SICFIT Austin Has Arrived!

Shopping Spree

Well, I can now say that I have seen paradise... and it is in JAMAICA!

Wow what a trip! 5 nights/6 days in a place I don't have words to describe (and pictures just don't do it any justice...). I feel relaxed, refreshed and ready to get back on it! It's going to take a couple of days to purge the Red Stripe and Pina Coladas from my system, but I can't wait to get back to training...

And as we all know, training starts with NUTRITION. Much to my dismay, our refrigerator was empty upon our return... So off to HEB to stock up on provisions... Here is the grocery list:

3 sweet potatoes, 2 tomatoes, 6 bananas, 3 red bell peppers, 3 green bell peppers, 3 cloves garlic, 3 yellow onions, 2 heads broccoli, 1 package sliced carrots, 2 packages guacamole, 1 jar sauerkraut, 1 jar pasta sauce, 2 packages turkey meatballs, 2 packages bison ground meat, 1 package beer bratwurst, 1 package sliced turkey breast cutlets, 1 package cajun andouille sausage, 1 package frozen crawfish tail meat, 1 package cajun boudin sausage, 2 jars artichoke hearts, 1 package mango pico de gallo, 2 packages fresh blackberries, 2 packages fresh blueberries, 4 fresh pink lady apples, 2 lemons, 2 packages fresh collard greens, 2 containers fresh spinach, 2 fresh haas avocados, 3 grapefruits, 4 fresh portabella mushrooms, 2 packages fresh strawberries, 2 tubs sliced turkey deli meat, 1 jar diced jalapenos, 1 quart extra virgin olive oil, 1 quart coconut oil, 1 container hummus, 2 containers pesto, 6 packets yellowfin tuna in olive oil, 1 jar Saltlick BBQ sauce, 2 jars crunchy almond butter, 4 quarts chocolate almond milk, 1 package chopped walnuts, 1 package sundried tomatoes!

Now that's a lotta food! 3, 2, 1... EAT!

Do you believe everything that you read...? CAVEAT LECTOR!

Dihydrogen Monoxide FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) What is Dihydrogen Monoxide?

Dihydrogen Monoxide (DHMO) is a colorless and odorless chemical compound, also referred to by some as Dihydrogen Oxide, Hydrogen Hydroxide, Hydronium Hydroxide, or simply Hydric acid. Its basis is the highly reactive hydroxyl radical, a species shown to mutate DNA, denature proteins, disrupt cell membranes, and chemically alter critical neurotransmitters. The atomic components of DHMO are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol.

For more detailed information, including precautions, disposal procedures and storage requirements, refer to one of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available for DHMO:

• Kemp Compliance & Safety MSDS for DHMO
• Chem-Safe, Inc. MSDS for Dihydrogen Monoxide
• Applied Petrochemical Research MSDS for Hydric Acid
• Original DHMO.org Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for Dihydrogen Monoxide (html)

Should I be concerned about Dihydrogen Monoxide?

Yes, you should be concerned about DHMO! Although the U.S. Government and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not classify Dihydrogen Monoxide as a toxic or carcinogenic substance (as it does with better known chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and benzene), DHMO is a constituent of many known toxic substances, diseases and disease-causing agents, environmental hazards and can even be lethal to humans in quantities as small as a thimbleful.

Research conducted by award-winning U.S. scientist Nathan Zohner concluded that roughly 86 percent of the population supports a ban on dihydrogen monoxide. Although his results are preliminary, Zohner believes people need to pay closer attention to the information presented to them regarding Dihydrogen Monoxide. He adds that if more people knew the truth about DHMO then studies like the one he conducted would not be necessary.

A similar study conducted by U.S. researchers Patrick K. McCluskey and Matthew Kulick also found that nearly 90 percent of the citizens participating in their study were willing to sign a petition to support an outright ban on the use of Dihydrogen Monoxide in the United States.

Why haven't I heard about Dihydrogen Monoxide before?

Good question. Historically, the dangers of DHMO, for the most part, have been considered minor and manageable. While the more significant dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide are currently addressed by a number of agencies including FDA, FEMA and CDC, public awareness of the real and daily dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide is lower than some think it should be.

Critics of government often cite the fact that many politicians and others in public office do not consider Dihydrogen Monoxide to be a "politically beneficial" cause to get behind, and so the public suffers from a lack of reliable information on just what DHMO is and why they should be concerned.

Part of the blame lies with the public and society at large. Many do not take the time to understand Dihydrogen Monoxide, and what it means to their lives and the lives of their families.

Unfortunately, the dangers of DHMO have increased as world population has increased, a fact that the raw numbers and careful research both bear out. Now more than ever, it is important to be aware of just what the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide are and how we can all reduce the risks faced by ourselves and our families.

What are some of the dangers associated with DHMO?

Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:

Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities. Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage. Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects. DHMO is a major component of acid rain. Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns. Contributes to soil erosion. Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals. Contamination of electrical systems often causes short-circuits. Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes. Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions. Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks. Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere, and in hurricanes including deadly storms in Florida, New Orleans and other areas of the southeastern U.S. Thermal variations in DHMO are a suspected contributor to the El Nino weather effect.

What are some uses of Dihydrogen Monoxide?

Despite the known dangers of DHMO, it continues to be used daily by industry, government, and even in private homes across the U.S. and worldwide. Some of the well-known uses of Dihydrogen Monoxide are:

• as an industrial solvent and coolant,
• in nuclear power plants,
• by the U.S. Navy in the propulsion systems of some older vessels,
• by elite athletes to improve performance,
• in the production of Styrofoam,
• in biological and chemical weapons manufacture,
• in the development of genetically engineering crops and animals,
• as a spray-on fire suppressant and retardant,
• in so-called "family planning" or "reproductive health" clinics,
• as a major ingredient in many home-brewed bombs,
• as a byproduct of hydrocarbon combustion in furnaces and air conditioning compressor operation,
• in cult rituals,
• by the Church of Scientology on their members and their members' families (although surprisingly, many members recently have contacted DHMO.org to vehemently deny such use),
• by both the KKK and the NAACP during rallies and marches,
• by members of Congress who are under investigation for financial corruption and inappropriate IM behavior,
• by the clientele at a number of bath houses in New York City and San Francisco,
• historically, in Hitler's death camps in Nazi Germany, and in prisons in Turkey, Serbia, Croatia, Libya, Iraq and Iran,
• in World War II prison camps in Japan, and in prisons in China, for various forms of torture,
• during many recent religious and ethnic wars in the Middle East,
• by many terrorist organizations including al Quaeda,
• in community swimming pools to maintain chemical balance,
• in day care centers, purportedly for sanitary purposes,
• by software engineers, including those producingDICOM programmer APIs and other DICOM software tools,
• by popular computer science professors,
• by the semi-divine King Bhumibol of Thailand and his many devoted young working girls in Bangkok,
• by the British Chiropractic Association and the purveyors of the bogus treatments that the BCA promotes,
• by commodities giant Trafigura in their well-publicized and widely-known toxic-waste dumping activities in Ivory Coast,
• in animal research laboratories, and
• in pesticide production and distribution.

What you may find surprising are some of the products and places where DHMO is used, but which for one reason or another, are not normally made part of public presentations on the dangers to the lives of our family members and friends. Among these startling uses are:

as an additive to food products, including jarred baby food and baby formula, and even in many soups, carbonated beverages and supposedly "all-natural" fruit juices in cough medicines and other liquid pharmaceuticals, in spray-on oven cleaners, in shampoos, shaving creams, deodorants and numerous other bathroom products, in bathtub bubble products marketed to children, as a preservative in grocery store fresh produce sections, in the production of beer by all the major beer distributors, in the coffee available at major coffee houses in the US and abroad, in Formula One race cars, although its use is regulated by the Formula One Racing Commission, and as a target of ongoing NASA planetary and stellar research.

One of the most surprising facts recently revealed about Dihydrogen Monoxide contamination is in its use as a food and produce "decontaminant." Studies have shown that even after careful washing, food and produce that has been contaminated by DHMO remains tainted by DHMO.

What is the link between Dihydrogen Monoxide and school violence?

A recent stunning revelation is that in every single instance of violence in our country's schools, including infamous shootings in high schools in Denver and Arkansas, Dihydrogen Monoxide was involved. In fact, DHMO is often very available to students of all ages within the assumed safe confines of school buildings. None of the school administrators with which we spoke could say for certain how much of the substance is in use within their very hallways.

How does Dihydrogen Monoxide toxicity affect kidney dialysis patients?

Unfortunately, DHMO overdose is not unheard of in patients undergoing dialysis treatments for kidney failure. Dihydrogen Monoxide overdose in these patients can result in congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema and hypertension. In spite of the danger of accidental overdose and the inherent toxicity of DHMO in large quantities for this group, there is a portion of the dialysis treated population that continues to use DHMO on a regular basis.

Are there groups that oppose a ban on Dihydrogen Monoxide?

In spite of overwhelming evidence, there is one group in California that opposes a ban on Dihydrogen Monoxide. TheFriends of Hydrogen Hydroxideis a group that believes that the dangers of DHMO have been exaggerated. Members claim that Dihydrogen Monoxide, or the less emotionally charged and more chemically accurate term they advocate for it, "Hydrogen Hydroxide," is beneficial, environmentally safe, benign and naturally occurring. They argue that efforts to ban DHMO are misguided. Friends of Hydrogen Hydroxide is supported by the Scorched Earth Party, a radical and loosely-organized California-based group. Sources close to the Scorched Earth Party deny any outside funding from government, industry or pro-industry PACs.

Has the press ignored this web site and the Dihydrogen Monoxide problem?

For the most part, the press has not reported on the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide as much as some would like. Although many private individuals have put up web sites in a major grassroots effort to spread the word, major publications have not.

Recently, attention has been paid to the subject thanks to an incident in Aliso Viejo, California. This so-called Aliso Viejo Incident was widely reported in the media, although the director of DHMO.org, Dr. Tom Way, was called a "prankster." Once the Associated Press started circulating the story, it became fact, and the valuable information being provided by the DHMO.org website was deemed to be "rubbish" rather than an honest and unbiased recounting of facts about a dangerous, life-endangering chemical compound.

If you are a member of the press, you may access our online Press Kit. See the main page for access information. This resource is for members of the press only.

Is it true that using DHMO improves athletic performance?

Absolutely! With the numerous allegations of amateur and professional athletes using anabolic steroids and/or blood doping to enhance performance, virtually no attention has been paid to the performance enhancing properties of Dihydrogen Monoxide. It is perhaps the sporting world's dirtiest of dirty little secrets that athletes regularly ingest large quantities of DHMO in an effort to gain a competitive edge over an opponent.

One technique commonly used by endurance athletes in sports such as distance running and cycling is to take a large amount of DHMO immediately prior to a race. This is known within racing circles to dramatically improve performance.

Sports-medicine physicians warn that ingesting too much Dihydrogen Monoxide can lead to complications and unwanted side-effects, but do acknowledge the link to improved performance. DHMO is not currently considered a banned substance, so post-race urine tests do not detect elevated or abnormal levels of DHMO.

Can using DHMO improve my marriage?

This is a popular myth, but one which is also actually supported by a number of scientific facts. Dihydrogen Monoxide plays an instrumental role in the centers of the brain associated with feelings of emotional attachment and love. Married couples have found that regular ingestion of DHMO can improve their marriage-related activities, while couples that never ingest DHMO often find that their marriage suffers as well.

What are the symptoms of accidental Dihydrogen Monoxide overdose?

You may not always recognize that you have been a victim of accidental DHMO overdose, so here are some signs and symptoms to look for. If you suspect Dihydrogen Monoxide overdose, or if you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should consult with your physician or medical practitioner. The data presented here is provided for informational purposes only, and should in no way be construed as medical advice of any sort.

Watch for these symptoms: Excessive sweating Excessive urination Bloated feeling Nausea Vomiting Electrolyte imbalance Hyponatremia (serum hypotonicity) Dangerously imbalanced levels of ECF and ICF in the blood Degeneration of sodium homeostasis

A recently noted medical phenomenon involves small amounts of DHMO leaking or oozing from the corners of the eyes as a direct result of causes such as foreign particulate irritation, allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock, and sometimes severe chemical depression.

What is a chemical analysis of Dihydrogen Monoxide

Recently, German analytical chemist Christoph von Bueltzingsloewen at the Universitaet Regensburg identified what may be key reasons why the dangers of DHMO are ever present. According to von Bueltzingsloewen, the chemical separation of dihydrogenoxide from the hazardous oxygendihydride is extremely difficult. The two similar compounds curiously occur in nearly equimolar distribution wherever they are found. It is not clear how the two contribute directly to the dangers inherent in Dihydrogen Monoxide, although von Bueltzingsloewen believes that a synergetic mechanism, catalyzed by traces of hydrogenhydroxide, plays a major role.

What can I do to minimize the risks?

Fortunately, there is much you can do to minimize your dangers due to Dihydrogen Monoxide exposure.First, use common sense. Whenever you are dealing with any product or food that you feel may be contaminated with DHMO, evaluate the relative danger to you and your family, and act accordingly. Keep in mind that in many instances, low-levels of Dihydrogen Monoxide contamination are not dangerous, and in fact, are virtually unavoidable. Remember, the responsibility for your safety and the safety of your family lies with you.

Second, exercise caution when there is the potential for accidental inhalation or ingestion of DHMO. If you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from a dangerous situation. Better safe than sorry.

Third, don't panic. Although the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide are very real, by exercising caution and common sense, you can rest assured knowing that you are doing everything possible to keep you and your family safe.

How can I find out more about Dihydrogen Monoxide?

We would be happy to tell you more about DHMO!Send us email, and we'll gladly attempt to keep you up-to-date on current developments in the study of Dihydrogen Monoxide, its uses and misuses.

There are a number of sites on the world wide web that contain more information on DHMO and related topics. It should be noted that we do not endorse these sites, nor do we control their content or political bias.

Content from: http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html

SICFIT AUSTIN

The Next Level of Fitness Training

We know many of you desire the next level of fitness training. You've asked for more Olympic Weightlifting, Barbell work, and Speed & Strength and Conditioning work. You asked for it - you got it! SICFIT Austin, the region’s first premier athletic performance facility, will open it's doors on May 3rd. The Central Austin garage gym offers a curriculum that combines several of the most proven performance training and muscular recovery methods in North America. In 2004 Jeremy Thiel moved to Austin with a dream of building a fit community by teaching the importance of functional fitness and offering the best customer service in the industry. In less than four years, he was able to take CrossFit Central from zero to 700+ eager clients. Jeremy and his staff have helped transform thousands of lives and continue to be a driving force in the Austin fitness community. Now, Jeremy will open this region's first premier athletic performance facility, SICFIT Austin, making available the best of high performance training for both garage gym and student- athletes. This facility will combine several of the most proven performance training and muscular recovery methods in North America, to include: Underground StrengthTM training, Center for Athletic Performance EliteTM conditioning, CrossFit FootballTM power work, Russian KettlebellTM agility, and Sport SpeedTM coaching. These methods combined with: the best in myofascial release technology, potent neuro-endocrine response, whole nutrition, advanced supplementation, Olympic weight lifting, and body weight gymnastic movements, will prove to greatly increase athletic performance while decreasing injury potential. The SICFIT Austin facility is a garage gym based in Central Austin that provides distinct coaching, expertise, and professionalism. The key to the SICFIT athletes’ successes will rely upon the education, motivation, and leadership that our skilled coaches will provide them. These coaches have been trained and mentored, hands on, by Jeremy Thiel and the founders of each of the above-mentioned methodologies. These coaches, all former elite athletes, have achieved the highest honors in their respective sports. CrossFit Central was built on the passion of the coaches and clients to constantly seek out excellence. Achieving the next level, in any sport, takes this same level of initiative and self-discipline. SICFIT Austin will revolutionize the athletic performance industry. Because just like those that will ultimately join us in our garage, we never quit. Be the first to show your teammates what it means to be SICFIT.

Central South Texas Sectionals – or The Mental Games We Play

This past Wednesday I took on “Murph” – a marathon of a Crossfit workout. The workout consists of a 1-mile run followed by 100 pullups, 200 pushups and 300 air squats followed by a 1-mile run… all while wearing a 20# weighted vest. At the goading of a training partner, I decided to up the ante and wear a 30# vest (Go Hard or Go Home!)

The workout took me 1 hour, 1 minute and 30 seconds, and I finished all but crumpled on the ground in the fetal position. But never, not once in the workout, did I even contemplate or entertain the idea that I would not finish the workout.

Since I started crossfitting in October of ’08, this has been the MO: finish the WOD. I have been through lots of extremely difficult training (3 a days in the hot and humid Florida summers anyone?) and plenty of grueling crossfit WODs, but never have I ever tapped out or given up. I pride myself on my mental toughness (I might not always be the best, but I will work harder than anyone…) and take great satisfaction in destroying my body.

This was not the case last weekend, when I competed in the CSTS at the Camp Mabry military base, here in Austin, TX. I finished a very respectful and humbling 23^rd out of 135 men, considering the amazing collection of athletes that showed up to compete.

The first two WOD’s were difficult and challenging, both physically and mentally – but the third and final workout was arguably the greatest test of mental strength I have ever taken on. The workout was as follows:

15 barbell thrusters @115# :: run 100 ft :: 50 one-arm kettlebell snatches @ 24kg :: run 100 ft :: 100 double-unders :: run 100 ft :: 50 kettlebell swings @ 24kg :: 100 ft farmer’s walk with kettlebell :: 15 barbell snatches @ 115#.

I was moving through the WOD nicely and thinking I would finish with a good time until I got to the last 15 reps: 15 snatches with 115#.

I made it to the bar, dropped my kettlebell, set my feet and got ready for the first of fifteen snatches… I made my move and the bar made it about 1/3 way up my body when… nothing. I dropped the bar and bent over to catch my breath. My body was screaming and I was sucking wind. I had felt this before, and knew if I just focused, I would make it happen. I set up and went for rep one again… the bar got to my chest where it rested. The judge yelled out “NO REP!” I let the bar fall – angry and frustrated.

What followed were the hardest fifteen reps of any workout… ever. It took me somewhere in the vicinity of 7 minutes to finish the workout (I finished with a total time of 15:44). 7 minutes for 15 reps. This was the first time I had ever actually thought “I am not going to finish this workout.” I still don’t know how I did…

There was literally a battle being waged inside my head: one side saying I could not finish, the other side telling me I had to. Once again the angels won out over the demons, and it was not without two valuable lessons being learned.

Lesson 1: I must win the war before I step onto the field of battle (both physically and mentally).

Lesson 2: I am powerful beyond measure.

Congratulations to all those who competed and the 30 men and 30 women who are moving on to compete at regionals in Ft. Worth May 28-30. I am grateful for being able to compete and having prevailed victorious, and my heartfelt thanks go out to all those who made it possible. My goal? Compete at the 2010 CrossFit Games.

Next stop: FT WORTH!

It is upon us...

I have been training since last April for this... The CrossFit Games. It is here, the time is now. I will step onto the field of battle, and I will be victorious. No excuses. Only mental fortitude and physical prowess. This is it.

Warrior.

Gladiator.

Go there - get lost.

I will not be outworked.

I am not afraid to die.

"Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory."
-Sun Tzu

"In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins."
-Ulysses S. Grant

"Victory goes to the one who has no thought of himself."

-Shinkage School of Swordsmanship

INVICTUS

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

-William Ernest Henley, 1875

I can only imagine the lives of my forefathers. I can only imagine the hardships they must have endured, as everyday life was a struggle to survive. Survival. This word has all but lost its meaning in today's world. At the time of the first humans, survival was literally LIFE. They never knew what would await them when they woke up... what great beast would be waiting to make them their next meal. They had to search out food and water, track prey, kill it, and eat it. They had to climb tall trees to reach highly fibrous fruit (not what we today know as "fruit". They had to forage for nuts and berries, gathering a handful at a time...

Today, we wake up in our heated or cooled homes, on a comfortable bed, go to the grocery store in our cars, buy pre-packaged meat and vegetables, buy nuts and seeds by the bucket-load, cook with pots and pans over a gas or electric stove, and drink potable water from a faucet piped directly into our kitchens. We never have to worry about where our next meal will come from, or if a hungry lioness will try to make us her next meal.

I am not proposing that we revert back to the stone age. What I propose is that we take a look in the mirror and a look at our lives. How hard is it? For me, the answer is: EASY. If you are reading this, then your answer should be the same. You are sitting in front of a computer, looking at words that have been posted on the internet. Wow.

The closest that I can come to the survivalist days of my ancestors is to try and imitate the way they ate... Weak sauce. I try to imitate the way they lived by pushing myself to my physical limits as much as I can bear... A feeble effort at best. I want to take this moment to honor all those who have come before me: those who fought off harsh winters, famine and predatory animals... all those who survived the bubonic plague in Europe, made the trip from there to the Americas and started new lives - unknowing of the future that awaited... all those Men and Women who endured the most brutal landscapes and wars and environments to SURVIVE.

I would not be here if it were not for them. Neither would you. So I ask again: How hard is your life?

I ask you to read this poem again. Try to comprehend what he has so greatly expressed in simple words. Will you encounter hardships? If you are alive, you most likely will. It is your mental attitude - your unwillingness to be conquered by anything - that will make you a man or a woman. Will you be beat down by work, relationships, stress and finances? Will you let your MID get the better of you and tell you that you CAN'T do this, or CAN'T do that because of X, Y and Z? If that is the case, the reality is that you WON'T do this or that, because you have already decided not to. Make the decision to push past the boundaries of mediocrity and be great. Make the decision to LIVE.

INVICTUS.