Whose in Control?

I know it has been a long time since my last post. But, like anyone in the world today, I have an excuse. I took a week to visit my family down south. It is always great to travel, see family and spend time with my kids. But, when it comes to keeping good eating habits and a solid workout regiment, sometimes it is very difficult. I pretty much decided early on in my trip that I would just relax and take each day as it comes. That seems to be my motto these days. I need to control what I can control and not worry about things which are completely beyond my control. This has been especially true for my family life, working life, coaching life and my exercise life.

The premise is fairly simple. It consists of a three-part process. There are things that are directly in your control. You can always control the outcomes. There is a direct correlation between your actions and the outcome. Conversely, there are interactions and outcomes that are completely out of your control. These are things that an individual has no influence or authority to maneuver. Now comes the interesting element - between control and uncontrolled come influence. This is the behavior or actions you can control in relationship to things you cannot control. One’s ability to control your influence has a great presence in almost any situation or circumstance you experience.

Example: I sign up for a race. I cannot control the weather, terrain, population or course. What I can control is my focus, my training, my nutrition and my strategy. What I control will influence the things I cannot control. This idea not only applies to training. It applies to all facets of my life. I find that making since of the order helps me stay in CONTROL! ~ The Average Joe

Slice me a Piece of Humble Pie - Please

My pie has been served to me – humble pie that is. After completing Crossfit Open workout number two yesterday, I was frustrated, humbled and honored all at the same time. After only two weeks since my 100k finish, I was expecting to be fully recovered and ready for Crossfit again – boy was I wrong.

I pride myself on not taking myself or competition workouts too seriously. That has been my stance for a very long time and I have had a tremendous amount of success just being a fit and well rounded participant. But last week, I took the workout too seriously, placing expectations on my head for no reason at all. I left that workout frustrated and defeated.

Why did I do that to myself? I spent the afternoon playing with my kids and reflecting on what went wrong. Late yesterday afternoon, my four year old was telling her sisters that she was at the gym earlier that day and she said to them “daddy won today”. It is pretty sad when I have to get advice from a four year old girl. But she was right. I did win today! I had the opportunity to workout next to people who have been working hard for this competition. I had the opportunity to get out and play. I had the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people who are pulling for you not for results but for our community.

I should not be embarrassed by my score. I should be embarrassed for not thinking of my family first -my Elm City family that is. While judging, I looked around the room at all of the fight and fire that was being performed. I witnessed genuine hard work and the desire to compete. I saw individual athletes raise the bar and step it up to another level of output. I saw people having fun – fighting their fears and stepping out of their comfort zones. Even while competing, I had the amazing opportunity to workout next to some true lions – some fire breathing animals. Larry and Bobby, you guys raised the bar. It was an honor to compete with you. Regardless of the score, regardless of the rankings – I am proud of all who toed the line. I am privileged to have witnessed our competition and most of all I am grateful to have been served humble pie. All of you have made me a better coach, father, husband, athlete and man. I will forever be indebted to you once again. ~The Average Joe