Wolf & Bear

The Wolfpack... 

The new brotherhood initiated by Jeremy Thiel and formed by the men of CrossFit Central to become the most cutthroat, dialed-in and awe-inspiring force in our region. We all have shortcomings... as sons, brothers, boyfriends, coaches, trainers, friends, leaders, managers and individuals. We must take ownership of these shortcomings. By taking ownership, we quite literally OWN them. Once we own them, we may do whatever we want with them. We then regain our integrity and COMMIT to our future.

When I say shortcomings, I don't mean failures. We are not failing. We are doing good. But GOOD is not GOOD ENOUGH. I know myself and I know my potential. Why am I playing so small? Why am I living so small? Why am I not living an extraordinary life -- one that I design and create and love? Why am I not going above and beyond to make an IMPACT on the world? The time is now...

As soon as Jeremy mentioned Wolfpack yesterday, it immediately resonated with me. Ever since I was a small child, I have been infatuated with Native American heritage and lore. On our family trips to Colorado and New Mexico, I would pick up and read as many Native American books as I could get my hands on. Many had stories of the history of the native peoples of our land, and almost all included allegories with animals and their spiritual traits.

For as long as I can remember, I have always felt connected to and associated with the wolf and the bear - two very powerful Native American symbols. The below descriptions of these two majestic and complex animals resonates deep within me, for they are my animal spirits. I am half wolf, half bear.

Wolf Symbolism

The Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. The wolf is a very social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts. The wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions – the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding. Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration.

A quick-list of totem wolf symbolic attributes include:

Intelligence

Cunning

Communication

Friendliness

Loyalty

Generosity

Compassionate

Perseverance

Success

Intuition

Family

Spirit

Bear Symbolism

As a Native American symbol, the bear is as free in spirit as the great wind; and grander than its mass. To match that magnitude is the quality of unpredictability in the bear. A massive animal who forages seemingly peacefully in the woods on berries and bush. When provoked in certain ways, the First Peoples witnessed a ferocity expressed from the bear that (understandably) could elicit terror.

Because of this potentially furious storm brewing just under the surface of bears spirit, our native forebears were extremely cautious and respectful of this animal. Even tribes inclined to peace honored the spirit of a warrior, and witnessing the bear seemed to embody that kind of blind, powerful surge of courage and strength that every warrior is want to tap into.

A quick list of keywords summoned by the tribal mind:

Protection

Freedom

Discernment

Courage

Power

Unpredictable

Industrious

Instinctive 

Watcher 

Will power

Introspection

Great strength

Above attributes taken from: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems2.html

I will take ownership. I will commit.

I will take ownership. I will take ownership of my thoughts, words and actions. I will take ownership of my diet. I will take ownership of my lack of flexibility. I will take ownership for not training strength. I will take ownership for the decline in my METCON. I will take ownership for my commitments and responsibilities. I will take ownership for myself and my wolf pack. I will take ownership of my integrity. I will take ownership of my financial situation. I will take ownership of my goals and dreams. I will take ownership of my relationships to my family, friends and loved ones. I will take ownership of my ownership.

I will commit. I commit to pushing my potential. I commit to achieving that potential. I commit to being my best every single day and giving my all in each and every situation. I commit to taking opportunities presented and converting them into successes. I commit to creating something from nothing. I commit to turning dreams and goals into realities. I commit to this life, this world and the rest of eternity.

Today's OPT!

Todays' OPT training:

3 rounds for time:

21 deadlifts @ 185#,
50 double unders.

Time: 5:19.

2010 CrossFit Games: The first of its kind

The 2010 CrossFit Games: What an experience!

Without a doubt, a week to remember. ~30 crossfitters living in a beach house in Laguna Beach, California. Traveling to Carson, California to watch the fittest athletes on earth battle it out to crown the champion. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean. Partying til the wee hours with non-competitors. Meeting up with old friends. Making some new friends. Spending some much-needed QT with Bekah and the crew outside of Austin, TX and away from the demands of daily life. Getting SILLY. Eating great food. Watching, listening, and learning from the best in the world. In a word: amazing. 

SICFIT Austin's Black & Red Competition

This weekend, SICFIT Austin will be holding its first ever Black & Red Competition.

Details:

SICFIT Austin's Black & Red Competition.
5126 Burnet Rd. Austin, TX.
Saturday July 10th, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM.
20 competitors, 2 events.
1 winner.

SHOW UP AND SEE WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!

Opportune Jamaica Sunset

Just thought I would give y'all a little taste of what it was like to be in Jamaica. If you couldn't tell from the previous post, we had more than a little fun... This photo was shot from our private jacuzzi on our private patio. 

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have been provided in my life. To be born where and when I was born to the parents that gave me life; to grow up knowing that I was loved and supported every step. I must say (I know I am biased) that my parents are the best parents that I know. They are the best people that I know. If  it was not for them, my life at it is today would not be possible. Thanks mom and dad. I love you.

Opportunities are nothing without action. Are you taking advantage of the opportunities in front of your face? They are right there to be had! GO GET THEM. Grab them with both hands and do not let go until you have achieved all that you want to achieve. There is nothing else - no time to be wasted - no ifs ands or buts - no feelings of inadequacy or fears of failure. 

If you want a sunset like this: go get it. 

"If it's not fun, don't do it."

Big Mike G and Me. Dunns River Falls State Park, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. 

THIS IS FUN! On my recent vacation to Jamaica, Big Mike and I decided to up the ante, so to speak... We were climbing a section of waterfalls, having the time of our lives in one of the most gorgeous tropical settings I have ever seen -- and then an idea popped into my head: "Let's do handstands right here in the rushing water, mere feet from a cliff!" Mike was right there with me, and with no hesitation whatsoever, we popped a couple handstands. The most fun EVER. Who else can say they did this? 

This was the hot topic amongst my friends today at the gym. If we're not going to have fun, we're not going to do it. Period. I love it. 

If YOU aren't having fun with your life. CHANGE IT. "But I have this to do, and I have that to do." OK. Maybe. But you also have a choice. You have the choice to make your like FUN, or SERIOUS and BORING. 

Life is about one thing: living powerfully and living a life you love. If you are not living a dream and loving your life, you aren't living. Period.