Magic

I know this will come as a shock to some, but...there is no such thing as magic. At least not when it comes to getting things done in life. If there is magic that allows me to accomplish the things that I have, it's called "Get Shit Done." Yeah, it's that simple. If I were to wait until the "right" moment, or when "I felt like" doing things, chances are, not much would be done. Have I necessarily enjoyed doing the dishes, folding laundry, or cleaning the bathroom? Well, maybe...I'm a little weird. But when it comes down to it, I know what needs to be done, and get this...I FUCKING DO IT. It's that simple.

Some people think that they have to wait until they get the motivation to do things, but little do they know, that motivation is not always necessary to accomplish things. Nor is energy. I don't necessarily feel like the Energizer Bunny, but yet I am still able to walk three dogs two miles per day, work out, cook, clean, do laundry, write articles for work and do my homework. How am I able to do this? Perhaps it's due to the fact that I am intrinsically motivated in life. Maybe that is what helped me to graduate high school at the ripe age of 16, earn my first degree by the time I turned 18, served a dozen years on active duty in the military, completed my undergraduate degree, and now work as a freelance writer as I also attend graduate school. 

It can be done. Don't wait for the "right" time. Don't rely on "magic pills." Don't wait for the motivation to "kick in." Just. Fucking. Do. It.

Oregon Tough Mudder 2013

As the aches spread and the bruises begin to develop, the memories of doubt seem to vanish. I learn something valuable from each Tough Mudder I complete. While the most recent one was just my second, I know that there are several more within the tank of my drive. Some may call it foolish or insane, as I am not the fittest person who participates in these grueling events, but I still finish.

It’s not about the time on the clock, as you rush through the electroshock.

One of the best points of the Oregon Mudder was when we formed a human ladder to help one of the guys reach the top of the Everest obstacle. He tried a few times, fell, cramped and sore. But, with some motivation and teamwork, we got our fellow Mudder up and over the obstacle. THAT is what the event is all about. Not how fast you are able to complete the course, but the camaraderie that develops among a group of people who started out as strangers, but ended up hand-in-hand. You won’t find that in a marathon. Keep your "fun runs," I'll stick with Tough Mudders.

As in the first one I completed, there were several injuries, some of which required medical evacuation from the site. Sprains and strains, dehydration and broken bones, are all just part of the potentially dangerous experience of participating in such an event. Luckily, I have escaped serious injury…so far. 

Overcoming fears is a big part of the event. As you step towards the edge of the Walk The Plank obstacle, you are struck with the overwhelming experience of fight or flight. The height is sufficient for you to feel the time it takes to hit the water after you jump. Each time I have been terrified, yet I have completed it, overcoming my fears. And well, the electroshock obstacles are just insane. There’s no other way to put it.

I know that I need to work on my upper body strength some more, along with some longer trail runs up a steep incline. I think the rest of the year will focus on body weight exercises and more functional fitness. Everyone has their own unique goals, which is a great thing. Different doesn’t mean that one is better than the other, but rather each person is able to take their own path, heck…even MAKE their own path if need be.

So, after I let my body recuperate after the hell I put it through the other day, I shall return to my workouts with a renewed hunger and motivation. I WILL cross the Funky Monkey next time.

Oh, and on a side note, the Wounded Warrior Project has raised over $5 million, in part by the participants in the Tough Mudders. 

Now, I just need to work on designing a tattoo so I can keep track (and get into the next one for free).

Fitness Rant and Motivation Differences

I have been on my fitness journey for a while now…about two years or so. I guess I am a late-comer to the whole thing, but at least I am here and on a mission. I have learned a lot over the past two years, about health, fitness, nutrition, and most importantly, myself. A lot of people workout in order to look good for X, Y, and/or Z…be it a bikini, vacation, or other sort of event. While I am not saying that they are wrong, for their motivation and goals are their own…but that is most certainly NOT why I do what I do.

So, why do I do it? Why do I push myself past my comfort zone? Why do I eat healthy food? Why do I not follow the “typical American diet?” Frankly, in part because someone once told me I couldn’t do any of it. I enjoy the challenge. And while I will never come face to face with the person who told me I couldn’t, knowing that I am able to push myself and conquer some of my fears, well, that is worth the sweat and discomfort. And then some.

As some are motivated to look good, I am motivated to feel good. Sure, I may be sore (as I am currently experiencing the after-effects of a good couple of workouts this week already), but it’s a good sore…a sore that many people try to avoid like the plague. I have turned my living room into my jungle gym, with over 400 pounds of weights, assorted medicine and stability balls, various elastic bands, a Smith machine and a pull-up station. I also have completed many at-home workout programs: Insanity, Insanity: The Asylum (Volumes I and II), P90X, P90X2, and Les Mills Combat. 

I am currently in the first week of the newest addition: TapOutXT. While I am finding decent calorie burns as a result of this program, there are many things lacking. First off, I am so glad that I know about proper form and technique, as this system is quite piss poor in that area…it shows fit looking people performing lunges in a dangerous manner, squats that are just barely a bend, swayed backs, and just a general disdain for proper form. I can only imagine the injuries that people who are less familiar with the movements will sustain, thus preventing them from reaching their fitness goals.

Another thing I don’t like about this workout program is the “host,” as I find him to be rather douchey and annoying. He too has bad form and keeps talking about how people want to “look good” and “have a TapOut body.” Um, I’d rather he shut his mouth, pay attention to form, and teach rather than flex. The videos are also poor quality, not synced up, and the lack of music makes it seem to last forever. Perhaps my dislike of the program has to do with my motivation and goes back to why I do what I do…not to look good, but to feel strong and capable, both mentally and physically. I shall continue this program, trying to overlook the shortcomings and use my knowledge to help in preventing injury. If anything, it serves as an example of what NOT to do.

I have 102 days left until I complete my second Tough Mudder…