Perfectly Organic

Is our fitness community perfectly organic? Do we constantly vary or vary constantly? What makes a successful team? I find it very interesting that when anyone talks about the Crossfit community in general terms, they often describe it as an organic environment or an organic model of success. I sometime wonder if the promoters of this catchy play on words actually mean what they say.

As coaches we spend a great deal of time explaining specific movements or affirming the methodology behind our programming. We spend the majority of our time helping individuals tackle their own demons – quieting those voices that say, I can’t do it. We take people outside of their comfort zones and make the fog lift – or see the light. By doing this on a continual basis, the individual learns much about themselves and results quickly follow.

So is this organic or just intuitive coaching? Is this individual success or a product of a great community? Organic by definition is growth. It is the ability to adapt, learn and evolve through steady change or growth. This is exactly what we do each and everyday at Elm City Crossfit. We challenge not only the individual athlete in us all but we suffer together in construction of a community that is not tied by names, backgrounds or money. It is tied with genuine hard work. A bond that is shared by all – Just to be Great. ~ The Average Joe

I Don't Want to Grow Up!

I don’t mean to brag but I am surrounded by women all the time in my life. I feel sometimes I am the luckiest man alive to have such a wonderful complement of women by my side. I am referring to my beautiful family – Elicia, Annabel, Savannah and Daisy.

Recently, I was talking with my girls on the way home from playing at the gym and my oldest daughter asked me when did I decide to grow up? I immediately replied -never. For a 9-year old this was a very hard concept to get. Annabel went on to explain that a grown up has a job. They have money, a car and most importantly they can say any curse words they want. I quickly replied that being a grown up is a state of mind and girls should not use foul language.

Just as I discussed in previous post, I very much believe in keeping the norm. We have innate responsibilities to ourselves but as much as I believe in hard work – I also believe in having fun. Work hard – Play harder. I try not to take myself too seriously. I enjoy poking fun at myself and my surrounding. People ask me why do you do what you do – why do you wear booty shorts. I take great pride in not getting so wrapped up in training and competition where it looses its original draw – it’s suppose to be fun. Furthermore, I take particular fun in working out next to people that do take themselves too seriously and compete and train like their lives depend on it. I love the look on their faces when they are next to the guy wearing his daughter’s clothes just doing his own thing. My response is that having fun is very much a part of who I am. Interestingly enough, my kids see me as having fun- a lot of the time. I don’t ever want to grow up. ~The Average Joe

What's Your Price?

Is competition good for intensity? Or has competition negotiated pride, professionalism, honesty and community? I often times share with my friends and athletes the importance of intensity. I also share with them the need to focus on yourself – because at the end of the day when you look into the mirror you are faced with reality. What stares you back in the face is the product of you efforts. That individual staring you in the mirror knows without question whether you gave it your all. That person knows if you were honest with your eating, your workout, your mind, your motivation, your conviction and the efforts you have attempted to reach your goals.

But at what price does intensity come with? Does it mean win at all cost? Does it mean overexerting your body? Does it mean over exerting your relationship with yourself? Does it mean negotiating your friendships, your teammates or worse – your community? Elm City Crossfit is a collection of like-minded people who want to change. We all want something. We are all willing to sacrifice to get that something. But what we will not do is sacrifice intensity for relationship or wellness. I am proud to be the owner of a facility that provides an honest avenue towards achievement. I am honored to be surrounded by people who would not negotiate character for intensity.

Life is the ultimate endurance event. You are the individual who controls the outcome or the participation of this event. Exercise in general – specifically Crossfit is an individual sport. Participate with honor and conviction – not exclusiveness ~ The Average Joe

Keeping the Norm

It has been quite some time since my last post. I can assure my followers that I have not been sitting still. Sometime life happens. For most of my adult life, I have adapted my own coping mechanism for eventful and busy situations. I call it keeping the norm. The norms are the bare essentials or responsibilities that keep you going. They are the relationships or in some case the tasks that must be maintained –even in the most hectic of times.

When I was in college, I was the captain of the College Rugby team, a full time student and a full-throttle beer drinking, ass chasing party animal. Regardless of the degree of hang-over or the drama that may have been brewing on the rugby field, I never lost focus of what my original path truly was. I was in college to better myself. My norm was school. That was my first priority and my main focus. It did not matter what I was doing – I would always keep the norm.

That was then and this is now. My norm today is providing for my family, staying healthy and true to my clients and community and training for my up-coming race. It does not matter about the numerous distractions and constant pressures of work-life, I never waiver on the norm. At the end of the day, it comes down to priorities, responsibility and strength. Do you have the strategy and focus to endure? ~ The Average Joe

Where's the Beef?

I read an interesting news article recently about how Taco Bell is being sued for false advertisement about their beef. Come to find out that their beef contains only about 30% actual beef. The rest of the beef contains “particulates and fillers”

The ironic thing in this situation is that the general public looks to these types of eateries as a healthy alternative to burgers and fries. In many cases, this may be worse. Deception, misinformation and smoke and mirrors drive our healthy nutritional theme in this country. Now I am not one of those people who have deeply rooted political views. My point is that we should not walk with the herd. We cannot continue to fall into the corporate trap of eating synthetics. I have to take a page out of Rob Wolf’s train of thought here – human beings have been on this planet for millions of years. It is only since the agricultural age that we began to develop sickness and illnesses.

As the common man with simple standards, I believe in simplicity. Food quality is the main ingredient in changing your body and healthy living. For anyone who knows me, when anyone asks about how they can loose weight. My first response would be to move your butt and go simple on your eating. I call it the phase one scenario: cut out all breads, chips and any synthetic foods – food products that are not produced naturally in nature.

These are the basis for the theme and programming we prescribe to at Elm City. Every individual that comes in the door must have a goal. The goal can be as simple as looking better naked in the mirror – others can be training for a particular event. The point is that every single person on this planet has the ability to change if you want. The biggest thing is you have to want to change. The rest are mere details. ~The Average Joe

Fear Factor

On my ride to work the other morning, I had an opportunity to reflect on my current training. I am currently training for a 100k trail race that will take place in New Jersey this March. I have the honor of training with a client and friend from Elm City Crossfit whom I ran my last event with. This will be a step up for Mike in distance and I have no doubt he will be great. That is truly the point, as a matter of fact -normal, everyday people setting goals, making a plan and executing their training. It is not only motivational but inspiring to workout with Mike. I need you more than you need me – thanks buddy.

So that got me thinking- what is more motivating when training for an event? Is it the fear of suffering or failure or the sense of accomplishment upon completion? What motivates you? I know the deciding factor for me- Both! I make deposits into the pain bank in the hopes that come race day I can make my withdrawals without fear of running short. I also do events to prove to myself that I am different. I can plan and execute different types of activities that make me different- signature or identification measures that make me feel alive. I have no desire to be the norm. How about you? ~ The Average Joe

Friends to the End

My training and nutrition has a face. It has a body. It has a presence. I consider him my friend. One who relies and counts on me. We have a continual relationship. And just like any other relationship, it requires compromise, attention and most of all commitment. He knows my every nuance. He knows my short-comings, my motivations, my failures, and my success. He knows my deepest and darkest secrets. He requires balance and motivation. He is a true friend in every since of the word. He gets me and the only requirement in return, that I respect him and make sure that he stays a part of my life.

I will never turn my back on him. There was a time where I did turn a blind eye to him. The funny thing is – he never complained. He never made mention about what I was doing to my body without him. He did not nag me that every day that passed; I did not only neglect him, but negotiated our future. Something happened. I began to realize that this relationship was important to me. It may not be a first priority in my life, but it is a priority. I have come to know and love my friend. We have explored many new obstacles and have seen an entirely new side of not only me but my family, my surroundings and he has opened me up to a more fruitful and joyous world. I will forever be indebted to my friend and try and live up to his expectations. ~ The Average Joe