ROGER, BROCCOLI OR MOMENTUM?

I am of the mind that it is a combination of things. Firstly, the diet, there is no way that going through 30+ days of Paleo could not show results (it’s just to painful to even think about). So that has to be part of it. Other people were no doubt simply eating healthier because they watched us going at it like gang busters and were inspired by the community. (hooray for positive motivation)

Secondly, the community, I think that there is the definite possibility there is some Roger Bannister syndrome going around but we have also been working our asses off and lets not forget how competitive some of us get (Fielding, Claw…Me). I know that one of the things that has driven my improvement, is because of the Claw and Fiedling. At almost every WOD I am either chasing someone down or someone is breathing down my neck. Now if that won’t light a fire under your ass, I don’t know what will. I would say because of that, it’s even more likely that the last few months of hard work is finally producing the fruits of our labor. I’m extremely proud of what everyone is accomplishing at our gym and couldn’t be happier to be a part of such a fun and motivated group.

Last but certainly not least, the coaching, I could not have asked for a better pair of coaches to enjoy my Crossfit experience with. Traver and Eric you guys are fun, motivating and you truly love what you do. It’s those little things that make all the difference in the lives of those that come to see you only to have their ass handed to them. I love every minute I’m at CPC and I only hope there are many more fun times to come. I know all of you will most likely be in agreement with me on these points but on the last one I don’t see how you couldn’t be. I think Travers Mom would have to agree with me.

Hahaha!! There’s no way that that was really my Mom! My Mom would never miss the apostrope in her name. Never.

1. I think the awesome programming and coaching is to thank for all of our improvements. You guys know what you’re doing!

2. The fact that since Paleo we have all improved says a lot. Even Donnie, who didn’t go on Paleo, ate Paleo everytime he ate with me, which is a lot of Paleo breakfasts and dinners. I think the majority of us have changed our eating habits since then, and it’s lending itself to our results.

3. It’s very, very inspiring to see fellow crossfitters (Kate, Lisa, Justin come to mind right now) do kipping pull ups. It pushes me to do them, because I think “ok, if they can do it, I’m going to do it too!” Definitely competitive and I think we all see that if one person can do it, and they are just as new to crossfit as you are, then you can do it to.

4. The awesome family sense that comes from this gym is also to thank for our improvements. I can say that I love coming to the gym to see everyone/ hang out/ and practice movements. Without the awesome people I work out with and am coached by, I woulnd’t be where I am today.

I agree Cross.
You’ve all accomplished great things even with the obstacles we put in front of you.

Coaching and programming can’t take the credit here. We provide the train tracks and you guys provide the engine. Would that make Paleo the coal? Discuss.

All of you push yourselves and each other so far out of your comfort zones that change is inevitable. You’re all adapting quickly to the stresses that CF puts on you, both mentally and physically. It’s jaw dropping to watch honestly.

One of my favorite things about CF is that when you get to one milestone, the bar is then raised again…EVERY time. Did you get a kipping pullup? Awesome…now get a bar muscle up. Get a bar muscle up? Great…now do it on the rings. Get it on the rings? Very cool…now do it from a dead hang. Dead hang done? Super duper…now lets throw some weight on you. etc etc etc.

Keep showing up and keeping work hard, everybody. Look at what you all have done in a matter of a few months? It keeps me up at night (in a good way) thinking about what you all will be doing in a year. Bunch of animals!!!

Success has a thousand fathers (and mothers).

I think there are lots of factors which come into play. The Roger Bannister effect (“visualization”) plays probably the biggest role in the new skills, especially kipping pull-ups. The coaching effect plays its biggest role here, too, as we learn to be more skilled and therefore efficient and powerful.

Baker is right that competition drives at least some of us — me for sure. Diet too.

None of these would be possible without the community aspect of Crossfit. Doing this stuff together with other like-minded, equally committed people is what brings it all together.

So, trying to figure out what makes our recent successes possible is like asking what’s the secret ingredient in cioppino? It’s the whole crazy mix! And I’m ready for another steaming bowl!

The Claw