I use this quote today in honor of the many who participated in one of several events over the weekend. Many of you competed at Iron Fest, some of you ran the PF Changs marathon, and many of you, myself included, ran the Tough Mudder. I am not sure about the rest of you out there, but my legs are still feeling the results of a half marathon with obstacles. The image of a baby deer comes to mind as I attempt to stand. I must say, I am proud of all the Crossfit AZ team members who ran and finished. Every one of us finished. Each one attempted every obstacle. It was one of the most difficult tasks I have ever accomplished. I have never been in the military so I don't have that experience for comparison which, I am sure, is infinitely more difficult. I am proud to have been a part of the team. Jarom, Tommy, Mike, Ed, and myself all accomplished this difficult task with confidence and enthusiasm.
Today, we continue to pay a physical price. Our legs are sore, backs are sore, knees, feet, but each of us would do it again. I believe our training is responsible for the confidence to begin to attempt a feat such as Tough Mudder. I won't give Crossfit ALL the credit because the type of person who comes to us is already confident and willing to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation. However, through difficult training comes added confidence and ability. Physical challenges are the proving ground for your fitness training whether it is a BJJ tournament, boxing, a weightlifting event, or running an obstacle course. Without the confidence to attempt, opportunity is lost. Such is life.These are the reasons we train. What else would give this 49 year old weightlifter, who has never run more than 4 miles at any given time, no military background, nightshift working, no sleep getting, small business owner, family man....the confidence at ability to attempt and complete 12.5 miles of wet, cold, climbing, swimming, jumping, crawling, mud covered craziness on a Saturday afternoon when I could have been comfortable on my couch, beer in hand, watching the playoffs. I am no different than any of you. If I can do it, you can do it...whatever "it" is for you...get up, get out, and do it. You train for it, now do something with it!
Today's WOD
"Nate"
Complete as many rounds in twenty minutes as you can of:
2 Muscle-ups
4 Handstand Push-ups
8 2-Pood Kettlebell swings
Muscle Up substitution is 3 pull ups and 3 dips for every muscle up.
Handstand Pushups can be done with bands or on the box.

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"Bringing CrossFit to ESPN" by Ben Cafardo, ESPN Front Row.
CNBC covers "Reebok's Huge Push Into CrossFit" by Darren Rovel.