“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
Thomas A. Edison
THE SIGNIFIC[AI]NCE OF HUMAN CONNECTION… Human connection and community have always been vital to our well-being, but their importance feels even more pronounced as artificial intelligence reshapes how we live and interact. CrossFit, with its sweaty, gritty, and deeply communal ethos, offers a powerful example of why we still crave real, in-person bonds. At its core, CrossFit isn’t just about working out or hitting personal records—it’s about showing up to a gym where people know your name, cheer your struggles, and celebrate your wins. In an age where AI can optimize our workouts, track our reps, or even coach us virtually, CrossFit doubles down on the messy, human stuff: the high-fives, the shared exhaustion, and the unspoken pact to push each other forward.
As AI evolves, it’s easy to imagine a world where efficiency trumps everything, and we retreat into isolated bubbles—interacting more with algorithms than people. CrossFit counters that drift by fostering tribes built on trust and accountability. You’re not just another data point in a fitness app; you’re part of a group that thrives on collective energy. Studies back this up—social bonds boost mental health, resilience, and even physical performance. When you’re deadlifting alongside someone who’s shouting encouragement, or when you’re gasping through a brutal WOD (workout of the day) and the whole room feels it too, that’s connection no machine can replicate. It’s a reminder that even as AI handles the technical, humans still need each other for the intangible.
The rapid rise of AI might make us question what’s left for us to do together, but CrossFit’s growth suggests we’re not ready to give up on community. It’s less about the barbells and more about the belonging—people choosing to suffer and succeed as a unit. In a future where AI can personalize everything, CrossFit proves that the unpolished, imperfect chaos of human interaction still matters. It’s not anti-tech—many boxes use apps to track progress—but it’s a defiant stand for the primal, the real. As we navigate this AI-driven world, CrossFit’s lesson is clear: no matter how smart machines get, we’re wired to need each other, face-to-face, fist bump-to-fist bump.
…..
GROK wrote the above 3 paragraphs ^ – with one single prompt: “I need a few paragraphs on the importance of human connection and community as exemplified by CrossFit, especially as artificial intelligence rapidly evolves.” Could you tell that it wasn’t me? It is my FIRST use of AI for my weekly email content. I’m not sure how to feel about it. I only made one small edit. It’s very good writing in my opinion.
The reality is that if I fed Grok or Chat GPT some samples of my email, it could write them in seconds and perhaps better. Hell, it could write it as a song or, even a poem….
Instruction: “Grok write the 1st paragraph as a poem”
Human ties, a vital thread,
Grow sharper as AI spreads.
CrossFit calls with sweat and soul,
A box where names make spirits whole.
Not just weights or records grand,
But hands that lift, a cheering band—
In circuits deep, where humans meet,
No code can match that primal beat.
—–
I’m depressed, hopeful, scared and excited all at once. Get ready everyone.
CROSSFIT GAMES OPEN 25.1 ANNOUNCEMENT – DIABLO VERSION: We’re mimicking the CrossFit Games Open Announcement and will be doing our version on Thursday evenings.
25.1 Diablo CrossFIt Open Announcement & Workout Preview hosted by PRsAllDay Podcast
- Thursday, February 27th at 5:30PM
- Athletes: Jackson Miller, Kendra Watters, Jason Pederson & Marissa Manson
Watch it live in-person or online in our Diablo FB Member Group.
(Confirmed for 25.3: Coach Rick Nolley and his wife Joy!)
FRI or SUN? Our big OPEN event will be on Friday “Night” beginning at 4PM on Fridays (starting Feb 28th). But, if you can’t make Friday nights, then come on Sundays at 10AM for “Sunday Funday”! We’ll have heats until 12:30ish. Or, if you want to RE-DO the workout, Sunday Funday will be a great time to do it!
REGISTER NOW!
FEB/MAR EVENTS
- FEB 27 – THU: Diablo In-House CrossFit Open Announcement! We’re going to go live in the Diablo Facebook members group (and maybe on our YouTube). Four athletes from Diablo will do the first workout of the Open – 2 Rx athletes and 2 Scaled athletes, representing their team: the DiaBros and the She-Devils.
- FEB 28 – FRI: 4:00PM – 7:30PM – Friday Night Lights 25.1
- MAR 27 – THU: 7:30PM – Breath Work Techniques for Improved Performance and Mental Health – Richard Blake, PhD.
PRSALLDAY PODCAST
- Last Week: Coach Jamie Lee’s wife, CrossFIt OG & Games Team Athlete, and former Diablo marketing/event managers, Christy Lee, joined us to talk about “why do the Open”. We had some good laughs and shared some classic stories on Diablo’s Games experiences.
- Next Week: We’ll be broadcasting live for our Diablo Open Announcements.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DIABLO...
All of the excitement over Hyrox is actually pretty cool. Hyrox events are a great way to demonstrate the fitness we earned while giving us something to train for. Most Hyrox participants travel to events with friends and family making them an awesome community event. Diablo members have been participating in fitness races and Obstacle Course events for many years, including Tough Mudders, Spartan Races, Deka, Triathlons, 5ks, 10ks and Mt. Diablo Trail runs. That’s one of the brilliant results of training with the CrossFit methodology – we’re ready for anything.
One of our biggest group race adventures was a Tough Mudder at Squaw Valley (now Palisades) in Tahoe. More than 25 members joined in for this event with no extra training. And, it was brutal. There was a significant elevation climbs and some sketchy obstacles, including an underground tube crawl which was dark and wet (a few inches deep); an 8-10 leap into a water pond near the top of the resort with water temperatures at about 50 degrees or less. And it was an absolute blast! We stayed together and helped each other through or over obstacles. Member Tom Jones came as a spectator ran from bottom to top and back down again to capture most of it on his camera.
PRSALLDAY THIS WEEK:
February Focus: Primary – Squat Variations, Secondary – Technical Oly Lifts, Skills – Open Workout Repeats.
- Mon: Front Squat. Metcon: Amrap 7m – 12 WB & 8 TTB
- Tue: Snatch EMOM x 15. No Metcon – Accessory work.
- Wed: Rope Climbs. Metcon: Amrap 6m – 6R/6L DB Press + 8/12c Bike
- Thu: 5RFT – 250/300m Row, 60s Plank, 250/300m Row, Rest 1m
- Fri: CFG OPEN 25.1! (Class: CFG 22.3 Thrusters + Pull Up Progression)
- Sat: TGUs. Metcon: 5RFT – 7/12 Cal Bike + 100m Farmer Carry
- Sun: 5RFT – 6 HSPU, 12 Alt SA DB Devil Press, 400m Run
- Podcast: Rich Froning on The Sevan Podcast – Rich Froning is often referred to as the GOAT – for his accomplishments at the CrossFit Games 5x Fittest on Earth. However, I’m starting to think Rich might be the GOAT in CrossFit. He lives life unabashed, remains passionately committed to CrossFit, and puts his family first. His take on the Open and the future CrossFit is refreshing and encouraging.
- YouTube: My Decision About The 2025 Open – Amanda Hari – former member (or, part-time member) and KPIX Reporter has a very good, down-to-earth, CrossFit focused YouTube channel. She shares her own CrossFit journey and reports on the sport of CrossFit and occasionally the business of CrossFit. She is very well spoken (duh) and relatable. In this episode she shares her reasons for participating in the 2025 Open. Well said, Amanda.
- YouTube: James Sprague, Fittest Man on Earth – CrossFit Open Hacks. James is a damn good guy – incredibly nice, humble and fit af. Member Chris Zuppan recommended this video James just shared: movement hacks for the Open. These are pretty frikkin’ good imo.
- YouTube: Generative AI in a Nutshell – How To Survive and Thrive – I think EVERYONE should learn how to use AI in their lives. The majority of my internet searches are now on AI – the answers come faster and are far more intuitive. This video is an 18minute tutorial with great diagrams to support.
- HBO: White Lotus Season 3. This murder mystery series is wildly creative and takes place in beautiful hotels in exotic locations. Definitely worth the watch.
Craig
