CrossFit Day 1

So, I decided to join CrossFit here in London to challenge myself recently.

What the heck is CrossFit?  It's a fitness craze from the US that is going global.  I had heard about it from my friend Holly in 2010 just as I was leaving Texas.  All my young friends were joining these gyms where you would go to a glorified warehouse to do a pre-determined intense strength and conditioning workout of the day (WOD).   The equipment isn't the fancy stuff you find in upscale gym clubs.  At CrossFit, you'll find free weights, bars, kettlebells, balls, rigs, rings, cables...the basics.  And, you'll find highly skilled trainers who keep you accountable and motivate you.  It's open to people of all fitness levels (because each exercise can be modified), but it is not for the faint of heart.

Through my friend Phil, I found out that CrossFit had opened in London.  There are only a handful of clubs right now.  The one closest to me (CrossFit Central London) has a huge waiting list and not the best customer service (they don't answer the phone or call you back).  And the woman I finally got ahold of was rude to me when I inquired how to get started and asked for a more affordable way to go through the fundamentals course (vs. the 180 GBP option she gave me!!).  So, I ventured a bit farther to CrossFit Evolving in Islington area.  I'm so happy I did.  The owner Scott was very welcoming when I called (he answered).  He said I could pop by the next day and get started right away. 

My fabulous trainer today was Mark.  AMAZING guy who teaches good form, is fun, and motivates you to complete the exercises to the best of your ability.   There were alot of squats and deadlifts today...quads and hamstrings will feel it tomorrow.  Can't wait for my next session!!

Overhead squats, 8/25/2012

I'm a Prim

Yesterday, I went on a five hour hike of Epping Forest in the UK.  (I can now say I've seen the end of the Central line).  Our group of five MBAs had a great time hiking and faffing around.

One reason time flew was the GREAT game we played.  It's called "Who Would You Be in The Hunger Games?"  We went around nominating, debating, laughing, etc. with what we came up with.  Good game to play in large groups of people where everyone knows everyone's character.  We then extended this to Harry Potter and Disney characters.

I found this great online quiz that tells you who you'd be in the the Hunger Games.

http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=what-hunger-games-character-are-you

My friends thought I'd be Rue or Prim (totally not a career).  The quiz said I'd be Prim.  I'll agree :)

Primrose Everdeen Prim is said to have a face as pure as a raindrop. As pure in fact as the primrose she was named after. Like Prim you are very reliant on other people although you do try your hardest to stand out and be unique. Wherever you go you get smiles all around and people love the sight of you. You try your best to help out wherever you go and you use your beautiful smile to cheer people up.  And finally, here's my favorite dress-up photo from the day.  A day in the life of the Tudors.

Tragedy and Hope from College Station, Texas

Living on the other side of the giant pond that is the Atlantic Ocean, I have to play detective every now and then.  I'm an active user of Facebook (not in a creepy stalker way) because it helps me keep up with the locus of my network in the US as well as my classmates who are scattering to literally every corner of the world.  I've noticed as an ex-pat that people will actively share good news (e.g. engagements, weddings, births) but rarely the bad news (e.g. divorce, sickness, death).  So, I have to passively put the pieces together and do some lateral thinking.   And, it matters because people matter to me.  

Last week, there was a shooting tragedy in College Station, Texas.  The incident was not related to Texas A&M University (I can't even imagine a student shooter ever stepping foot on campus).  My understanding is that a law enforcement officer had delivered a subpoena to appear in court for unpaid rent to the shooter at his home near the university campus, just south of Kyle Field.  This crazy man ended up opening fire and shot 65 rounds (!), ultimately killing the law enforcement officer and injuring others.  I don't understand why or how anyone could do this.  People from my beloved alma mater have shown an outpouring of love and helped to pick up the pieces.  Over 3,000 people attended the funeral service for the slain law enforcement officer.  

Another example hits closer to home and is the inspiration for this blog post.  I'm blessed to be part of two A&M families.  The first is Texas A&M University.  The second is Alvarez & Marsal, my former employer.  Using my Sherlock Holmes skills, I found out that one of the people injured in this shooting was the mother of a summer intern at Alvarez & Marsal.  Barbara Holdsworth was helping her daughter move into a home for her senior year at Texas A&M.   As an innocent bystander and out of nowhere, Barbara was shot multiple times through the back and was rushed to the nearest hospital to undergo surgery.  She is in critical care at the moment.  

Friends and family have mobilized to raise money for Barbara's medical expenses.  As a single mother of two children, I can't imagine the significant burden she must now be facing given the cost of healthcare in the US. I don't know who and how many people actually read this blog.  My hope is that some of you would consider donating to this fund for Barbara.  http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=7625&url=barb#.UC0YIJamvJQ.facebook

Reading the comments on the "Supporters" tab reminds me of the power of the human spirit.

I hope one day the US will come up with some sensible form of gun control legislation and insurance regulation to cover mental health because this type of event happens far too often.  In London, stories like this don't happen because quite frankly people don't own guns.  I respect the Bill of Rights and believe in individual liberties as much as the next American; however, was it really necessary for this shooter to own a handgun, a semi-automatic sniper rifle, an assault rifle, and a bolt-action rifle?  

Busyness

I operate at a high level and even faster pace.  I always have and likely always will.  Knowing thyself, a recent pin on my fab Pinterest boards caught my eye.   

There's some truth in it.  Being "busy" for the sake of being "busy" merits little respect.  In my opinion, busyness in the pursuit of extraordinary results or impact on lives of others does.

And know what your limit is.  My tolerance is on the higher end.  A few months ago, I tuned into the first ever TEDxWallStreet and saw CNBC host Jim Cramer speak.   He is an example of the extreme.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find a link to his TED talk (which was great!).  If you ever do get a chance, I highly recommend watching it.  I enjoy watching his show Mad Money every now and then and respect his platform stance of having individuals save, do their homework, and invest for their own future (since Social Security isn't going to be there for my generation likely).   Even though his routine is awe-inspiring, I know I could never do it.  Just watching his TED talk made me tired.