Weekly Newsletter In This Edition: Kati’s Fit Kit, The TSC, and our Avon Yoga & Meditation Event
In this edition, Coach Kati will shed some light on seizing the day and taking the road less traveled, you will learn about a Yoga and Meditation workshop that you’re invited to, to raise money for the Avon Walk to End Breast Cancer, as well as learn more info about the Tactical Strength Challenge (TSC) that we are hosting at Breakthrough!
Announcements: – There has been a schedule change! Thursday night at 6pm will now be the Complete Strength class, and Friday night at 6pm will be the Metabolic Burn class. We can’t wait to train with you!
Kati’s Fit Kit – Make Today the Day
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” – From The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
About a year ago Caleb and I were signed up to compete in a powerlifting meet. We were staying at a hotel nearby, and the morning of the meet we went to grab breakfast at the hotel to find the dining room absolutely packed with people dressed in athletic clothes. I thought, “Wow! This meet must be a bigger one than I thought… look at all these people!”
But as we arrived at the gym where the meet was being held, there were only a dozen or so cars in the lot, and as the lifters started to assemble, there were probably only 30 people competing in total. And only a handful of ladies. Wondering what had become of all those other people in their athletic gear, my sister, who was there to cheer us on, searched on her phone to find that there was some kind of mud run going on nearby.
Being still pretty new to the sport of powerlifting, I was nervous to compete. But thinking about the small group of us lifters compared to the crowd of people doing the mud run showed things to me in a little different light. I thought back to a guest blog that Pavel had witten on Tim Ferriss’ site about pursuing “unrealistic goals”, and how you stand a greater chance of actually achieving these goals because most of your competitors won’t even show up to give it a try!
This didn’t necessarily make me less nervous, but even throughout the meet I was able to check in with the idea that I was developing my adventurous spirit… And let me tell you that once completed, the boost to your confidence is huge! Not only is there the event itself that so few will try, but all the months of discipline and focused training leading up to the event. The small group of us powerlifting were definitely opting for a “road less traveled”.
But what about the mud runners? Well, I’ll bet they felt pretty awesome that day too after completing their race!
The phrase from the Robert Frost poem above is often quoted to support the idea that taking the “less traveled” path is superior. And while I generally believe that to be true (that is another article for another time) this is most likely a misinterpretation of the poem. Frost was really making a comment about indecision and looking back wondering if you made the right choice. If you read the whole poem at the end of the article (don’t worry, it’s short) it seems to me that the theme is more about seizing the day!
The mud runners and the powerlifters met at the fork in the road, and took different paths. But we TOOK A PATH! Sometimes in life we find ourselves too long at the fork in the road, indecisive and going nowhere.
Having a specific event, with a specific date on the calendar is a great way to get out of the fork and onto a path. When you train for a specific event, you train harder and get better results. Not to mention you cultivate your courage, adventurousness and confidence! So basically, I’m going to get stronger, look better, and feel more confident and capable??? Sign me up!!!
Oh… what’s that you say… You don’t have time? Maybe next year? You don’t think you’re up to it? You’re not sure you can afford it? Yeah, I know life isn’t really ever convenient, but it’s also not out to get you! And believe it or not, you do have some control over what you spend your time, energy and money on.
So make TODAY the day you get on a path… Find a challenge or event that you find inspiring (or maybe even a little scary) and write that date on your calendar. Then dedicate yourself to training for that event. You could do a mud run, or a powerlifting event, or even just a specific date you are going to break your own personal record.
Of course we would love it if you took the path “less traveled” and joined us for the TSC! Check out our blog for all the details.
When you dedicate your energy to doing something positive that enables you to grow, your efforts are always rewarded in ways beyond what you could have ever foreseen. We can’t wait to see what you can do!
Strength and Love – Kati
Here is a link to Tim Ferriss’ blog with Pavel that inspired me to try powerlifting in the first place.
The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
Service Spotlight: Yoga & Meditation Evening for Avon Walk to End Breast Cancer
Community Yoga and Meditation Evening Friday September 4, 2015 7:15pm to 9:15pm
Join us for an relaxing evening of yoga and guided meditation to support a wonderful cause and a wonderful person! One of our dear members Katherine is in recovery, and will be walking in The Avon Walk to End Breast Cancer.
We will do a gentle 60 minute yoga practice, followed by a yoga nidra meditation. In this style of meditation you will be guided towards deep relaxation where you will be able to plant the seeds to reduce stress, promote vibrant health and develop a sense well-being. Spend an evening that will do good for you and for others!
This class is open to everyone, so feel free to bring a friend. All donations will go to the Avon Walk. Suggested donation is $20, but any amount is welcome.
Upcoming Events: The Tactical Strength Challenge
TSC Team Training starts this coming week, August 27th! Space is limited so act fast and sign up!
Click here for more information about the TSC