its not filthy when I mop on Sundays but it sure as hell still is after Arron mops)? I've talked to plenty of people that work at regular gyms that have to wake up that early and they hate their lives. I on the other hand, thoroughly enjoy it and on days I accidentally sleep in, I feel like I've deprived myself of a fulfilling day. The answer as to why I felt that emptiness was simple; I believe in what I'm doing. I believe in all of you and am humbled that you put your faith in myself and Arron to program workouts for you (not that you really have a choice). I don't take this responsibility lightly and I am constantly challenging myself to get better at every aspect of what crossfit has to offer. I challenge all of you to ask yourself that same question, "what do you believe in?" If you find you are doing what is convenient and then repenting; I hope you find the courage to start over.
GOOD LUCK TO THE CORN CRIBBERS THIS COMING WEEKEND.
The original thought theory states that anything anyone can ever say has already been said by someone else. This theory, in my opinion, is bullshit. I'm on the cusp of an original thought but it has yet to manifest itself. Until it does, I'm going to continue quoting people I think are awesome. "People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent." This is a line from the great Bob Dylan. I came across this quote when I was looking up Bob's concert dates and it has been in the back of my mind ever since. I always try and apply the quotes I put in this blog to my life and personal experiences. I only write about what I have experience with and hope it resonates with you, the reader.
I began to think about how this line applies to me. What do I believe in? It's a simple question, yet I couldn't come up with an answer. Then I started thinking about our gym and the people that make it such a wonderful place. I started thinking about why in the name of Zeus's butt hole, do I get up at 4 in the morning to go to a filthy gym (its not filthy when I mop on Sundays but it sure as hell still is after Arron mops)? I've talked to plenty of people that work at regular gyms that have to wake up that early and they hate their lives. I on the other hand, thoroughly enjoy it and on days I accidentally sleep in, I feel like I've deprived myself of a fulfilling day. The answer as to why I felt that emptiness was simple; I believe in what I'm doing. I believe in all of you and am humbled that you put your faith in myself and Arron to program workouts for you (not that you really have a choice). I don't take this responsibility lightly and I am constantly challenging myself to get better at every aspect of what crossfit has to offer. I challenge all of you to ask yourself that same question, "what do you believe in?" If you find you are doing what is convenient and then repenting; I hope you find the courage to start over.
GOOD LUCK TO THE CORN CRIBBERS THIS COMING WEEKEND.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Suffering in Silence
"Cowards never allow their hearts to blaze with fire: all they desire is for the changed situation to quickly return to what it was before, so they can go on living their lives and thinking in their customary way. The brave however, set afire that which was old and, even at the cost of great internal suffering, abandon everything and continue onward."
The above quote is from the novel "the fifth mountain," one of my favorite books. The beauty of this quote is in its applicability to different aspect of our lives. For me, its a reminder that suffering is an essential part of my growth as a person. Suffering is different for everyone. I personally suffer when I'm sitting at home and my mind wanders off, I'll begin to think about past relationships, current relationships, and military experiences. Usually, I over analyze everything and I'll start to stress over things I felt I could have done or should have done. Dwelling on past and present "ifs" and "whats" is suffering for me. Recently I've learned to accept the outcome life has dictated, and I choose to move forward. Embrace the causes of your personal suffering. Attacking it head on and devising a plan to combat it will aid in the development of your character, and our character can always be improved upon, no matter how old we get.
For some strange reason, people associate pain and suffering with Crossfit (I hope you're picking up on the sarcasm because I'm laying it on pretty thick). All of us have wanted to quit during a workout, if you say you haven't you're a frenching liar. Despite the suckiness of these workouts we battle to the end, no matter how long it takes. This pain and suffering is what either brings people back or keeps people away. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone (globo gyms or your couch) and try something new, especially when that something new knocks you on your ass and humbles the shit out of you. Go back and read the last sentence of the first paragraph. If you did awesome but I'm re-typing it for effect. "The brave however, set afire that which was old and, even at the cost of great internal suffering, abandon everything and continue onward." I remind myself of this quote when someone has the courage to walk through CFNP's door, or when one of you decides you're tired of not being able to do a muscle up or handstand push up or whatever it may be and you say "FUCK IT" I'm getting one today. Hopefully, after reading this, you will realize your souls are being strengthened through the experience of suffering at CFNP.
I hope all of you are enjoying the skill practice programming. Keep knocking out weakness's!!!
The above quote is from the novel "the fifth mountain," one of my favorite books. The beauty of this quote is in its applicability to different aspect of our lives. For me, its a reminder that suffering is an essential part of my growth as a person. Suffering is different for everyone. I personally suffer when I'm sitting at home and my mind wanders off, I'll begin to think about past relationships, current relationships, and military experiences. Usually, I over analyze everything and I'll start to stress over things I felt I could have done or should have done. Dwelling on past and present "ifs" and "whats" is suffering for me. Recently I've learned to accept the outcome life has dictated, and I choose to move forward. Embrace the causes of your personal suffering. Attacking it head on and devising a plan to combat it will aid in the development of your character, and our character can always be improved upon, no matter how old we get.
For some strange reason, people associate pain and suffering with Crossfit (I hope you're picking up on the sarcasm because I'm laying it on pretty thick). All of us have wanted to quit during a workout, if you say you haven't you're a frenching liar. Despite the suckiness of these workouts we battle to the end, no matter how long it takes. This pain and suffering is what either brings people back or keeps people away. It takes courage to step out of your comfort zone (globo gyms or your couch) and try something new, especially when that something new knocks you on your ass and humbles the shit out of you. Go back and read the last sentence of the first paragraph. If you did awesome but I'm re-typing it for effect. "The brave however, set afire that which was old and, even at the cost of great internal suffering, abandon everything and continue onward." I remind myself of this quote when someone has the courage to walk through CFNP's door, or when one of you decides you're tired of not being able to do a muscle up or handstand push up or whatever it may be and you say "FUCK IT" I'm getting one today. Hopefully, after reading this, you will realize your souls are being strengthened through the experience of suffering at CFNP.
I hope all of you are enjoying the skill practice programming. Keep knocking out weakness's!!!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Training Smart
Before I get started on my rant for this week, I wanted to take a minute and give a few shout outs to some folks. The overwhlmeing amount of support I recieved prior to Regionals and at Regionals has been well documented but one more "Thank you" never hurt anyone so....THANK YOU CFNP. A special thank you to Dr. Chad and Karl over at Benningfield Chiropractic. These Gents got my body primed to compete. Another special thank you to Stephanie Walker and Chris Wheatley. Steph and Chris revolved their training schedules around mine so I didn't have to train alone. Kacie, Brian, Kirstin, Angela, and Derek; these guys came and stayed for all three days of the competion. The Lumley's and Brian also took more pictures of me then anyone has before which is RAD, they also framed a couple so thank you guys. Last but not least; Arron and Kelly. Thank you Kelly for coming and keeping Arron sane over a three day span during which he wasn't able to work out and for being there and constantly encouraging me every chance you got. If it wasn't for Arron, there is a 100 percent chance I don't make it to Regionals. He was my coach at the competition. He brought me breakfast, made sure I stayed calm in between workouts, and hung out with me while I warmed up for every event. As I walked out of the warmup area onto the arena floor to compete, I always made sure to pick him out of the crowd so I knew where to look in case I started to panic. If I left people out I apologize.
Injuries happen in training. This is a fact. The severity of these injuries varies but at some point and time we will all get knicked up. What's the alternative? You could not train like an athlete and go back to half assing 5k runs and ripping out curls (yes I do curls which is why my Bi's are so jacked) or you can heed my upcoming advice. First, trust in us as coaches that we will set you up for success. If we tell you your form is off, trust us that its off and allow us to fix you. Many times this will involve using less weight. (No you aren't weak or less of a man for using lighter weights and vice versa for the ladies of CFNP) Technique is our foundation for functional strength. If your foundation is weak, all the blocks you build around it will be weak and eventually will crumble (injury). Second, listen to your body. If you are feeling banged up, take an extra day off. Arron, Terry, Steph and I will never put you in a comprimising position but we can't feel what you feel. Stretch a bit more, go see Dr. Chad to get adjusted or Angela for a massage. I personally try to take a week off every three or four months. This will allow your body to recover (we get stronger in recovery) and make you eager as hell to get back into the gym and hit it hard. Finally, remain as positive as you can about your training. Stay focused on you and don't worry about what everyone else around you is doing. Believe me when I say you'll have more shitty days than good ones in the gym and not every day is guna be a PR day. Enjoy yourself while fitnessing. THIS SHIT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FUN and we do our best to make sure it stays that way.
Injuries happen in training. This is a fact. The severity of these injuries varies but at some point and time we will all get knicked up. What's the alternative? You could not train like an athlete and go back to half assing 5k runs and ripping out curls (yes I do curls which is why my Bi's are so jacked) or you can heed my upcoming advice. First, trust in us as coaches that we will set you up for success. If we tell you your form is off, trust us that its off and allow us to fix you. Many times this will involve using less weight. (No you aren't weak or less of a man for using lighter weights and vice versa for the ladies of CFNP) Technique is our foundation for functional strength. If your foundation is weak, all the blocks you build around it will be weak and eventually will crumble (injury). Second, listen to your body. If you are feeling banged up, take an extra day off. Arron, Terry, Steph and I will never put you in a comprimising position but we can't feel what you feel. Stretch a bit more, go see Dr. Chad to get adjusted or Angela for a massage. I personally try to take a week off every three or four months. This will allow your body to recover (we get stronger in recovery) and make you eager as hell to get back into the gym and hit it hard. Finally, remain as positive as you can about your training. Stay focused on you and don't worry about what everyone else around you is doing. Believe me when I say you'll have more shitty days than good ones in the gym and not every day is guna be a PR day. Enjoy yourself while fitnessing. THIS SHIT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FUN and we do our best to make sure it stays that way.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Maintaining Perspective
Chris Spealler wrote in a recent blog post; "Your performance has no impact on your identity." This is a concept I struggled with early on in my crossfitting days. I could never fully give myself to the workout because I was so concerned with the outcome. Arrogance and ego undoubtedly played a role with that mindset. Everyone wants to win but everyone doesn't win; as long as you lay it the fuck out there then no one can judge you based on the results. I have used this as the framework for training and it has allowed me to keep this weekend's Regional in perspective. Knowing that I am part of something bigger than myself (CFNP) is a luxury I have never had during competition. Everyone has their reasons for competing. Mine, in the past, were to feed my ego so I could feel a sense of superiority over others. I still have a mellowed down arrogance about me, but its fueled by my immediate family and my second family; CFNP. I acknowledge the fact that I am representing not just myself but my Mom, Dad, two brothers, sister, Arron, Terry, as well as all of YOU from our gym and it fills me with pride. At some point during the pain and suffering I'm undoubtedly going to endure, I promise I'll rip a patented Comfort- shit -eating- grin to let you all know that I am enjoying myself and there isn't anywhere else in the world I'd rather be. My intent from this post is to encourage those of you who wish to compete in the future to do it with full hearts and clear minds. Make sure your reasons are pure and in sync with your personality. Somewhere along my journey I got back on the righteous path (Thanks to Arron McCall), a path that has prepared me for the next few days. Thanks again for all the support.
-Drake-
-Drake-
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