Same Old Sh%t!



While others run from the rain - Banjo and I run in it!



Same Old Sh%T right? Wrong. Here we challenge the human spirit. Here we step out of our comfort zones for just the opportunity to be great. Success or maybe failure – at least we shine at our opportunity. We are not defined by what we do but more importantly – how we go about doing it.

I had a great conversation with my friend and partner Vin Lindsley – Head Trainer, Elm City Crossfit and nutritional guru the other day. We were discussing the general negativity and disregard felt in the general public for meat eaters and especially the Paleolithic position for proper eating habits. We both reflected on stories of woe and how nonresponsive individuals can be regarding healthy food choices. We both agreed to continue the good fight – one that entails continuous and constant reminders to those who inquire on how the body reacts both positively and negatively to what you put into it. It is a path Vin had been working on over the last two decades. After finishing our bitch-fest to each other Vin stated “Same Old Sh%t” – Same message, same questions, same lack of belief and buy-in but he will continue to speak the nutritional gospel.

It is my personal goal to uphold Vin’s underlying challenge. No matter how many times people ask you the same question or even challenge your position. No matter the number of times we sculpt and contour our nutritional views – No matter the barriers to our message – I will continue. I actually view it as a challenge. So I challenge you! I challenge you to dig deeper. I challenge you to ask why. I challenge you to go against the same old sh%t and do your own thing. ~ The Average Joe

What is Crossfit?

What is Crossfit? – Through the eyes of an average Joe…

Yeah- we have all seen the thousands of versions of the definition of Crossfit which can be found on nearly every single blog site on this planet. But have we ever really decided what the definition really is. In my humble opinion – it is constantly varied! Now of course, I can reference the ten attributes of fitness or talk about general preparedness. But I think it is much more complicated and individualistic.

First of all I think Crossfit is a state of mind. I find people lost in a world of failed diets, long oxidative running and a general public that is completely misinformed to what true fitness looks like. Crossfit gives us the opportunity to see it first hand. It is a presence. It is excitement. It is a mission only defined by those who make the commitment to participate. It is home to many walks of life. There is no standard body type. There are no prerequisites required. It is by the people for the people who commit to commit.

I think Crossfit is our team. I never thought in my wildest dreams that Crossfit could rekindle the camaraderie that brings us all back to the days of childhood sports. The innocence, the teamwork, the suffering – the kinds of bonds that exists from individuals who suffer together, work together and win together. This winning comes in the form of goal attainment, the exiting of one comfort zone and entering into an arena where hard work is celebrated not by individual accomplishments or finishing times but by the opportunity to participate with your team and hold up your end of the intensity bargain. This celebration is exemplified each and everyday.

I think Crossfit is our social network. Where else can you have your own lingo, language and share so much of yourself with your teammates. It is more than a fitness center. It is a platform for continuous interaction, a bond that is shared by like-minded individuals who care less about aesthetics and more about accomplishment and participation. We cannot be bothered with TV – we are our own reality sitcom – setting the stage each and everyday for the struggles and fight that comes with our individual quest for fitness and happiness.

Crossfit is our political platform. Our arguments do not revolve around foreign policy or the unemployment rate. Our arguments are centered on proper technique and standards. These are the standards that are designed to keep us consistent, safe and uniform. Our allegiance and alliances lie with those who exemplify integrity, consistence and class. It is our opportunity to stand as individuals and educate ourselves on positive choices as it relates to eat habits, movements and general wellness so that we can participate and educate others who are interested in our position.

Crossfit is a theme. It is a position that cannot be defined or contained in a simple Webster definition. It is an answer to your question. It consists of the very matter that makes us all – it is individual. It is a hibernating answer to those questions about yourself that you have been waiting to voice. It is an opportunity – your chance to further your position, your theme, your platform, your network, your team, your state of mind and most importantly your life. What is your Crossfit? Only you can answer that ~ The Average Joe

Game Time

I decided to support our New Haven Warrior Rugby team members this past weekend and I decided to attend a very important match. Even though things were extremely busy for me personally, I decided that I was going to take my girls to see my boys play. Now I have to be honest, there are different types of rugby games and this particular league is pretty new to me. I played many years of union type – which has more players on the field at once and much more open play. After settling into our seats inside West Haven High School stadium, I was quickly captured by the simplicity, camaraderie and purity of this sport I love.

I have to come clean. My original intention on attending the game was to support the players that come to Elm City Crossfit. But I soon became victim to the supportive environment and uncomplicated love for this game. I was proud to be a part of this event as well as having the opportunity to share with my girls this day. I had a wonderful time!

The highlight of my experience was not even the action on the field – even though very exciting, addicting and even brutal. I yearned to be back in the game myself. My aha moment was when I spotted an old Crossfit friend sitting all by himself in the stands. Ben Kelly – BK, owner of BK Athletics and Crossfit Performance. I watched BK as he read his book that he brought, take notes on players and plays – I watched him yell at players and point towards the opposition and coach the team towards the slightest opportunities. Later BK transitioned from the stands to the field. He quickly changed his flip flop to a more appropriate running shoe and began to coach more intently.

I watched the rest of the game while the team experienced highs and lows – ups and downs as any team would during competition. I was proud to have been able to contribute to this group of men – helping them in their conditioning and preparation. The thing that struck me the most was BK’s compassion and dedication to a group of guys whom play a sport that made him the athlete and coach that he is today. When you think about it, BK is an Average Joe. He was not at this game to drum up new business. He was not participating to make money or to profit off this team. He was there because he loves this game. He was an international rugby superstar – representing our country on the world stage in this sport. Why is he here? He was there because he understands how this game can transform people. It transformed him.

I look at this day, this game, this interaction as an opportunity. I had the great fortune to not only witness a super game but I had the opportunity to witness a great coach and person. I am grateful and honored that I took this opportunity. The funny thing is that great leaders, motivators and coaches do things not for themselves but for others. Simplicity, love, perseverance and commitment – all in the name of the game he loves. What is your game? What is your compassion? Are you committed? ~ The Average Joe

Are You an Outsider?

Are you on the outside looking in? Have you ever been in a situation where you were clearly not included based on your appearance, social status or general involvement? Unfortunately, during my life I have been marred with countless situations where I have not been included or been with the “in” crowd. When I was younger, I felt as though I was plagued with this unfortunate circumstance. It is this social position that has made me the individual that I am today. In some cases, I find it very comical and a bit motivating to be on the outside looking in.

However, there are still times where I feel as though I am an outsider still looking in. In this case, I am forced to take a hard look at myself in the mirror and reinforce my position and know that what I do and who I am makes me an individual. I am an individual that will not fall victim to social circumstance, I am an individual who has conviction and I will not let others dictate my feelings or my motivation.

I share this because recently I was not invited to an event. Now, on the surface it seemed relatively meaningless. Unfortunately, this incident stirred some ugly self-doubt that had seemingly been lifeless for a very long time. So that got me thinking. Am I an outsider looking in? I began to think of all the things that are important to me. I also began to think about my family, friends and my community. I began reflect on those who are important to me and why I would never feel like an outside to them. I made a decision not focus on the negative but only on the positive. How can I learn as an individual from this event? I made a conscience decision several years ago not to be the type of guy who would knowingly make an individual feel like an outsider. I will not contribute to this social branding and status designation.

I know for certain that this is what draws me towards people who have a story. I have always gravitated towards individuals who fight for what they believe in and have the intestinal fortitude to go out and work towards their goals. I am fortunate to be surrounded by my three beautiful girls and loving wife who would never treat me as an outsider. I am also blessed to be surrounded by like-minded individuals at Elm City Crossfit who share the same fight and motivation when it comes to physical fitness, nutritional choices and positive general health. These people are collectively a community but independently they are individuals with their own set of short-comings, per-existing issues, limitations and demons who struggle against them daily. We all have them but in our community we have collectively made some tough decisions to battle for what we want. These individuals will never be judged in the court of social righteousness. In our environment, there is no barometer or standard for physical status. It is about hard work and participation. You will always be a part of our group the simple fact that you have made a decision to be an individual and face your fears. These speak volumes of what kind of person you really are! For the mere fact that you walk in the door and toe the line, you have made a conscience decision to change your life. No one can place a sticker on your appearance- they cannot tag your personality. It is about conviction, drive and motivation. No one will ever be judged on output, weight or longevity. In life a person is ultimately judged on being an individual- being a hard working, motivated person. The world is less concerned with being “in” and more concerned with being an individual. ~ The Average Joe

Dual For Dillon - Crossfit Event

“Our son, Dillon Hinds, is an energetic and bright 15 year old kid who is full of life. One unsuspecting day changed our lives forever when we found a large mass on the left side of Dillon’s neck. Alarmed, we contacted our pediatrician and we both agreed that this was probably an enlarged lymph node.  To be certain he was brought to Yale Children’s Hospital to have further evaluations done. The doctor said it would be easier for testing if everything were to be done in one place. He was confident that if all the tests looked fine then Dillon would be allowed to be home by the end of the day. Six days later we were still at the hospital. A biopsy of the lymph node and a sample of the bone marrow confirmed our worst fears – Our 15 year old son, Dillon, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma!

We are in for a long fight, but are confident that with Dillon’s drive and conviction we can defeat this. Things are going to be extremely uncomfortable for a while but with family and friends we will prevail. We would like to extend my sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of well-wishes and prayers for the safe treatment of our dearest Dillon.” – Nancy & Will Hinds

To register, go to http://www.active.com/community-services/hamden-ct/elm-city-crossfits-dual-for-dillon-2011?int=29-6  Competition registration will begin at 8 a.m. with the first heat starting promptly at 9 a.m. 

Team Competition:

Each team consists of 2 people, see divisions for pairing options.  The entrance fee is $50 per team.  All proceeds go to Dillon Hinds to cover medical expenses.  First 100 participants receive event t-shirt. Live music, face painting and kids bounce house. Awards will be given to the top 3 teams in each division and category. The event will consist of 4 stations – Each team is required to perform the required repetitions at each station before moving to the next station. This will be done for an allotted amount of time depending on your entered category. The movement standards, requirements and repetitions will be posted soon. Each team will be asked to perform as many rounds as possible in the given time duration (AMRAP).

Categories:

Novice – Less than 6 months training

Intermediate – Over 6 months training, comfortable with movement standards

Advanced – Very comfortable with movements and performs most workouts as prescribed

Divisions:

Men’s Partners

Women’s Partners

Mixed Partners

The Average Joe's Paleo Challenge

Hello- My name is Joe and I am a foodaholic! It has been 9 whole days since I consumed processed food. This is what I envision when I see request for Paleo Challenges. I see individuals surrounded by like-minded people in a quest to experience and conquer this very similar monster.

I have decided to call a new Paleo Challenge to order. I am constantly being asked questions about proper nutrition and different strategies for general consumption. Plan, execute and follow through. That is my new Paleo Challenge. But the more importantly, I would like to call to arms the purpose of this challenge.

I look around and see many Paleo Challenges being formed. Are these challenges a lack of true understanding on what is involved in healthy eating? I completely understand individuals new to this way of thinking about effective consumption. Furthermore, it is very important to understand what makes up an effective eating strategy. Vin Lindsay, head trainer and nutritional expert at Elm City is an incredible resource to use when you begin your path towards a successful eating plan. Other reliable and great resources to take advantage of include any of the other coaches at Elm City whom are all well versed in the dynamics of paleo eating. One of the best resources you can take advantage of are other member and athletes who have made the decision to make a difference and change the way they think about food, media, propaganda and the tough decisions it takes to make an affirmative change. These are real people who have found real results. For those who don’t know – I give you a pass and I welcome any questions in order to help you towards your nutritional goals.

For the rest of you – for those individuals who have been equipped with the knowledge and understanding of how food affects the human body, I toss this CHALLENGE to you. What does the challenge mean to you? Is the challenge that you need active buy-in or be apart of a group in order for you to make smart food choices? Do you really need monetary buy-in to make you accountable?  Do you lack understanding or are you looking for quick fixes? Do you need a certificate of completing for enrolling in a pseudo Largest Loser program? Do you not have enough conviction and motivation of conquer your inner demons and make smart and effective choices for what you decide to put into your mouth? I feel that this mental bargaining is nothing more than a diet. Diets have a starting point and a finish line. At that finish line there will inevitably be a reward. A reward that will most likely include a bad food choice, which is counter-intuitive to any positive gains you have made.  Life does not reflect this type of mentality. Effective nutrition does not take a back seat to life if you are serious about your health or physical well-being. It really comes down to integrity. Do you have a sense of conviction or do you need the help from others to make proper eating decisions?

My challenge is an individual one and only applies to the individuals who want to participate. A very large portion of our society is very happy simply keeping status quo and consuming large amounts of packaged and processed food. I am not referring to those who are contempt with their choices.

Here is my challenge: take a look at yourself the next time you grab a bagel because you did not have time to go the store and prepare. How about not asking questions about too much fruit in your weekly consumption – when a large part of your weekly consumption consist of beer, nachos and ice cream. My challenge includes taking responsibility for your choices once and for all. I know the types of personalities that surround our community. I witness on a daily basis the kind of conviction and motivation that is displayed. I know the hard-work and determination that lies in us all. Do we really need or require enrollment in a group? No- it requires a hard look in the mirror deciding that you want to change. Plan, execute, learn from your successes, tweak your short-comings and follow-through. This decisive Challenge will work wonders in nutrition as well as other facets of your life. ~The Average Joe

What at Bargain

Lack of interest… Lack of focus… Or just plain laziness? In my estimation, I say all three. I wrote several months back about how fitness has an identity. In my life, in my particular situation, my fitness has a face. As I said in the blog, I have a responsibility to maintain my focus and attention. Even in the face of strategic and fundamental shifts in sport or fitness, I am liable to uphold my end of the fitness bargain.

Speaking of bargain, I have to keep going back to coaching and the mental bargaining that goes on. I see athletes continuously have fitness gains and success only to be sabotaged by their own demise. The age-old 80-20 rule which is you maintain focus 80% of the time and can have a pass or reward yourself 20% of the time. Unfortunately, this quickly shifts from the 80-20 rule to the 20-80 rule. Much of this has to do with this mentality that we are on a diet – that we deserve a reward for our good behavior. Again, fitness and nutrition are not fads. They are constants! You must constantly be monitored, focused and maintained interest. ~The Average Joe