Be Thankful.

Be grateful.

I have been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving these past few weeks. It has traditionally been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember. It is one in which new traditions have been easy to create because it’s not tied to religion. I am in no way trying to sound like an atheist, but it has always made the day about your tradition and creating traditions vs. having to carry out traditions.

Today we stand on the eve of Thanksgiving. A day that was declared a national holiday in 1863 by President Lincoln that we have done what we as Americans always do gluttonize that entire thing. Somewhere along the line it became about what your favorite side dish is and what time are you eating dinner because you might go to two places. Not so you can say hello but so you can eat two meals. A day that now has three NFL games so that we can be assured not actually to talk and connect with the company around you. A holiday that started as a celebration of a successful fall harvest has been warped into an overindulgence of many things.

As you start to think about your day tomorrow I ask you to be very open and upfront with yourself and those around you about what you’re thankful for. Don’t take the easy road either. “I’m thankful for my health” – WTF does that mean to you? Do you mean that you’re happy you don’t have cancer but not thankful enough to do 30 minutes of exercise every day? “I’m thankful for this meal” – because you know it’s going to be delicious & you didn’t have to cook it? Or are you grateful you can take a day of rest with your family and friends under a protected roof and financially afford to place a meal on the table? Get into what you’re grateful for and enlighten yourself as to just how many wonderful things you have around you.
I thankfully work is busy, and I have to work every day.
I'm thankful I didn't grow up thinking families were perfect, and shit is hard.
I'm thankful I got a job as young as I did and always kept one.
I'm thankful I blew out my knee because it reminds me to slow down and re-evaluate things.
I'm thankful I have seen what alcoholism does to a person, so I am mindful of my relationship with it.
I'm thankful I have people who love me.
I'm thankful I can afford a car.

You’re right there is always something else to drive towards but never forget what you have. Be thankful!

- GS

Ain't Nobody Got Time For That

How often do you take a day for yourself? A day to enjoy great weather, friends, quiet time on the couch catching up on the DVR, anything really as long as it's not "work". Some may say, "Yeah, I take the whole weekend." Others may say and I'm going to guess the large majority, "Ain't nobody got time for that." 

Until recently I was guilty of the later and here's why. 

There are always programs to write, sessions to run, classes to prep for and execute. The daily challenge to provide original and well planned sessions is real. You as subscribers want a workout that will challenge you and help achieve your goals. I take that very seriously, and that takes time. Time away from the office to plan and program accordingly. 

In September I enrolled in the Ironman Coaching Certification. Becoming an Certified Triathlon coach was been on my to-do list for a while now. It's a natural next step in what I do at CPC and as a triathlete. With little hesitation and understanding of how extensive the process would be I enrolled. Upon my first login I was put on a 90 day clock to finish. To give you some perspective the program is an online learning platform consisting of 11 very specific and very detailed modules and 1 final assessment. Since September I've felt like I'm back in college trying to squeeze extra time into a day to get everything done. My 90 day window is closing quickly and the stress is mounting.  

There is always a self-imposed expectation to train. Getting a workout in is not as easy as it once was before I joined the staff of CPC. I could train all day long and no one would miss me. Striking a balance between my time and the time needed to dedicate to the CPC subscribers is a challenge. Let me be clear, I love my job. Getting back to an "elite" training level is a stress that I feel. I don't want to be a flash in the pan. Will I ever make it back to Kona? Who knows. Will I do an Ironman again? YES! When? I have no idea. 

My stressors may not seem like much but they're real. Each of us carry our own stressors. Life, work, and personal goals. All of which can very easily take over our week and before you know it, it's time to do it all over again. I am 100% guilty of working every day of the week and taking little time to rest and recharge. Amber blogged a few weeks ago about just making time and I whole-heartedly agree however, there are times when you have to put the to-do list away and enjoy life for a little while. Regardless, of how many sessions I have to program for or days ticking away from my Ironman Certification it is far more important for me to Take A Day. I'm more productive. I'm rested and looking forward to the week. I feel sharp and ready to cue up Monday 6am TRX Fit.  

So the next time you find yourself trapped on the rat wheel just scurrying along slow down and remind yourself to Take A Day. 

SK

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Time management. Who has time for that? 

One of the most important things I have learned throughout my college career is trying to balance a busy schedule. Being a college student, trying to balance a demanding sport, classes, sleep, and to have somewhat of a social a life can get exhausting. There are days when I finally sit down at my desk to start homework and realize I haven’t sat, collected my thoughts, and breathed all day. The way in which someone goes about “time” is different for everyone. I see it as finding your rhythm and balance as to what is important to you. This can apply to all aspects of your life. In relation to exercise, I know a lot of people always result back to the same excuse - “I don’t have time to workout.” I couldn’t disagree more. I know when I set aside time for an extra workout, the outcome isn’t just physically beneficial for me, but mentally as well. One thing you will always come across in your life, are people who say, “I don’t have time.” People will always make excuses. The truth of it is, if you truly want to fit something into your schedule, you do. You need to capitalize on each hour of the day. Not just to go through the motions, but to do what you need to and do it well. I could name endless amounts of dedicated people who are up before the sun rises grinding it out, just so they can succeed, one day at a time. The mentality and motivation aspect of things are usually lacking for those who make excuses. This stems from not setting aside and making time to achieve what you say you will. These are the few steps I try to follow each morning and throughout the day:

1. Do what makes you happy
2. Prioritize
3. Write a plan for the day
4. Surround yourself with those who make time for you
5. Work hard and efficiently

One of the most important things that have come out of my forced time management skills is realizing that sometimes you need to do NOTHING. Which for most of us, isn’t easy. Busy bodies are not easily stopped. Sometimes it is important to step back and see how you are spending your time. Observe how it is affecting you both mentally and physically. Each step should be beneficial in some way. I encourage you to take five minutes out of your day and make a list of how you can improve your time management. I guarantee that giving up 5 minutes now will save you in the long run!

-- Amber

To Be Cutting Edge

I recently attended a conference for operators, and this slide was presented to the group as a question?

My answer was very proudly "Your staff!" I was sure of it. I was corrected by the presenter and told the answer was "your continued education, the constant need to learn and grasp new concepts helping you to evolve as a coach, and BRING that to your clients and your team.” You know what? He was right; however, I wasn't wrong. I can proudly say It's because the CPC team holds each other to a higher standard of education and delivery than what is expected within our field. I'm not using this as an opportunity to talk about how we are the best and most qualified, but as a platform to speak to the point of continuing education and how critical it is in any field. Specifically this one.

Each coach on staff at CPC has, or is currently pursuing, their bachelor's degree (and four coaches with advanced degrees) in health-related fields. Each of us holds a nationally accredited certification and we, the business, only recognize two certifying bodies; ACSM or NSCA.Over the last few years national certifications for trainers and those with their degrees have become more common. I don’t think that this point alone is ground-breaking or what seperates us. In fact we are surrounded by a number of great training facilities (refer to my last blog) that hold their coaching staff to this standard. What I feel truly makes this team as amazing and as dynamic are we are, is how hard everyone continues to push to be their better and never accept complacency. No one ever assumes "This is good as it will be" or "I guess I figured it out". No, they try to turn over every rock until they not only know the material, they can teach it. And not just to their clients but their peers. That’s when you know you have nailed the material - when you can teach your peers. And THAT is one of the many reasons why THIS team is amazing.

What's CPC's role in all this? We foster - and demand! - this kind of environment from everyone equally. We don't just offer our coaches a CEC reimbursement we drive them to use it and to spend that money. It is an expectation of your job that you will attend at minimum one Continuing Education Course each year, and we'll help you get there. What makes CPC’s part in all of that easy is never have to force it. everyone wants it.  

As I began to write this entry, I pulled up the tracking sheet for 2015 and was quite proud of our progress this year. I know I don't have all the information in here such as online articles, webinars, periodicals, etc., but what I do have is that aside from the investment in time and money currently being devoted to higher education institutions we as a team have invested $8,600 in course registrations (exclude travel expense) and 308 hours (just course work) on our CEC’s this year alone! When I refer to the original slide and to my answer “Your team!” I still don't feel I'm wrong. One of the things I am most proud of is the culture of excellence. A well versed, highly educated and hungry team.

The Pursuit of Better

Murph, SK, Sully, and Lana in The Pursuit of Better

What does the Pursuit of Better mean to you?

I'll be honest, when I first saw the tag line attached to the TRX brand I wasn't blown away. In fact, I probably saw it in a hashtag on Facebook and spent more time trying to decipher what it said than what it meant. Ok, pursue your better. Well, obviously. Everyone wants to be better. It wasn't until this weekend at the TRX Trainer Summit that it FINALLY hit home. 

Maybe is was the Under Armour Performance Center we spent the weekend at. A one of a kind, first class training facility. Maybe it was the black and yellow everywhere you turned. Maybe it was the opportunity we took as a staff to learn from the best in a field that we all feel so passionately about. Maybe it was all of those things all rolled up into one but the idea of Pursuing Better rang loud and clear and this is what the Pursuit of Better means to me. 

Pursuing better requires effort. Pursuing better demands your BEST effort every time. What is "The Better"? It could be anything! We're all chasing something. A better Squat. A faster run split. Or mastering the balance between family and work. Regardless of what we're chasing our BEST is required. Not every day will demand an all out effort but it will require us go to a place that calls upon excellence. A squat isn't about lifting the most weight possible. It is about mobility, core strength, and neuromuscular control. A faster run split isn't just about going faster. Discipled training that works on form, technique, mobility, and the different energy systems make fast faster. Balancing family & work...well, we're all still trying to figure that one out but I'll go out on a limb here and say it's nothing more than time and effort. Pursing Better is as much about going as hard as you possibly can, as it is taking time to slow down and breathe. 

I've attached the TRX commercial introducing The Pursuit of Better. If you don't at least get a few chills after watching then something is wrong with you. The idea is genius, now get out there and don't just pursue your better, EARN IT! 

SK 

"We are all...Hell on Wheels, Speed Freaks, and Poetry in Motion. 

We are all chasing a better version of ourselves." -TRX    

Make Eye Contact and Say 'Hello' (Round Two)

I came across this site today that I have provided below but it immediately reminded me about Amber's post from almost a month ago.  So I decided to piggy back that and add some visual representation to what I think she was saying.

A photographer took random everyday pictures of people doing everyday things and going about their lives as usual.  What he did though was very interesting.  He edited out the electronics from the pictures, more specifically cell phones, iPads, iPods, tablets, e-readers, etc, etc.  What you are left with are some pretty interesting but also pretty startling photographs.

Take a look and see how it makes you feel.  Did you realize anything?  Can you relate to any of the photos?  Do you think it's an accurate depiction of how people are today?  Do you think that you will make any changes after seeing the photographs?

I'm challenging you:  Take a look at the photos and then share it with someone you know.  Here's the hard part, have a discussion about it, engage someone in an actual talk about it, call someone, go have coffee and talk about it, go for a walk and chit-chat, whatever it is have a meaningful interaction with THE PERSON.  Unless you are having an actual phone conversation, leave your cellular devise out of your reach while talking about the pictures.  Go, talk, interact!

Isn't that kinda the point?

-MS

http://www.earthporm.com/photographer-removes-phones/?utm_rcreplace_392=4650

An Inch Makes A Big Difference

SK posted this picture that one of her former players sent her, and it spoke to me. Not only is it one of my pet peeves, I think it can be broken down into other aspects of how you go about your life. 

From the obvious standpoint: Just touch the line. One extra step won’t kill you, you’re already running. 

Moving on: Respect the task at hand. The guys who touch the line have the awareness of what it takes to not only win but to succeed. Even if they take longer getting to that line, they are not cutting corners. Their honesty and commitment of completing the task is fulfilled. 

As for the guy who is cheating himself and his team, all of UMass women’s lax would be glaring at him from down the line. When our team is running, if anyone false starts before the whistle or does not touch the line, we have to do extra sprints. This player, whether he realizes it or not, is creating more work for his teammates- and I am not referring to the extra running. He is creating more work in the bigger scheme of things. When that effort is needed and, count. If he is cheating now while he is surrounded by teammates, who is going to hold him accountable when he is alone? It is up to you to create high standards and ensure you put in the discipline needed to win. What we don’t give in the times we are preparing, will not be perfected for the moment we need it. Whether that be a game, competition, test, business meeting, you name it it can be applied all over. 

That little length the player missed the yellow line can translate into little ways he goes about other things in life too. Vince Lombardi once said, “There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give everything. I do, and I demand that my players do. Any man's finest hour is when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious.” This has been one of my favorite quotes to try to live by. To me, it speaks way beyond success in a sport, business, or in school. I see the “field of battle” as life, as succeeding as an individual. If you want to be successful, you need to apply for yourself. It takes more than just the bare minimum to get by. Everyone can get by, it takes hard work and passion for standing out. When most people hear the word success, their mind immediately goes to business or profession. Whether it be how successful someone is, how much money are they making, etc., it is just the way the world has conditioned our minds to think. The way I see success is more of a state of being. To be successful is to be so content with who you are, what you do, and how you treat others that you don’t have time to think of failure. It isn’t an option. Because even when you fail, (which will happen a 954 more times than you succeed) you grow. There is always a silver lining that comes from it. Character builds from each experience, even if that means finishing out your sprints 100%. Eventually at the end of the day, the guys who touch that yellow line will end up lapping the ones who don’t.