Friday, December 11, 2015

Transformed via Spartan...

Going into my first Spartan Race, I was completely unaware, blind really. I had no idea what was coming, no clue what my body would go through, and no concept of the training I needed to succeed, let alone finish. During our annual Tri-Tip Challenge in September my friends Robert and Mario randomly threw out, "hey, CJ why don't you do Spartan Sprint with us in December?" I was totally against it, never thought I could do it and pretty sure my body couldn't handle it. Well, three months later, weeks of training, and I DID IT! I took my body passed my comfort zone, at least 15 times Saturday. I challenged myself mentally a hundred times or more. I fought through the mental breakdown while I pushed through the physical pain. I stopped myself if a movement hurt, or seemed dangerous. I rested when needed, even if my overly competitive habits resisted. I heard my coaches Chad Franco (CrossFit Five Cities) and Rob Yontz (True North Fitness, Ventura, CA) in my head when something didn't feel right; while making adjustments to attempt the challenge correctly.
It's been incredible, the emotional, spiritual and psychological benefits have been EPIC!!! I feel like I've conquered something bigger than just the race. I worked with myself throughout the entire race, to be mindful and cautious, yet fierce and competitive. There's something to be said for being a mature athlete and really truly listening to your body and your advisors/coaches. I recently wrote a blog on www.crossfitfivecities.com about how we all have a support staff. I have a big one, Chiropractor Rex Stevens @ The SLO Wellness Center, Massage Therapist Rachel Valliere, CrossFit and Life Coach Chad Franco of CrossFit Five Cities, and Spartan Coach Rob Yontz of True North Fitness. Without this team of people I would not have done the race, let alone finish it. I cannot articulate the lessons and blessings I have received since Saturday December 5th at Castaic Lake, CA. Bring on Spartan Super 2016, five more miles, many more challenges and hopefully, much more personal growth. Each time I conquer some sort of physical challenge in my life, I move forward and my heart gets fuller. Each time I conquer some sort of emotional challenge in my life, I get deeper, I am driven to be better from the inside out, and I continue to fully connect with my authentic true self. I am far from finished with my own personal transformation. I am not a winner, but I am a competitor and I am solid. I am grateful, sore and tired. Amen! AROO! #STFU #spartan #girlpower #neverstopgrowing #neverstoplearning #nevergiveup #inthemoment #thisisit

2 comments:

  1. The geographic area that is now the country of Jordan was for centuries a sparsely populated and highly tribalized desert region within the lurkish-controllcd Orcoman Empire, the population is overwhelmingly Arab and Sunni Muslim, although Christian Arabs,The New Jordans, Circassians, and other minorities have lived in this area for centuries. The Ottoman sultan in Istanbul was the ulrimate source of power for this political system, but he remained a distant figure who usually did little to help develop this highly impoverished portion of the Empire. The Ottoman authorities were feared more than admired by the desert villagers and townspeople of this region for rheir policy of conscripting local men into the Ottoman army for long periods of service. Such losses were an added hardship for Arab tribes and families attempting to make a meager living in a harsh desert environment. I he loss of young men to the Ottoman militarv reduced the number of individuals available to help provide for the subsistence of these areas and, more importanrly,Jordans Shoes, reduced the ability of local defenders ro fend off atracks by tribal raiders or brigands.

    Ottoman control of vast tracts of Arab territory ended as a result of the Empires defeat in World War I and the subsequent dismemberment of former Ottoman territory by the victorious Allied powers. As part of this transition, the country now known as Jordan began irs separare political existence as Transjordan, a British League of Nations mandate established in 1921. Transjordan began its unpromising existence with arbitrary borders established without significant regard for the population and with few natural frontiers except the Jordan River,Retro Jordans, which was used as the boundary with the western portion of the Palestinian mandate, also established after World War I. Transjordan was created as a separate political enticy from Palestine on the initiative of key British leaders,jordan releases, including then-Colonial Secretary Winston Churchill. As such, it was not subject to Jewish immigration, which was allowed in Palestine in accordance with the 1917 Balfour Declaration. The country was established with British aid with the expectation thar it would help support the interests of the United Kingdom within the Middle East as a friendly client state garrisoned by British-trained and led local forces rather than significant numbers of British troops.

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