Stress gets a bad wrap. Generally speaking, when we have “stress”, that’s considered a bad thing. Today we looked to turn that notion on it’s head. Stress experienced over time results in adaptation. Uncomfortable situations are the opportunities for growth. Without stress, we are static. So why are we here? Not in the metaphysical sense of “what’s the meaning of life”, but why are we here on the sidewalk at Fletcher Park at 5:45 with a bunch of other dudes. To get stressed. And therefore, to adapt and grow. Physically, yes. But maybe also in other ways. Mentally, spiritually, relationally, or some other -ally. Depends on where you are. So let’s went.
Before the launch, Wendell Gee, Jimmer, and Chippendale joined in from their Anchor Time launch. The more the merrier. C’mon.
The Thang
Jog to upper parking lot
20 x SSH, 20 x Good Morning….wait….what the…….what are the Anchor Time boys doing? They’re doing curb Mericans separate from, but near to the group. Is this a mutiny? Isn’t there a rule or bylaw against this? Is this really happening? Do they not see us here? The PAX was puzzled. It was uncomfortable. Maybe even stressful. So we did what any good fireman would do, and circled the fire. The Anchor Time boys were overcome with the moment (I think Wendell Gee may have even shed a tear), and joined in for a hearty round of half-stop Mericans 10x. All was again well with the order of the world.
Mosey over to the lax field for “Horses and Guns”. 7x full-field Gassers. Stop at one end with an exalted squat (squat hold with hands in the air), then 10 leg exercises (squats, sumo squats, etc). Stop at the other end with a plank-fest, then some arm exercises (Mericans, Wide-Grip, Diamond, etc). There was a moment when someone asked when was the Chris Farley portion of the workout. Patience. At some point the Anchor Timers decided that was enough for them, so they disappeared like a nighttime shadow. Their sounds of singing and skipping were heard through the darkness as they departed.
Mosey over to lower field to the fence. Run to base of hill, 10 Mericans, run back. Run to base of hill, 10 Mericans, run to top of hill, 10 Mericans, run back. Run to base of hill, 10 Mericans, run to top of hill, 10 Mericans, run to house of cats, 10 Mericans, run back.
PAX was asked to recall their first F3 post and the inevitable feeling of sucktitude. After a few posts, the sucktitude was less great, more manageable. Stress practiced makes growth and adaptation. So we ran to the base of the hill for 10 burpees and ran back.
Jog to field for Mary. 20 Slow-Mo LBC. 20 Slow-Mo Long Slow Flutter.
So, Chris Farley. Today would have been his 53rd birthday. He was one of my favorite comedians. Physical, self-deprecating, active comedy. I could look at him and laugh. Loved him. Turns out Farley had a lot of stress. Anxious and self-loathing, he was “unsure if fans were laughing with him or at him”. He managed his stress with heavy doses of drugs and alcohol which ultimately killed him. It’s was a tragic life-ending for such a talented and beloved guy. He lived with stresses that overtook him.
So, may we turn the notion of “stress” into a positive. May we direct our energies in positive directions in the face of stress. May we all embrace the stresses and uncomfortable situations in life as challenges that result in adaptation and growth. May we look stress square in the face, and in our best Farley voice say, “well, laddi freekin’ da!”.
So why are we here? I came looking for some stress. Hell, yeah! Gimme, gimme! Maybe I’ll try Anchor Time next week. I hear it’s tough.
-COT / Announcements (Mule March 4) / Prayer Requests (Man-Ram’s family)
-Mr Bigglesworth took us out.
