Feb 15th "Ask Cochise" on Q102 with Kristen

WARPATH.

I've had a blast the past two weekends competing in the CFS couples challenge and the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Battle for the Cup competition in St Louis! What I love most about competition is the opportunity to learn and grow both mentally and physically. Competing with Jenny for the first time ever two weekends ago was an experience I will cherish forever! I'm SO proud of her - not only because of her performance in the couples challenge - but more for the tremendous courage and effort she put forth. At the end of it all we took 2nd at the event...Most importantly we bonded in a way that words could never describe.

As for the St Louis competition...WOW. What a weekend. Great camaraderie all weekend long! I'm extremely proud of every CFS athlete who participated. I'm also wrecked. I mean REALLY wrecked. I've had rhabdo before so I know what it feels like...it feels just like this. The deadlift ladder WOD was one that I felt confident I could excel at but I also knew that it would take a lofty toll on my body. I've done enough of these high volume/multiple WOD competitions now to know that sometimes it's best to "live to fight another day". That philosophy went straight out the window for me on Saturday evening at TNT. Although I finished 1st for the deadlift event, I can't help but wonder if my performances on the final 2 events would have possibly been better had I listened to my back when it pleaded with me to throw in the towel. Shoot first, ask questions later, right?

After hobbling my way through Sunday's workouts, I managed to place 3rd and CFS's Cap'n Koch placed 1st (Andy DOMINATED this event for the 2nd year straight!) in the men's RX division at the STL Battle for the Cup. Overall, I'm pleased with the direction things are heading as the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games rapidly approaches. Just as last year, I've tried to stay off the computer and keep my blogging to a minimum in an effort to focus on doing the work in order to be prepared rather than distract myself by talking about doing the work I need to do to be prepared. Sounds to me like the perfect time to shut up and get back to work...On second thought, I might wait a few days :) I should probably make sure I'm not peeing blood before I get back on the ole' warpath wagon.

~Cochise

Feb 8th "Ask Cochise" on Q102 with Kristen

Feb 1st "Ask Cochise" on Q102 with Kristen

We Are FAMILY.

I had someone who used to come to CrossFit Springfield say to me yesterday, "You know, CrossFit Springfield isn't what it used to be. It's lost that close knit-family vibe it once had." Interesting, I thought. I don't see it that way at all. Sure CrossFit Springfield has grown over the past 5 years. Gone are the group wods of only 4 or 5 people and also the campfire "Kumbaya's" we used sing to each other at the conclusion of each night; they've now been replaced by wods of 20 or 30 people, fist bumps (sometimes head butts), and Skrillex blasting (sometimes 2Pac). But what I've noticed that isn't gone from 5 years ago is our members continued desire to help each other, to build each other up, to cheer for one another's successes, and to sharpen each other through the healthy competition of their CFS training experience. Families take care of each other - through thick and thin. They don't avoid one another, keep their heads low, or walk out on each other just because they might not always get their way. No, members of a family actively seek opportunities to be engaging. Are we a family at CrossFit Springfield? Maybe the better question is, "Are you playing an active role in the family that is CrossFit Springfield?" Cuz there's a ton of us who are. And we're having the time of our lives!

~COCHISE

This WOD's For You, Tanner.

This one was all for 10 year old Tanner Lager who is suffering from Ewing Sarcoma cancer. His condition is terminal. Tanner is currently being cared for by his 23 year old sister, Savanna. They must travel to St. Louis weekly for experimental treatments that could prolong his life for a few years. Without these treatments, Tanner has only a few short months. Tanner is a fighter and despite his condition, he is upbeat and always has a smile. These experimental treatments and the 3 1/2 hour weekly trips to St. Louis are financially devastating for the young 23 year old and her brother. Their mother is in and out of hospitals, unable to care for Tanner, and the father is not a part of their lives.

The awesome folks at CrossFit SOMO organized and hosted "Grace for Tanner" an event to raise money to benefit Tanner. I was unable to attend the event in person but my heart, my mind, and prayers were on Tanner and Savanna as I did "Grace" this morning at CrossFit Springfield.

Today, tons of CFS members stepped up to the plate and donated money to help Tanner and his sister in their fight. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your graciousness and your compassion. I spoke with Rodney Hamby of CrossFit SOMO in West Plains this afternoon. He said their event was a great success and that they were able to raise over $5,000 for Tanner and Savanna…That’s without adding in the contributions from CrossFit Springfield and CrossFit 417 in Ozark which have yet to be totaled. Every little bit truly COUNTS. Way to take action and extend such GRACE, peeps! I’m extremely proud to be apart of such a caring community!

Huge props to Rodney, Nicole, Chase, Leslie and everyone at CrossFit SOMO for being such a blessing to this family. You guys are an inspiration!

Tanner,

Thanks for reminding us that sometimes true strength means being able to simply SMILE in the face of adversity. Stay in the fight, buddy and keep on smiling. I'm praying and will continue to pray for your complete restoration!

"Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, as I know you are in spirit." ~ 3 John 2

"Ask Cochise" on Q102 with Kristen B

I fielded some great questions during this week's "Ask Cochise" segment on Q102's The Kristen Show! I'm having a blast doing the spot and am grateful to Kristen for the opportunity! Here's what we covered this AM:



I didn't train today cuz I'm feeling a bit sickly. I think I may have the stomach bug that's been going around town. Came home after the radio deal and straight crashed. I'm hoping it passes soon so I can get back at it over the course of the next few days.

CHEERS!

Max Consecutive Pull Ups