A random conversation was sparked at the office this week. How come most of us have a favorite number, but not a favorite letter?
Well, quite frankly, the answer to that question is irrelevant, because now you know my favorite letter. What you DON’T know, however, is why.
I’m writing this almost a month after my birthday, but the words on this card are too important to just recycle it and move on.
My parents have a way with cards for special occasions, and they always nail it on my birthday. Sometimes I wonder if they wrote the words themselves; they’re just that personal.
I’d like to hold on to this one, as it’s another example of the unconditional love that I’m so fortunate to have in my life.
Photo credit goes to speakup5k.com & the CKG Foundation
I am raising money for the Cameron K. Gallagher Memorial Foundation, whose mission is:
…to fulfill Cameron’s dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety.
If you feel inspired by her story, or would like to help the cause, you can donate here. I am trying to raise $131 before the race next weekend, which coincidentally falls on my birthday. No cards, presents or Facebook wall posts, please. Just a small donation to a worthwhile cause.
Almost every single day I get dealt a handful of progress and humility. CrossFit is amazing at delivering both. It provides an easy way to measure your progress, and just when you think you’re getting fitter, your coach serves up a big slice of humble pie. Next thing you know, you’re over in the corner creating sweat angels, trying to figure out who just injected Fireball into your lungs (when in doubt, blame Castro).
That’s CrossFit. Every day you get fitter, stronger, faster, better. And everyday you’re presented with a new challenge that reminds you how much more you’re capable of.
Last week I told you how I was Chasing McCloud. He got me by a few reps in each of the first two weeks, but I proclaimed that I was coming for him this week. I’ll save the suspense for another time. I got him. But the workout definitely played to my strengths. Which leads me right into my first topic…
A few months ago, I wrote a post about one of the most notorious CrossFit ladies out there: Fran. It was titled Dancing with Fran, and there’s an excerpt from it that sets this article up nicely:
We all love seeing our names at the top of the Leaderboard, whether that Leaderboard is displaying our Fran time on Wodify or “World’s Greatest Dad” on our coffee mug. But when I post my times, whether I’m near the top, or all the way at the bottom, the most important Leaderboard to me only has one name on it. And that’s mine.
I may have just added a second name to my leaderboard… for this year, at least. His name is Matt McCloud, and he’s beat me by a total of 11 reps on 15.1 and 15.2.
I just finished writing about two incredible performances that I witnessed at our gym Thursday night. I love watching others improve, fight, grind, try, fail & succeed. With that being said, I enjoy all the same for myself. So this one is a little reflection on my personal CrossFit journey, and how it manifested itself during tonight’s Open workout 15.1.
In last year’s Open, I only posted scores for 3 of the 5 workouts. One called for 135# cleans, which a year ago, I couldn’t do. And another called for overhead squats, which, at any weight, I couldn’t do.
Individual performances… surrounded by a community.
Our CrossFit community gathered Thursday night to watch The Open announcement of 15.1. 50+ people. Food. Drinks. Paleo chairs. And couches made out of 20x24x30-inch boxes.
I’ll admit, I haven’t been that excited leading up to it. I competed last year, so I know what we’re all getting into. But it didn’t take long for “just another Open” to turn into something special.
As I try to do every year around the 1st, it’s time to write. I’ve been consistently inconsistent with that over the past few years, but I have managed to use the new year as a time to reflect. Last year I talked about the things that inspired me in …
It’s been 5+ years since I took an entire week’s vacation. I mean a true vacation, not thinking about or doing any work the entire time. I’m doing something a little unconventional (but if you know me, you shouldn’t be that surprised).
Two things that I haven’t done in a l o n g t i m e:
I almost forgot how those things worked. Both of them.
I wanted a coffee for my drive to Wintergreen. I wanted it fast so I could get on with my vacation. McDonalds happened to be right there (seems like they’re everywhere, doesn’t it?!).
As much as I despise McDonalds for — well, almost everything, really — I’m actually glad I chose this one. Before your head flies off in sheer amazement, let me explain.
I’ve been CrossFitting for almost a year now, and until last week, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I no-repped myself in a workout.
Obviously, my mechanics, technique & depth are always perfect. [insert laughter]
We see “no reps” all the time from elite athletes in Regionals & The CrossFit Games. We see them regularly at local competitions. If you’ve ever judged a CrossFit competition at any level, you’ve certainly awarded your fair share of “no reps.”
But when was the last time you no-repped yourself?