Turkey Ruck 2024.
Every year I think.. “we’re gonna need a permit next year.”
“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”
Paul Carus, Summarized from the Dhammapada, verse 165
A QUICK LOOK:
- Fat & Unhealthy
- WBs & Rowing
- The Golden Age of Fitness – Podcast
- Monster Truck
- FGB
- How Robots Learn FAAAST, Storming The Capital, Wish You Were Here
FAT & UNHEALTHY IS NO WAY TO LIVE – “A majority of Americans are fat & unhealthy.” Incredibly, this statement is not debatable. The statistics are overwhelmingly convincing – so much so that I don’t need to quote them. However, if you need validation, use Google. The emotional impact of chronic diseases on Americans is difficult to measure, but is surely terrible. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes & cancer deaths coupled with longterm hospitalizations must be taking a toll on families and friends. And the economic cost of chronic diseases is estimated at $1 trillion annually – or $3,000 per person per year. But, for the first time in a long time, I have hope for change.
As a result of the rapid growth of chronic diseases, the reciprocal costs of health care, the expanding usage of GLP1 agonists, and the scrutiny of ingredients in processed foods, health & healthcare costs have become top-of-mind discussions in the media. As a Country, we are finally talking more about our health and the importance of healthy nutrition and exercise as possible solutions to the chronic disease crisis. While many experts disagree on dietary causes and solutions for obesity and other chronic diseases (a never-ending debate), they all agree that a severe problem exists. And, the debates help keep the subject top-of-mind for many Americans.
As a result of the substantial increase in media attention on our chronic disease crisis in this country – it is predicted that we may be entering a “golden age of health” according to Cally Means, MD, co-author of the best-selling book “Good Energy – The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health.” Anecdotally, these last few months, I’ve been part of many more conversations about chronic disease, health and fitness solutions. And, our new-member traffic is up substantially.
So, headed into 2025, I am very confident about our business, the health of our community and our future growth. Side note: Yvonne and I have actually discussed our concerns with our ability to manage a possible overwhelming surge in new business – including a possible cap on memberships. But, this is a very good problem to have – we’ll figure it out. Most importantly, an overwhelming demand for CrossFit gives me a tremendous amount of hope for the future health of all Americans.
2025 is going to be a great year. #itsup2us
HOLIDAY BASH 2024 – Save the date: Saturday, Dec 21 at Back 40 BBQ. Registration information will be available on the Diablo app this week. It’s gonna be another epic event.
BEST PRsAllDay WORKOUT LAST WEEK – I am a total cherry picker.
- 250/300m Row
- 10 Wall Balls
This one was about transitions and rowing efficiency. Shorter, faster strokes saved my legs for wall balls.
PODCAST.. We’re Back! (We’re on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify, btw)
- THIS WEEK (WED 11:30A PT): The Golden Age of Health & Wellness & Top 3 Things To Meet Your Health & Fitness Goals for 2025
- LAST WEEK: Kim & Yvonne Talk Meal Prep. – This was a fun discussion with some awesome meal prep tips & tricks
A BIT ABOUT DIABLO – The Monster Truck – Man, I loved that truck. Early in 2021, while Diablo was managing its way through the pandemic – forced closures, mask mandates and multiple fines from the County – I got a call from our member, Brad Barnett, the GM at Toyota Walnut Creek. Brad saw me on the news (multiple times) defending the need for fitness facilities (and other small businesses) to be open in order to help people get healthy and to save our business. Walnut Creek Toyota was eager to help us with our cause, so he offered to let me drive a brand new Tundra with our logo on it. At first I was reluctant – the generous offer felt excessive during austere times for our business. I talked with Yvonne about it and called a few friends – all of whom said “don’t be an idiot – accept the offer!” I did. And I’m so damn happy that I did.
But, I didn’t know what to expect. Brad said, “new Tundra with your logo”, but left out the 20″ rims, 37″ tire and 6″ lift kit. When it arrived, I wasn’t at Diablo. Yvonne called me and said: “they dropped off your truck today – you better come now and see it.” I told her to send me a picture and she said, “just come. You need to see it in person.” So I drove to Diablo. And, when I turned into our court, I almost cried – the truck was an incredible sight, parked in front of Diablo – almost flexing, while brandishing a brilliant version of our logo with a red “D” on the rear quarter panel. Yes, it was excessive – but damn, it was SO right for the moment.
That damn truck gave me hope and inspiration to continue the fight to be OPEN during the pandemic. I felt proud to drive it around town – a symbol of pride for Diablo and all small businesses that were mistreated during the pandemic. Almost every where I went, people would compliment the truck AND many thanked us for standing up for small businesses.
I drove the green Tundra for over a year – for free. When I turned it in, TWC quickly sold it to an eager buyer. And, since then, Toyota Walnut Creek has sold more than 20 cars to Diablo community members – an awesome payback for their incredibly generous gesture.
December Focus: 1. Deadlift 2. Thruster 3. Skill: Handstand Pushups
- Mon: E3MOM x5 (1m rest). Buy-in: 2 Rope Climbs. Amrap: 5 Strict HSPUs, 10 DB HPC
- Tue: Thrusters. Metcon: 12-9-6-3 – Clusters & BFBurpees
- Wed: Deadlift. Metcon: Amrap 7m – 200m Run, 12 Alt DB HPSnatch
- Thu: 5RFT – 12 Pull-ups, 4 WW, 21 Situps
- Fri: CrossFit Benchmark: “Fight Gone Bad”
- Sat: Grease The Groove – Recovery & Skill
- News: A Revolution in How Robots Learn – The New Yorker Outstanding article describing the powerful impact of artificial intelligence on robotic development – especially movement learning. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are going to have major impact on society & commerce over the next 20 years. And, recent advances in AI learning is allowing robots – particularly humanoid versions – to rapidly learn extremely efficient (and human-like) movement patterns.
- YT: Taking the Capitol By Storm: Rebecca Fuselier – Rebecca stunned & rallied the crowd with her incredible (last place!) finish at the end of the “Capital” workout at the 2023 CrossFit Games. She and her husband are also Affiliate Owners. This is a phenomenal story tied to her iconic moment at the Games. Side note: Rebecca’s IG is one of the best and funniest. Follow her @rebeccafuselier
- YT/IG: Wish You Were Here – Humans are awesome. One of my all-time favs, played in a very cool & emotional, flash-mob format. (IG version)
- Prime/Paramount: Yellowstone. Season 5 is heating up & Beth is in her element.
Craig
