Archive for the ‘Media’ Category

Alec Hanson is hilarious.

If you saw some of the posts I’ve put up about Alec Hanson and his blog in the past, and if you’ve watched any of those videos, you’ve already see what this guy is all about. (there was this post when I posted an article he wrote, and then this one where we had a little back-and-forth dialogue on Self Worth. They’re both awesome, trust me.)

Well, a video he posted the other day, “Drive Time #97”… made me laugh out loud. You may have A.D.D. Alec, but you are also hilarious. I hope that some of the people who check out my blog go out and subscribe to your YouTube channel. There, I said it. Happy now? I just blatantly plugged your blog.

And now… I will call you out. MAKE AND POST THE “50-Subscriber Drive Time Lovefest” VIDEO ALREADY!
(and let’s go ahead and not mention “the word” on the blog again, please!)

Next discussion on Drive Time? I’ll give you a topic:

CrossFit Games Training
Most people will never make it past the first round of qualifiers for the CrossFit Games, yet thousands of people from around the World still train for it. For me, this is different from training to run a marathon (which I have done) or complete a triathlon (which I have also done) because in my opinion, most people set aside a specific training period for these events. I hear “I’ve got my 12-week Marathon plan” a lot more than I hear “I’ll start training for Sectionals in a few weeks.” For most people I know who want to, or who do, compete in CrossFit events, there is no off-season. Why are people devoting so much time, in and out of the gym (regular training, proper nutrition, etc), for something/an event that they’ll probably never win? I have my theories, but I’m interested in what other people think.

Discuss.

Not just you, Alec. Everyone chime in. Why do you think that is the case? Do you guys even agree with me?
Alec’s reply can be seen below!

My friend Tom Nugent at SnoRidge CrossFit does it again! Where do you find these amazing links?

The incredible story featured in the video below is about Zach Krych, an Olympic Weight Lifter who suffered an injury with 160kg (or 352 POUNDS) on the bar during a training session. It goes over the initial diagnosis (not ever being able to lift more than 100lbs overhead), the recovery process and then… well let’s just say the ending is pretty uplifting.

It’s an awesome story and an awesome video!

CrossFit was mentioned again in the New York Times 2 weeks ago. The article is about Kristen Silverman, who is a “35-year-old chief operating officer of Nandana, a private resort in the Bahamas”.

The article breaks down her intro into CrossFit, some of the details of her lifestyle and work schedule and tricks she’s used to continue on a relatively “Paleo” diet, even through the Holiday season.

From the article: “Ms. Silverman conquered the holiday party circuit by keeping bags of almonds in her purse. “I try to stay away from that ‘hunger state’ that leads to poor decisions and if everything at the buffet is bad then I’ll enjoy the party and eat when I get home.”

“Find a fitness class that challenges you and even though it’s hard, it will ultimately become a confidence booster. Days I workout I feel so much more driven and find I get a lot more work done,” Ms. Silverman said.

It’s a great read, check it out!

Well, on a date that is fun to write (don’t lie and say you don’t like writing 1/11/11), I have a fun post to add!

Some of you may remember my “CrossFit Blog Central” post back from 12/29/10, where I posted an article from Alec Hanson – The CrossFit Gamer. In the piece, he discussed “Why you Matter Enough to Face the Pain.” I really liked the article, and commented on his post thanking him for his words.

Then I kept thinking about it, and decided I wanted to reach out again. I left Alec a Video Reply on his blog, and didn’t know what to expect… The reply wasn’t from “Smashby the Trainer/Blogger”, it was just from me. Then, while he was on vacation in Hawaii! Alec posted another video for his fans and made mention of my note, saying, “this guy Smashby sent me a great video response, so I’m going to get that on my site soon.” Alec, you’re the first human being in history to say “Smashby” from Hawaii. Congrats!

Sure enough, shortly after returning from vacation, the next Drive Time with Alec was released, and he proved to be a man of his word. Check out his latest “Drive Time” post from yesterday where he let us know he will definitely following up on his “Self Worth” topic again. (Click ahead to around 2:15 to hear his 2nd shout-out)

Here it is! Alec’s reply to my question!

Keep your eyes tuned to his blog (http://www.thecrossfitgamer.com) in the future, he posts some great stuff!

It’s really fun for me to see how far this CrossFit Community reaches out, and how connected we all can be through the internet. I hope you enjoy getting these other perspectives, too.

FIST PUMP!!

Nay. DOUBLE FIST PUMP!!

Now normally the posts in this Category (CrossFit Blog Central) are from other CrossFit blogs. This time, it’s more about the fact that I feel this article is indirectly addressing the CrossFit Community, just without calling it out by name.

The reason I am sharing this article (which Clayton sent me, thanks!) is to get all of your honest feedback on what this author has to say. I don’t want this to turn into program- or person- bashing. I’m truly looking for intelligent dialogue.

I know what I’ve learned about CrossFit (measurable, observable, repeatable fitness), I know what I think about the program philosophy and results, but I also know that not everyone thinks alike; and I love that! I will keep more specific personal thoughts and opinions out of this post, and leave them for the comments section. I hope that this starts a productive conversation in regards to what you all think about this article. After you read it, please post your thoughts in my comments section! Read it, pass it on and let’s discuss.

Here we go…..
Click below to read to read the article:

“It Aint Strength Training Unless You’re Gettin’ Strong”, by Jason Ferruggia.

I am a pretty avid photographer (when I have a little free time), and when Kristin forwarded me this link, I immediately thought it’d make a great “Moment of Awesomeness” post. Take a look at some of the submitted pictures in this year’s “Red Bull’s Epic Photo Contest” (these are some of the winners). It would be so cool to be able to take pictures like these!

RedBullwinner1, mymodermet.com, Smashby Training, crossfit lakewood, crossfit in Denver

RedBullwinner2, mymodermet.com, Smashby Training, crossfit lakewood, crossfit in Denver

RedBullwinner3, mymodermet.com, Smashby Training, crossfit lakewood, crossfit in Denver

These pictures were taken from an awesome post over at a really cool blog, My Modern Met. Head over there and check out the full post with a lot more pictures, and a link to the top 10 in every catergory for the Red Bull Contest. You can click here to go straight to that post!

Balance, agility, accuracy, speed, power, strength, cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, flexibility, stamina, coordination… which of the Ten Physical Skills does this stuff NOT include? What incredible athletes. Wow.

Thanks for the link, Brad.  Amazing, amazing, amazing.  Please watch in full-screen if you can.

And this one’s just for fun!

This “Moment of Awesomeness” post is to briefly discuss the concept of “Perfection”, and what that means to some people.

CrossFit Lisbeth’s post from yesterday (12/15) on Perfection states: “Because, I figure if I aim for perfection, maybe I’ve got a chance at getting to “pretty damn good.”

That’s just like Les Brown’s quote: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it you will land among the stars.”

A pretty positive message I think, and it helps people realize that forward progress in life can be just as gratifying (and maybe more realistic!) than achieving “perfection”. A lot of times perfection is something we think we need to reach. My goal is to always be: “Better than yesterday”. That means that you’ve worked hard, and improved an area of your life; hopefully helping to make you become a more well-rounded human being. Does that sound familiar to any of you? The desire to strive to be the most well-rounded at things?

So why all this build-up? Because as much as any of us may TRY to be as perfect as the man in the video below… it won’t happen. I’m sorry. But that’s ok! As long as you TRY, you’ll be better today than you were yesterday… and that’s something to be proud of.

SO NOW ONTO OUR FIRST EVER BLOG CHALLENGE!!!

If any of you want to try and replicate the dance below:
Video tape your efforts and post the link in the comments section of this post.
The best performance, which will be voted on by your peers, will get an awesome prize mailed to them!

Video submission is deadline is Friday, December 31st, 2010!

Your Task:

Moment of Awesomeness: 11/4/10

Posted: November 4, 2010 in Media
Tags:

Yes.  Yes, yes, yes!  I love the two videos I’ve posted below for today’s Moment of Awesomeness.

Too often we go through life making excuses for things. Have you been telling yourself you want to train harder? More often? Eat better? Sleep more? Be more healthy in general? Happier or more positive? Guess who controls these things? WE do. Each and every one of us. Until the day we die it is NEVER too late to make changes in order to improve our quality of life. You don’t need to change your entire life overnight. It’s ok to start small. The best part of all is that we can start right this very second, too. If there are changes we want to see in our lives, we can start making some. Right now.

It is never too late, and you can do just about anything you put your mind to… because we are amazing. You are more powerful and more capable than you have ever even imagined. Trust me. All you need to do is try, stay persistent, and not let anybody stand in the way of your goals and dreams.

Don’t ever forget that. If it were easy, anyone would be able to do it. It’s not easy, but you guys are not just “anyone”, either.

As the video above says: “The clock is ticking …. let’s see what you’ve got.”

Have a great weekend.