may you rest in peace dave.

My condolences to the Shepard family.

RIP brother, other have the watch now.

Wow...my prayers are with the Shepard's. Rest in peace buddy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Dave Shepard. Rest in peace.

Having been around the site for awhile and having attended two seminars, I'm extremely optimistic about the future of CF. Amazingly athletic, intelligent and successful folks seem to be the rule rather than the exception...and that is just SO freakin' cool. There's not a doubt in my mind that CF produces better results than any of the "standard" protocols I've used...and I've used a lot of them. I think CF will continue to grow rapidly.

My greatest concern is that with the success and growth it's inevitable that doubters will emerge from other communities. I think we already see this to some degree. Fitness professionals have a vested interest in protecting their turf...and CF is a threat to the status quo.

So, while I expect a great future for CF I strongly encourage all who participate to become good stewards and postive advocates of it. Learn everything you can. Ask questions in the message board. Attend a seminar if possible. When people ask you questions about what you're doing and why you're doing it, give 'em a good answer and refer them here to learn more.

Always keep in mind that CF is viewed and judged by others through the athletic/physical success AND personality of the people who engage in it. Do your best to make sure that the people you rub up against understand what's so great about this community.

If we all do that, there's no stopping us.

Nice Eric. Gotta love archers!

May the Lord lead you beside still waters, Shepard...

Eric O--not bad for a graduate student. Don't know too many academics who can stalk, bow hunt, and take down a such a challenge. Nice work, brother. You might make even make a good Marine! Just kidding, buddy.

I know one thing for sure. CrossFit will go into the character of my 4 week old son. I eagerly anticipate the day he surpasses me and carries the torch. Jason Dougherty's 3 year old son will blaze the trail. CrossFit will go into their hearts as it has gone into ours.

Thank you Dave. Fair winds and rest easy. Your sacrifice honors us all.

-D.

Our sincere condolences to the Shepard family. Another heroic family in a noble effort.

If we want to continue to improve ourselves and this community we'll include in our growth the education and development of others. And we can't rest on our accomplishments.

Matt's right on about the exemplary behavior. We have to be consistant in our efforts to improve. Dilution of the method and negative distractions should be recognized and dealt with in a constructive way; as in the case of the calloused hands...

Dave...(saluting)

matt....word

Eric....GRD! STRONG WORK!

RIP Dave Shepard.

I think one of the reasons CrossFit has such a wonderful community is because to be a part of it you have to invest so much. The more you invest in something the more closely attached you become to it, the more you care about it. We sweat our guts out 5/6 days a week every week and trust our personal health to this program. That is a huge investment leading to a huge attachment to the community. So long as CrossFit requires this huge level of commitment our community will remain full of people who care, who want to be a part of it, and who want to make it better. The day CrossFit becomes easy is the day all that ends. Thanks for keeping it hard Coach, I look forward to a long future of CrossFitting.

A grateful nation mourns.
RIP Dave.

Where is CF going? When I started, 6/04, average comments on the WOD numbered 80 or so.
Today, easily 100-200.

As I pass along the tennents of this system to jr high kids, I just hope some will stick with it and grow. Just like this site.

Orangeview Jr. High volleyball rulez!

The good Lord prepares a special welcome for those who sacrifice their lives for the freedom and safety of others. Jefty and Eileen and all the Gellers extend our prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Cindy and to the Shepard family. May the God of all consolation hold Dave and his family in the palm of his hand. We Gellers would like to join those in the Crossfit North family who would like to offer meals or anything else that might assist Cindy during this time.

RIP Dave and the others killed in Mosul. We live in freedom because of your sacrifice.

My condolences to all who knew Dave.

Godspeed. You will be remembered during evening colors.

-CF's future-
I dont know about the rest of you, but for me I know its growing rapidly. I myself, am on the other side of the world and I closely follow crossfit and preach to people what it is. When people see us in the gym they know who we are. Our crossfit shirts have become part of our daily gym attire. Our small group was dubbed the "wrecking crew" by the gym staff, this is an honor, as is to be noticed everytime we walk in and out of the gym. I can only imagine people wonder, "what are they going to do today?" It's a place that no one knows for certain, but they always look forward to the new direction. Thats the beauty of it. It's never ending. I think the question is not where is it going, but, "where is it going from this point?"

-CF Japan-

how many crossfitters does it take to pack a 900lb elk out of the back country?

zero! we eat the guts and all and run out!

I never got to meet Dave, but I chatted with him on e-mail about Crossfit. He was excited about receiving his kettlebells and was also looking forward to getting back home and Crossfitting with his wife, Cindy, and friends.

We were planning on getting together in Mosul to do a WOD but now that will have to wait until we meet in Valhalla.

Our condolences go out to his Cindy and the rest of his family.

Rest easy Dave.

Team MOSUL

Thank you, Dave. We appreciate the feedom you've helped us keep. Condolences to your family.

And CrossFit? What Matt G. said!

God Speed Warrior. The world is a lesser place at your loss. Cindy, and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I salute Dave Shepard. Rest in peace.

Crossfit is definitely growing. However, unlike other groups that become diluted in spirit and quality as they grow, I think CrossFit will maintain a high standard. The price of admission -- commitment and desire -- is too steep for most. There is no room for the casual/trendy participant. CrossFit is not a casual thing; it is a lifestyle thing. At the same time, anyone of any shape, size, or ability can join in the fun. I expect that we will continue to attract a diverse group of dedicated, bright, and open minded athletes.

I see the boards slowing down as the archives get filled with insightful answers to almost every question. However, I hope this great community stays lively.

Big time thanks to Coach and Lauren and to all the quality people who populate CrossFit and make it the best thing going in fitness. Period.

Dave, Gods speed brother, and our prayers for your family!

Just reading the posts about the loss of another brave man and CFer shows the make up of this community. This isn't some gym where you show up to chat it up and maybe break a sweat. It takes heart and dedication to be here. To push your self to constantly improve. To push beyond some blood a ripped hands(Hoo-ya Doc).
When I'm approached by people about the workout/a--whooping I'm putting myself through, they are usually intrested in the program when I describe it to them. But like w/anything that takes dedication, more often then nought, that's where there intrest stays.
Like w/any special program, there are ways of weeding out through the riggers of training. As is the case w/CrossFit. It attracts the same type of people, perdominantly. Those that don't fit don't stay.
I believe that we need to continue pushing ourselves and keep heading in the path that we are. Filled w/men and women who are made of character, not just a bunch of characters. I love logging on and seeing the helpful words and praise for others and none of the trash the world usually throws our way.
Keep it up coach! And remember, for us to keep in this direction, we need to make sure to keep up quality, not quanity. My 4 1/2 months or so here have been nothing short of awsome. I look fwd to alot more for manny years to come!

Rest in peace, Dave Shepard. You died while protecting others. I never met you, but it makes me so sad to see you pulling up to the bar and to think you are gone. My compassion is with your wife and all the others that loved you.

As for the future of CrossFit, I think that adoption of CrossFit by institutionalized groups like schools, universities, army units, police departments, fire figher units, sports teams, companies, etc., will be the next big step. It is already happening, but the pace will pick up once the news has spread.

I think we should support this by more "organized" community work: conferences, tutorials on how to implement CrossFit in specific environments (army, police, schools, ...), case studies with real data on the effects/advantages, specific seminars organized by people that have experience implementing CrossFit in given settings, etc. - with a focus on supporting the group as a whole in adopting CrossFit, as opposed to convincing selected individuals from the group.

Some would say that a picture of unnecessary hunting isn't what crossfit is all about...

Some would say that anonymous posters should not be allowed to post comments here.

R.I.P. Dave

may the halls of valhalla accept you and keep you

May God bless you and keep you, Dave.

Your family is in my prayers.

Brothers in Christ,

Kris

Sorry to hear of another Crossfitter lost to terrorism.

Eric -- nice piece of free-range, organic, low-fat protein! As to the anonymous sniping about "unnecessary" hunting, I think it's rather in the Crossfit spirit to go get your own meat in the most physically demanding way possible.

John

I too am sorry to hear about David's death. But let us not accept his untimely loss without asking why he died and how further deaths can be avoided.

This bloodshed and senseless loss of life diminishes us all.

Rest in Peace Dave, and God bless your family. Your legacy of devotion to duty, family and country is the greatest inheritance and inspiration that you can leave.

The work that Dave and others do overseas in the face of danger is truly amazing. His picture will remain as a sober reminder of why many train so hard, to make it so easy for those out of harms way.

.....

Here's a toast, Dave.

you all amaze me daily on the vigilance you have taken with this methodology. People like Dave dedicate that same level of intensity to every aspect of thier life. I assume that most everyone else here does the same. This is by far one of the most dedicated communities I have ever been associated with.

If we as a community continue to approach fitness and life like the WOD the Crossfit mentality can not help but to continue to spread like wildfire regardless of naysayers.

I know the handfull of guys here in Savannah will be dedicating the next WOD to Dave. Be Thou at Peace.

Christian Lemburg... Nice!
Matthew Townsend...???

My most heartfelt sympathies to the Shepard family for your loss. I traded emails with Dave a few weeks ago in response to a question I had about a piece of gear he was wearing in the pullup picture. He responded with humor, technical acuman, and grace. My guess is, Matt T., that there is nothing senseless about this man. Neither his life nor his death.

Nor the cause he served.

I saw the post by Lauren and wondered if it was a "distant death" if there is such a thing, or something closer. The picture of Dave hanging on that bar brought tears to my eyes, as he truly was part of our community.

All I'm saying Mike is, there has to be a better way.

Rest in peace Dave.

Rest in peace Dave.

Where is CrossFit going? I think of the crossfit as the software that makes the computer work. Programming that takes existing training methods and uses the all for the better. The current software is outmoted and antiquated and nearly no one knows. It is revelotionary coding that will replace all but the most stuck in the mud die hards of old system. I am sure someone still uses ms-dos.

Cold fusion would replace fossil fuels. Over a length of time. The question is: How long?

Before CrossFit I don't think I was really in touch with how many people are dieing fighting for our country right now. My hat is off to anyone who would put their life on the line, and ultimately give their life for our country. Dave, rest in peace.

CrossFit... No status symbols, no attitude(usually)... just you, you're time/loads, words of encouragement, and honor.

RIP Dave...

for the rest...I am glad there is a spirit and a sense of community. We must affect others with this spirit in a subtle yet never waivering display of our virtues. This is the only hope for our nation; those good people defending it on the outside...(Dave; et al) and those defending it on the inside (from those that want to avoid responsibility, blame the system, and reap the rewards)

prayers for those in the path of Rita...

donovan

25 pull up
50 deadlift w/ 135lb
50 pushup
50 boxjump
50 floor wiper w/ 135lb
50 one arm DB clean and press w/ 40lb
25 pull up

30:00

My family and I thank you Dave and family for paying the ultimate price to protect our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shepard family. JohnC in AZ

Thank you for your sacrafice Shepard Family.

You are in my prayers.

Dave Shepard, rest in peace knowing your brothers-in-arms will continue the fight. God bless you and be with your family.

I didn't know you Dave, but I know of you; you were one of the men on the wall, watching out for the rest of us, a warrior. Thank you. My thoughts and prayers go out to your wife and family.

Very nice Eric! You must have worked hard for that opportunity. Enjoy the reward.

I'm not sure, but it looks like that bow's got some sort of wheels on it ;^) >>>----->

My son, who is in the army reserve, and I do the WOD. I read the boards, look at the pictures and listen to the voices on Crossfitlive and I feel like I know some of you. I have never met Dave or any other Crossfitter in person but there is a spiritual connection.

My deepest condolences go out to Dave's family and friends. Today I am going to fast and pray for him and all of the warriors who are protecting us and fighting our enemies. Seeing his picture again and reading the messages about him has me crying sitting here safe and sound at my desk here at work.

I have a question about how i can help a friend modify the crossfit program if she is 3 months pregnant.

It is a terrible tragedy whenever one of our military member's are lost.

Deepest condolences to Dave's friends and family.

Tariq Kassum

The front page reads, "while protecting a diplomatic convoy". It ought to read, "while protecting a nation." I thank and salute you Mr. Shepard. I will kiss my children tonight as I put them to bed and when they ask if there are boogeymen, I will answer, "There are but thanks to Dave we don't have to fear them."
I am terribly sorry for your loss, Mrs. Shepard; our prayers are with you.

Dave choose to walk the warriors path and with that he would want his family to continue on and live a full - remember the end to "Saving Private Ryan". That is what a warrior wants for his sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and children so that they will have the strength and support during this difficult time and the same strenght and support to continue living a full life.

The Coach Gs, Laurens, Matt Gs, to name a few and wonderful people CF'ing are what makes this program great. The spirit to which you all contribute is what it is all about.

I did not know Dave, but there is no doubt he is a hero and and fallen brother. Thank you Dave.

My prayers go out to Dave and his family.

May God give you rest, and your memory be eternal!

Where is crossfit going? Begs 2 questions - what's the recent trajectory and where do people want it to go?

Based on watching the site for a year or so, it's obviously getting bigger & possibly more diverse. One of the interesting things is other x-fit sites offering their own WODS (e.g. NorCal, Coach B, plus the "black box"). Each of these other sites is putting a slightly different spin on things.

If more and more folks start publishing their own WODS will "quality control", become an issue? The examples I used above are excellent additions, but what happens when people start putting up not-so-good WODS?

In terms of where people want it to go, I'd like to see more WODS using MMA drills posted.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Dave's family and friends.

"It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath."
-Aeschylus

I didn't know Dave but rest in peace brother.

FYI, some great pictures of Dave working out on http://www.crossfitnorth.com/

Future of crossfit? Not sure but I like where it's at right now and where it's taking me.

Thanks Crossfit.

for dave
25 min as many sets as possible

7pullups
15 push ups
20 body squats
stairs
lunges
repeat

5sets / at pushups on 6th set

from a recent addition to crossfit:

please please please don't let this site get political. fitness doesn't discriminate based on political beliefs. there are plenty of reasons to be fit and stay healthy without being elitist about your state of fitness. there are also plenty of other online forums to do the political thing. don't assume that just because someone shares your passion for physical activity, they share your political beliefs.

a large part of the online forum is to provide support for those people who don't have a gym to go to. if we are going to support each other, we should make a conscious attempt to leave the (very occasional thus far) snarky comments at home. thanks, mods, for keeping an eye on this.

rip dave and condolences to his family & friends & unit.

crossfit is fascinating to me: i just started, another converted climber, and its the most cycked training group i've ever seen, and so dispersed geographically and demographically.

First, my prayers and condolences to the Shepard family. God bless you all.

Second, just wanted to mention that I recently attended the Crossfit seminar in San Diego, California, and as I told Coach Glassman, it was a life changing experience for me. I have been involved with Crossfit from the days of the "blue website" and the changes have been amazing. Just look at the side of the main page at the Crossfit affiliates. A few years ago, there were none!! Awesome. Now you can find a Crossfit center just about anywhere.

Meeting all of you at the seminar motivated me to say the least. Without getting into too much detail, after leaving the Marines, and before becoming a member of the Border Patrol, I found myself face down on the mat; worked; defeated. It was a humbling experience, but looking back, a necessary one as well, to make me stronger. During this period, I found other outlets besides Crossfit, and they weren't very beneficial, to be sure.

I am back. I have now gone two days on the Zone, gotten in some good training, and realize that there is an entire community out there supporting, and depending, on me. Moat importantly, I realize now that this is not something that I am undertaking alone.

So, I know this is long winded, but for all of you at the seminar, and all of you in the Crossfit family, Thank You.

Mike Joyce

To me "senseless" is just a dressed up way of saying meaningless. Can there be a more meaningful way to spend ones life than to stand between the defenseless and those that would do them violence. Thank you for a life well spent.

Reading the CF message board brings home the courage and dedication of our soldiers fighting far from home. My deepest sympathies and thanks to Daves family and friends.

Some may not agree with the politics that created the situation, but there is nothing senseless about the dedication of those men and women who stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

My condolescense to Dave and his Fam, I wish I had had more time to get to know him.

As to the future of Crossfit:

I believe that the training philosophies and methods will live on. As profound as CF is, much of the same philosophy and training practices are in use under different names around the world, almost always under the supervision of enlightened trainers ($$$). Strength and Conditioning coaches of numerous pro sports teams have been using the same philosophies (diet, intensity, o-lifting, gymnastics, variety) for years and will continue. High end, intelligent personal trainers have also been using this basic methodology under different names. I am curious as to how the affiliates will succeed from a viable business point, since the math seems a bit trickier with the "honest" non-big box model, I suppose time will tell in terms of business plan and fiscal viability.
The place where Crossfit separates itself, is in the web based, free information model and the notion of community. I believe that the community aspect, although nice, might also be the downfall of the movement (cult). People are censured (see Tuesday's WOD comments), some people should not be spoken of (see Pukie's bucket), and I'm sure there are others who have the good judgment (I know I have) to keep their mouths shut if they disagree with the pervading norms.
When people are shunned, they splinter off and start parallel movements with slightly different outlooks on the same teachings (see Christian Religion, Jewish Religion and Muslim religion). I half expect this posting to be deleted. As humans, divisive issues are abound. I believe like all "cults", this movement will wax and wane, but will live on in training philosophy if not in it's current format.
I see the patriotic/political slant on this fitness website as something that might well cause the next schism. A pretty good argument might be made that this is not just a fitness site, but a "template for living" website. That template for living does not fit for all people 100%, for me, it is about a 80% fit, the part that does not work for me is the politics. Perhaps I am alone in my belief that the conflicts that the US government is now involved in are not just or morally correct, I do not equate death with inherit valor. I view early death (particularly in war) as a theft of years in which a person has the opportunity to do great things on the planet (whether "enemy or "good guy"). This sounds like a minority position based on what I have read on this site. When I read postings related what is touted as Warrior values/philosophies/beliefs, I feel less a part of the community, not enough to leave (yet), but certainly not eager to express my beliefs, which are counter to vocal (apparent) majority of posters.
If there were a website equal to Crossfit in fitness information and quality of content, but espousing Anti-War, anti-killing, anti-violence, liberal values, I would likely go there at least as often as crossfit.com and perhaps participate more in the dialogue. It is a matter of time and critical mass before this mythical site exists, assuming the community continues to grow at the rate that Crossfit appears to be growing. Schisms are inevitable.

With that said, I believe that Crossfit is the best thing around and it has had a great impact on the quality of my life on a daily basis.

With respect to people feeling that there is a pronounced slant to the CF site...

It seems to me that first and foremost this site is about a methodology of training. NOT political debate...particularly in the Comments section (though possibly appropriate in the Message Board if anywhere). The memorials that arise on occasion are a celebration and the recognition of an individual who was part of the CF family. As such, we take time to pause and reflect, and perhaps offer up a thought on that person's life. A eulogy of sorts. We depart briefly from our focus on training to recognize a fellow CF'er that has passed on.

It is not appropriate, in my opinion, to slag out the circumstances of that person's death. While people are often guilty of "not seeing the forest for the trees", these are conditions under which it is considerably more appropriate and respectful to focus on the "tree" itself. I ask you this: are you the kind of person that goes to a funeral and speaks ill of the dead? If not, why on Earth would you do it here, even obliquely?

Beyond that, there is something else to keep in mind. We are all guests here. And when you are a guest in someone's home, as we are in Coach's and Lauren's, there are standards of decorum that you follow. It's just that simple. No one is holding a gun to your head and keeping you around. If the tone of the site is truly distasteful to you, there are ways to minimize your involvement. You don't start popping off when you are a guest in someone's home...and if you do, you will likely be asked to leave. I don't believe that's a new social phenomenon.

It's called MANNERS ladies and gentlemen, and just because a large segment of the world no longer believes in or requires them DOES NOT mean they are not demanded here.

Justin,
I am not a mod, but I believe your post will stay. You have not been dishonest nor disrespectful the people you refered to were. Disagreement is good, discussion is good, in fact in may be the only way we grow both as people and a community.
I do disagree with you in this respect, anti-war, anti-killing, and anti-violence are not liberal values. In fact I would say that most warriors I know value life far more than most will ever know or acknowledge. They just are more realistic about a job that needs to be done.

Timely question about "community." Here are the thoughts of an admitted Crossfit newbie (two months) who does not come from the military, first responder, or law enforcement fields that are prevalent in the Crossfit population.

A community forms amongst those that share some level of commonality, whether superficial or profound, and enjoy the benefits of that sharing. The difficulty in defining community comes in identifying the basis for the commonality. Even so, it's very possible for a community to grow, to "go somewhere" according to Mike Yukish's original question, without necessarily straining to define the commonality.

Greg Glassman identifies three solid values that to him form the commonality that is the Crossfit community: commitment to excellence, service, and decency, with an organizing relationship to this crazily addictive, lovably hard core exercise regimen. Even though each of those values can be differently defined, it works for me because it starts with the effort and can be expressed in so many ways: self improvement, acquired discipline, better performance in sports, better performance in your larger community, et cetera.

So "where is it going?" I don't know but I can tell you what I would hope for. I was attracted to Crossfit by the difficulty and the promise of improved readiness for larger physical challenges. In short, the workouts. I stay with it because of its sophistication and variety, as well as the progression from the classic strength and fitness orthodoxies. In short, workouts. Accordingly, I hope that the Crossfit community, as it inevitably grows, remains respectful of the training and those values, and as apolitical as possible.

I know that's a tough one, although fortunately the message boards are relatively non-ideological (except maybe on the nutrition topics :-}). But the site is political to begin with its announced attractiveness to certain obvious communities that benefit from the training (LE, military, and first responder). In my very most humble opinion, some might see this as a political statement in itself.

Personally I like the intermittent requests Glassman makes such as "what have you read that you have found influential." It gives an online community a greater dimension, and makes me feel I am among fellow thinking athletes, warrior poets, tough guy philosophers...and even if I couldn't quite bring myself to read the same books as another poster. My hope is that we could continue to offer these types of insights into the people we are, without suffering criticism of those insights. The only proviso that I would add is that anonymous posters shouldn't be permitted or suffered.

Thank you Dave Shepard.

Thank you to all the 'Shepards' who watch the flock. This sheep does not fear the sheepdog. This sheep does not criticize. This sheep is eternally grateful.

RIP

Where are we headed with this crazy thing? Who knows? Growth is easy, unstoppable even. Tending is necessary for true beauty and function. Knowing when to prune, and when to step back and let nature do its thing.

I DO know where I would like to see this thing go. . .

Right now we have the ultimate program for producing successful athletes; I think we need the ultimate program for producing successful coaches. I think the challenge of the future is going to be not only mastering the art of fitness, but also mastering the art of teaching it to people. Knowing how to execute the movement and having the right personality can only take you so far in teaching. Knowing how to correct, knowing what to say to clients so they ‘get it’ is paramount. Knowing what order to teach the movements and concepts. This comes with experience. If coaches can avoid each other’s pitfalls, stand on each other’s shoulders, better coaches they will be because of ‘group experience’.

From that structure a progression into developing a program that would be a usable business system. Before everyone jumps down my throat for trying to side up with “The Man”. . . hear me out. So many discussions at the Seminar were regarding running a facility (cleaning, advertising, new clients, etc). Nobody has all the answers for this near uncharted territory.

The best way we are going to ‘spread the love’ is to figure out a way to make this thing work as a business model. If people who truly love this can do it as a career, so many more people will be touched by its greatness.

I think the CrossFit methodology needs to be applied to running a facility. We need to know what to put in the box to get “successful business” at the output. We need to avoid opening facilities too close to each other, causing a division of clientele. We need to learn what not to do that will hurt our business. We need to know how to combat Bally’s, Pinnacle, Gorilla, 24hr Fitness, Gold’s. . . or how to convert them to hire CF trainers.

So many people have set off on a path to opening a facility. They are not alone, the community will support them. But the same mistakes will be made by many, and some will be left to discover what works on their own. The group needs to be vocal on its business lessons (a CF affiliate “Business Journal” and Business Seminars maybe?). Teamwork is the key. We must learn together, because this is a unique program that does not fit any other business model out there. We have to write the book from scratch.

Ultimate Fitness - Ultimate Coaching - Ultimate Management

It is manifest. It is definitive. It is unstoppable.

Oops. Just realized the blog comments just give our usernames. David_Seattle is David Hirsh and I will not post anonymously.

One quote that resonates in my mind after learning of a soldiers death is "earn it". there is realy nothing men can do to earn the death of another, but we can live in what he died for "freedom". I don't care your political views or your opinions of this war. Soldiers die believing in it, so who am I,or you, to say it was for nothing.

as for X-Fit. it will never die because this attracks a certain type of person. Some have commented on the similarities between crossfitters as people. I believe that is because it take a certain person to want this tye of athletisism and work for it, because lets face it this stuff is killer, but where most say "I'm Glad thats over" X-fitters say "That hurts so Good", or "can't wait till tomorrow".

3 rounds for time:
21 pull-ups
21 barbell shoulder press, 65#
21 knees-to-elbows, using rings
21 squats
TOTAL TIME=18:10 (5:16/6:23/6:31)

Thank you David Shepard. I would have liked to have known you. I have no doubt that those that did know you are better off because they knew and walked with you.

We can't put them in a bank... make each day count.

CF will continue to grow, new ideas will be introduced and the black box will determine which ones are worth hanging onto.

reading these comments today nearly brought me to tears, and i have not cried in years...thank you dave...save us a seat in the halls of valhalla, and to his family my condolences...
i have only been a part of this community...a part of this family, for just over a month, but the changes i have gone through mentally, and physically are life changing and will keep me a part of this for life. where this all goes is up to us. if we want it to continue to grow and flourish as it certainly has since i've been around...as others have said, we must demonstrate our higher standards everyday to those around us. crossfit certainly seems to be a sentient being of sorts, but we provide it voice and action. coach and lauren gave birth to it, were kind enough to share it with us all, and it has obviously grown.
i feel like if i continue i will be going in circles and restating what has already been said. thank you to the glassmans...and to matt, greg, and the rest of the original crossfit elite, i look forward to us meeting at a seminar so i can see the people who i can only hope to emulate someday...

I'm glad this is a rest day because I've spent a couple of long days trying to get things in order in advance of Rita... but it looks like it's moving in someone else's direction now.

These are trying times in many regards but most sad to me is the loss of a life such as Dave's.

"Lo, there do I see my father,
lo, there do I see my mother and my sisters and my brothers,
lo, there do I see the line of my people
back to the beginning.
lo, they do call to me,
they bid me take my place among them
in the halls of Valhalla
where the brave
May Live forever.

Politics aside, in some professions the ultimate sacrifice goes with the territory. we can only say thanx. maybe someday leaders of combatting factions will have the guts to do battle one-on-one. i bet that would stimulate some crossfit activity. And hello to M. Joyce who actually told me about crossfit.

In response to Matt G's post on "spreading the word":

I tell everyone about CF. The problem I am having (that maybe you guys could help me with) is describing WHAT CF is exactly. I mean, a bunch of my friends want to do the "bodybuilding" type stuff to get better for football, throwing, wrestling, etc. I tell them to do CF, and they are like "Well, that won't make my legs bigger" or "I won't get defined". I tell them that by doing ONLY CF, I have added poundage to ALL of my lifts (even the ones not done on the WOD's). I have experienced more gains and feel a hell of a lot better doing CF than any program I have done before. I honestly believe CF is a breakthrough, it is just really hard to get some knuckleheads to go along with it :)

Disappointed - I think what crossfit is all about, to me, beyond elite fitness, is community. And this has been a community of acceptance. We all become equals here. The fittest of the fit love me and encourage me and celebrate my victories even though I don't keep up with them. By the same token, I don't judge others - not in their pursuit of fitness nor in their choice of lifestyle. Hunting, especially with a bow, takes serious skill (though I would tease Eric about his use of a compound bow and act all superiour cause I prefer traditional bows - of course I haven't hunted either so he is still one up). Just imagine the skill it takes to get that close to the animal in the first place. And even with sites, accuracy and timing are critical - so is balance, strength, etc. I would suggest that you learn to love crossfit and the community for what it is - a seriously varied group of people. If you don't like hunting then ignore the hunters and find what you like in those people and keep the topic on that. If it bugs you enough to not want to talk to those folks, stay silent. Maybe one day you will be featured and someone who is bugged by you will keep silent and let you revel in your few minutes of fame.

My prayers and condolences go the the Shepard family.

I guess I'm in the minority with Justin.
I frequently disagree with the apparent politics of a lot of the posters and many of the (non-fitness related) articles that are linked to. I never voice my disagreement, because I don't think the comments page is the place for it. I have utmost respect for Coach and all the trainers and happy masochists in CF, I'm amazed and grateful every day for the huge positive effect CF has had on my life, and I think bringing political discussion into it would really ruin it. Besides, like Matt G. said, it seems really impolite to argue with your hosts. I think I'll just keep disagreeing quietly and keep training.

Executed the "Helen" WoD (yesterday) today in 20:00.
- Ran a total of 1.5k in 3 rounds.
- DB swings @ 55, 60, and 65lbs (R1, R2, R3).
- Kipping and assisted pull-ups (various grips).
- Additional assisted HSPU sets for GTG effort.
- 50 reps of inclined military sit-ups.
- 2 rounds of CF warm-up.

Tim...I'd suggest you start a thread back in the Message Board (as well as doing some searching back there). It's the more approprite place for an extended discussion of this sort.

My take on the good and bad of Crossfit
It seems as though this is a bit of a crossroads for Crossfit. First I love the site, I am a soldier who has served in war zones and seen death firsthand. Second, it appears this stream has two veins one as a memorial to a lost soul, two as a discussion as to where Crossfit is going, this post deals with the latter. I would prefer we split them so emotions don’t get in the way of dialogue.

I have referred over 25 people to the site (in three months of membership) as the best I have ever come across. There is something magic here. The leeching of politics into the site disturbs me. I must submit that the feel good, self congratulatory BS cuts against the grain of quiet professionalism. The Eject Eject Eject link rubbed me the wrong way.

If there were awards for long winded celebrations of your own tribe, that link is a sure thing. Every tribe can and does do the exact same thing with the same conviction. The material resonates if it is your tribe that the material is geared towards. Every tribe has internal filters that ignore transgressions and celebrate successes and translate them into narratives of greatness. It is self indulgent regardless of how clever it is. In our move to self-celebrate we cease to doubt, to question our own behaviour. This is the mark of intellect and evolution; seeing yourself outside of your tribal connections, as the object rather than the subject or product of your experiences.

Crossfit challenged conventional wisdom and practice and emerged as something new, unique and unexpected. The potential politicalization of the site is disturbing. Partisan politics is rooted in making one feel better about the road they are on, the examination of whether it is the right road stops because our intellectual energies are focused on defending our established positions.

I agree with one of the previous posts which says the warrior culture (which is different from the military culture by the way, very different in some cases) has a sombre understanding of violence, for myself I dislike violence’s celebration in any flag waving, ideologically pleasing way. Crossfit is about something I cannot define, I do not want it overtaken by the over eager gung hu ideologues celebrating themselves, I think its strength is in the humility I have seen from Coach in that he does self-promote, his cause speaks for itself through its members and generates support because it is real.

The training benefits of Crossfit are exceptional, the communal, cooperative approach stands in stark contrast to market based promotions focused on profit. One of the ironic reasons why the site may reasonate with the military culture is because the military culture is very socialist, general equality, shared responsibility, accountability to the group, a sense of place, I am always amazed at those who essentially live in a semi communal environment who forget that the politics they espouse are the antithesis of their lifestyle.

Compare the salary of a General versus a Private and then that of a CEO and an factory worker, but that is another topic, my point is that like it our not, Crossfit is very socialist in its nature, there are no profit motivated copyright actions, or restricted access to paying members. Crossfit shares it wealth with a community and is compensated in non traditional means that promote community benefits, very similar to the military, very different than North American economic market based ideologies.

Crossfit appears to take an approach to fitness that actively questions accepted wisdom and says prove it, not in your words crafted by your experts which you want me to adopt. I admire the Crossfit world for daring to question, to doubt. People are hungry for realness, breaking through the veneer of a society that has stopped questioning conventional wisdom.

Bottom line for me, please keep true to realness, and try to go lite on certainty. Please, please keep the politics out, when we lose a member we should all mourn the loss of a person. Silly statements like ‘freedom isn’t free’ are embarrassing in their simplicity, nothing is free, this site cannot get into the political examination of why we are losing people overseas, it is complex and not served by sound bites. Such discussion requires a parallel movement that casts off party labels, seeks understanding, acknowledges ignorance and promotes doubt (something vital to a healthy society).

My hope is that Crossfit inspires a movement across spectrums. I think as a herd the globe is hungry for such things. Clerical certainty and ideology can found in abundance all over the web, we don’t need it here. Lets focus on the things that bring a wide variety of good people together to share the joy of fitness and hope that it helps build a foundation for an enlightened life.

Another salute to Dave...

Now, where do I think CF is going? IMO the politics don't matter. I don't feel they are being rammed down anyone's throat but, then again, I happen to agree with many of the political views represented here, though I may differ on several issues. I don't think it's realistic to assume that everybody here has the same political views. This is America and this is also the internet. As a fellow (though admittedly terrible) webmaster I feel that every person who maintaines or ownes a website has every right to express whatever views they wish.

Until we are mandated to drink a certain Kool-Aid, I think CF is safe for everbody and will remain so.

One scenario that keeps popping up in my head is that CF will become the next fitness fad-de-jour and will start becoming the "Official Training Regimen" of Hollywood starlets and Supermodels alike. Then, Coach and Lauren will start to be seen schmoozing with Paris Hilton and Hugo Boss at trendy parties. They will then buy a HUGE house and a large boat which they will anchor in South Beach Florida. After a roller-coaster ride of booze, kettle-bell swings, and cocaine, the noted accessories of wealth will have to be sold-off or seized by the IRS. Coach and Lauren will then wind up on a VH-1 or E-Channel tell-all, one-hour, special where they will damn the avarice and greed which ruined the mighty CF empire of custom workout clothing, vomit-resistant free-weights and sweat masking-musk.

Then it will just be the die-hards left. Back in some garage in Santa Cruz, or elsewhere, with the newly dedicated Coach, Lauren and puke-bucket. We'll be sweating the same sweat, gasping for the same air and smiling the same smiles. We'll remember what made this stuff special in the first-place, long after Tom Cruise has gotten back into Pilates or Yoga.

Back in the little room.

-D.

As profound as CF is, much of the same philosophy and training practices are in use under different names around the world, almost always under the supervision of enlightened trainers ($$$). Strength and Conditioning coaches of numerous pro sports teams have been using the same philosophies (diet, intensity, o-lifting, gymnastics, variety) for years and will continue. High end, intelligent personal trainers have also been using this basic methodology under different names.

Justin-

I could not disagree more. I have been in and around the strength and conditioning profession for nearly a quarter century. I was constantly on the make for a better mouse trap-then I found Greg Glassman.

Very few pro strength and condition guys are dishing out this stuff. In fact, you would be surprised to learn that many of them are so ‘inside the box’ and paranoid that they can barely take a b.m. without checking up and down the food chain to make sure they don’t piss off anyone on their reference list.

I’m painting with a broad brush and I know it. There are some sharp cutting edge S&C coaches. But they are few and far between.

This thing Greg Glassman has put together is different and will be practiced by more and more enlightened S&C coaches but they aren’t all on the same page just yet.

RUTMAN

Matt G, your comments about respecting the values of the house you are in are well made, I will mourn Dave's passing in my own way.

I apologise if I have offended anyone.

I love you, Beth.

Laura

Justin,

I’d like to offer my take on a few of your points.

The strength and conditioning coaches of numerous pro sports teams are NOT using the same philosophy. Our combination of diet, mixed modal exercise, and intensity is, sadly, singularly unique to our program. We’ve had, and continue to have, regular exposure to pro and elite athletes only to find that much of what we do is COMPLETELY foreign to them. Olympic lifts? Sure. High rep O’lifts? Dangerous. Gymnastics? Never. Mixing weightlifting and monostructural stuff like running? Only very, very, rarely. For instance I can find no other program on earth that would or does mix say deadlifts with running in a ciruit. Not the NBA, NFL, NHL, or MLB for sure. Strange but true. (I’m going to except Ethan Reeves of Wake Forrest and his disciples including our Josh Everett and his disciples.)

As for business model: classes of 15 punters at $15 a class is a win for everyone. Five of these a day is very doable in nearly any community. I don’t know what you think constitutes a good living but busy trainers live comfortably. I tell my trainers you want “the income of a fat orthodontist”.

On censorship: we’ve removed the posts of Nazi’s preaching Nazism and banned a certain someone “who shall not be named” who was proven to be not just one expert on pull-ups but the expert and a flock five or six divisive and angry supporters – a complete fraud. He now resides with a brand new name on a very popular fitness site (with, surprise, surprise, a bunch of happy devotees with testimonials) as the respected resident expert on all matters pull-up. This is a “schism” I am immensely proud of. We all owe Lynne Pitts a ton. We also left his posts in tact. We don’t let others mention his name because to do so conjures him up – he reappears as a new someone else bemoaning the loss of presence and wisdom of “he who shall not be named”. We also removed the posts of an anonymous poster who claimed that he knew I was a fraud because he’d dug threw my recycling and found beer and soda cans. (I couldn’t bear being publicly accused of recycling.) We stopped the rant of an affiliate who thought that blisters were evidence of incompetence, ignorance, and inexperience and couldn’t either stop making the point or support it. We did however leave the misunderstanding intact and visible. We expect and demand civility. This is, for sure, a “pervading norm” that must be enforced to keep the folks we want around to stay around. There have been rumors of others banned like Matt G. and Dan S. but they were so patently false and groundless that we watched rather than responded. There’s a lot of falsehood in the world but only 24 hours in each day.

I would relish a fitness site equal in fitness information to CrossFit while simultaneously supportive of “liberal” (I presume you mean “socialist”) values. Alas, I fear that the mix of rigorous honest fitness and socialism shall remain, as you said, “mythical”. (Does anyone wonder why there are no conservative vegetarians?) Should it arise, I will support it and have to amend my views of at least a few socialists. I have to smile at your reference to anti-killing, anti-violence, values coupled with what I am perceiving to be support for a political philosophy that has taken as many souls as plague and flood. But let’s not get too “political”. (F.A. Hayek’s, The Road to Serfdom is a must read for all who care about such.) I do, however, want you to stay a part of this community and respect your outspokenness.

(Notice I’ve avoided mentioning my support for the war which I consider not only just but geopolitically wise and moral because this is first and foremost a fitness site and only secondarily a place to shape morals, judgment, and character. (Wink/Smile!))

I keep returning to this discussion despite knowing I should get off of the computer, go outside, and enjoy the beautiful day. However, that is the thing about this site, it fascinates me. As to where Crossfit is going, I don't know, but as long as the WOD's are posted, I'll keep showing up to see what's new.

With regards to the discussion of politics on the site, I guess both Phil Millar and Dan Silver's opinions are the ones that I find myself agreeing the most with. It is nice that Coach has chimed in because there have been many times, not just today but over many years, that I've wondered what he was thinking. As I've mentioned before, I've been visiting this site for a lot longer than I've been practicing Crossfit. I've sometimes disagreed with the "political vibe" that I've felt, but in the end I have and will continue to come back here for several reasons. First, the workouts rock. Next, I keep learning. Even when I disagree, I learn something. Sometimes my mind is changed, always it is broadened. Third, I appreciate the tone of respect people use here.

Earlier today I wrote that I was humbled by Dave Shepard's sacrifice. Reed wrote that soldiers die believing in the war. What truely humbles me is that, I think, soldiers die believing in us, the American people - whoever we are, however we live, whatever we believe in. I think, those who serve believe we are worth it and live and die believing it. This humbles me.

I hope two things as I post this. First that it is an appropriate post for this forum. Second that I have not offended anyone with it because I truely respect the Crossfit community and want to be a positive influence within it.

At the risk of sounding unoriginal (caps used rarely):

THANKS COACH!

I would be happy to argue points and details of fitness theory, but the bottom line is a source of agreement and pride: Crossfit is by far the best thing going, anywhere in the world.
I appreciate the dialogue and the difference of opinion, even when tension and division arises. I'll take the "socialist/commie" punch on the chin, keep on chuggin and consider it a civil disagreement and difference of opinion rather than launch into a poli-sci/historical discussion.
Not leavin', Coach. Thanks for all of your help and will keep it focused on reps and sets.

i, too, think that respecting the house one is in should be a primary concern. i am very grateful to Coach and Lauren for charging themselves with this site. that said, there was a request for input, and i think that request has been handled graciously by all involved.

I have done fine up to this point just doing the assigned workouts and not worrying too much about the unique culture of Crossfit. i would like very much to be a part of this community, but it's not necessary that i am in order to benefit from Crossfit's existence.

as a veteran and the son and brother of veterans, Phil's post above resonated with me on many levels. so now that we can agree that Crossfitters already come in all stripes, maybe we can all agree that there is a place for even liberal, progressive, socialist, and libertarian crossfitters. as long as we respect each others' abilities to make decisions concerning "morals, judgement, and character," we are stronger than any number of ideology-driven movements.

thanks again, Coach

and happy day off to everyone

If liberal means "socialist", does "conservative" mean abandoning the realist foreign policy that kept the Soviet Union contained for 45 years -- for a neo-liberal foreign policy (yes, that's what it is really called, look it up)?; running up huge budget deficits -- as a percentage -- greater than LBJ's "great society"? (from today's reason.com website); a massive prescription drug benefit? (surely, that is not socialist!).

I don't really want to confuse anyone with the facts, but there they are.

didn't know Dave, but I remember how much I loved that photo, for me, who will eventualy be deployed, that photo of dave is crossfit...full gear, moving over stuff like an animal at war should...functional fitness...may the dinner halls at valhalla open wide for you...I'll continue to crossfit w/ your memory.

I don't really understand crossfit...I know nothing about the method behind maddness. I only know that it works, real f-ing well, and it's fun as all hell. Everyday is a new adventure, a new challenge. It is the future of fitness... as long as it stays pure. My only fear is commercial take over or copy cat money hungry programs that will mar the good name of crossfit in its unstopable climb to the top of the fitness world.

Aw shucks Laura!

Walcott, word.

To be honest, anyone who finds Crossfit overly partisan, is probably guilty of the same crime himself. It is important to tolerate people who disagree with you, in addition to listening to, thoroughly understanding, and developing counterarguments to their ideas. If being exposed to other points of views makes you uncomfortable, it may be because you have isolated yourself into a universe where everyone agrees with you. Confining oneself in such an environment, in my opinion, leads to intellectual laziness and arrogance. I am grateful for the worldview that crossfit has exposed me to, though I do not agree with it. It is possible to be in awe of the law enforcement and military communities' ideals of commitment, service, decisiveness, courage, and patriotism, without agreeing in the practical applications of their values. I have no idea how Iraq is going to turn out. I have no idea where the U.S. economy is headed over the next 20 years. It is important sometimes to consider what you don't know, and what you shouldn't be too sure about. Doing so makes other people's ideas easier to deal with.

Rereading this discussion, I noticed that Phil Millar said most of what I meant to say better than and before I did. Oh well.

Rereading this discussion, I noticed that Phil Millar said most of what I meant to say better than and before I did. Oh well.

My condolences to the Shepard family and friends.

My sincere condolences to the family of Dave Shepard. His sacrifice is for all Americans.

How can you separate 'politics' out of something as essential as fitness, in a time like today?
Why do we exercise way beyond our comfort zones? To look pretty? To look tough? Or to be something more for those we care about? So the kinship to people who serve, toeing the most dangerous line (not a game, not an exercise) seems natural to me. The 'politics' of that might not be readily assimilated by people whose minds are more at ease with concepts (right/left, etc.) and abstract debate. I believe we push so hard to go beyond the words and ideas, maybe to approach the hearts of those who will jump into the water to save a loved one or a stranger, into a burning building, or a firefight, without hesitation.
Thanks to those who cultivate the Crossfit spirit for pointing the way so powerfully.

i really dont have much to add except, as a wannabe warrior, Scott McAndrew's post expressed my thoughts/reasoning well:

"Earlier today I wrote that I was humbled by Dave Shepard's sacrifice. Reed wrote that soldiers die believing in the war. What truely humbles me is that, I think, soldiers die believing in us, the American people - whoever we are, however we live, whatever we believe in. I think, those who serve believe we are worth it and live and die believing it. This humbles me."

i want to join the military because i want to be one of the sentinels on the wall who fight for freedom...who fight for loved ones...who fight for those too weak or old to fight for themselves. soldiers dont choose the fight but they choose to fight and do so because they have a love. the end of Saving Private Ryan grasped it. and so did the sailor who said something to the effect of, "there are evil men out there who want to attack my loved ones...over my dead body." honoring soldiers who died believing in the American people is political only in the sense that the people are the foundation of the polity.

also, i didnt know Dave Shepard and wanted to remain silent, leaving the comments to those who were closer to him, but MGV535's post tore me open. God bless Dave and his family.

finally, schisms and heresies are important in the life of a body because when recognized for what they are, they help to more clearly define the body. 'not only am i this, i am not this.'

Today my training partner and I did the clean/front squat/split jerk WOD. On a lark we decided to do Helen. We finished gasping flat on our backs, PR's in our pocket. What is shared in those wild eyed flights around the gym is hard to describe to those who have never shared in them. The gym is quiet now, but pretty soon warriors and sheepdogs, teenage athletes and fighters, moms and dads will start to wander in. They know what CrossFit is and what it's about. The bell will sound. There will be a rush for the doors, and for a few minutes the world will be simple, and boil down to one simple variable....time. The newbies will look on uncomprehending. We'll try to explain it, stammer a few lines then leave muttering "just try it". A few will.

Can I still post my day if I have nothing political to say??

Morning, OLAD
Squats, 6 sets of 3 335lbs

Evening
Cleans 5-5-5-5
front squats 5-5-5-5
split jerks 5-5-5-5

Cleans 185-185-185-190
all full squat cleans, strictly touch and go.
Each set stronger than the last
Front squats 225 all sets
Split jerks 185-190-190-190
Felt good

Steveo

Steveo, please. That would be refreshing.

Condolences to the Shepard family.

It is interesting how many people who do not want any "political talk" squeeze a viewpoint or two in there anyway....
This thread has made me cry more than once,
Strong emotions can create strong commentary.

The black box doesn't have any opinion- it just spits stuff out. It takes people full of convictions, to put stuff in the box in the first place. Maybe it is just me- but I think that is the beauty.

Group Moffett completed "Angie" today:

100 pullups
100 pushups
100 situps
100 squats

Pullups were the most difficult out of this WOD.

Following Steveo, who is an uber-stud, my day:

75 cleans 14:34
CF takes me into the gym when I don't want to go. It makes me hate exercises I love as I grind them into the ground. It takes my weaknesses and holds them before the light, then says, "Do 5 rounds for time." In short, it has made my pansy ass work like no other program before.

I came here only seeking knowledge and a hard core program. I got what I wanted in spades. I look at political/idealogical comments as just what they are, comments.

May you rest in peace, Dave.

I carried you in my thoughts tonight as I worked out. Your courage and sacrifice spurred me on when I felt weak. And when I finished, once alone, it was for you and your family that I wept.

My thanks go to you and your comrades.

Fair winds.

Wow, what a day for comments! CF is society..some drive Fords some Chevy and some a Honda and of course theirs is the best or the worst. Everybody has an opinion and that's ok.
I am a Vietnam era veteran, and I will always be a warrior, but I stay away from politics and religion.

Where is CrossFit going? For me, I want everyone to know about it. We are a sick society. Americans wake up every morning, and most look in the mirror and don't like what they see. At least twice a week something happens which provokes the thought, "I've got to lose weight. I've got to get healthy." If they are in their 20's and they are overweight they have tried at least 2 times to become healthy...30's 3-6 times...40's 6-12 times and in their 50's they have lost count. They are deceived by fitness clubs, food manufacturers, media, equipment manufacturers, physicians and so called experts who are motivated by greed.
Due to being blessed with good health, strong core, and being plain psycho, I was able to set a world record. Due to the media attention and internet postings, I receive at least 4 emails a day from individuals wanting answers to questions related to health and fitness. It does not matter their age, income, education, political affiliation nor what they drive. They truly do not know how to change their life. Most are, like me, addicted to sugar.
I used to ask them to journal 4 days of nutrition...give them advise and a workout plan.
NOW, I tell them to go directly to www.crossfit.com. Tour the site. Download the FREE journal offered. Copy Lynne's FAQ. Then, just do what the site tells you to do with adjustments accordingly to fitness level. I tell them they will be surrounded by a new community of friends who want them to have success, and will help them with truth.
Best of all, the founders of this site are offering the truth to you for free. No greed, no ego, no vanity, no hurt, no pride, no deception, no personal gain. People on the site may disagree with an opinion on supps, or diet or whatever but always keep in mind, the keepers and leaders of the house. Coach and Lauren and what they stand for.
Coach and Lauren and their morals and values are the future, along with those who have the respect and wisdom and discernment to learn.

Marketing is what brings people to an affiliate. Perhaps a new topic on the message board for marketing assistance and sharing ideas would help. The people who truly want to change their lives and the lives of their children, are not CF'ers only because they don't know about us.

Hey
Coach is a maverick to say the least in creating a supremely functional mishmash in a supremely elegant format and quantified with unquestionable simple accuracy.
Crossfit, extracted from commercial machinery is now poised to be applied to our future....our children..in what could be a wholesale hit in physical education programs...(making a SPORT of fitness!). Stimulating resiliency and character in our young.
Justin
Although I come from a line of servicemen and support a strong military, I completely opposed entering Iraq...... Where I stray from your position is that REGARDLESS we ARE engaged and I must fully support our countrymens' efforts......wholeheartedly..because there's no turning back...and those ARE our brothers over there.
Salute to Mr.Sheperd and family.

I am not a frequnet poster, butI feel like making a few comments. I am not a Christian and I don not support the politics of the war in Iraq, yet I think what Matt G said is important. I greatly value CrossFit and I respect the house in which I am a guest. Count me in the minority with Justin, Phil and Sam L, though there are likely many places where my opinions differ from these men. One thing that I truley love about the CF community is how supportive everyone is whether you are working out together or answering someone's question on the website. We all come from many different backgrounds and beliefs, yet most of what I have seen transcends these differences. I have hope that we can focus on what brings us together rather than what makes us different. Thank you Coach and Laruen and everyone that makes up this community.

Dave and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.

CrossFit will continue to grow because it is more effective than anything else out there. It has totally re-energized my training and conditioning, and has reminded me how important it is to be strong, respectful, humble and kind. I really respect and admire the fitness, quiet confidence and maturity of the person who turned me on to CrossFit, and I hope that if I am successful in turing others on to CrossFit, it will be because they see the same qualities in me.

Did Helen today as my back finally loosend up:

50# db swings 21x3 (unbroken)
12 pu's x 3 (broken, 8+4, 8+4, 7+5)
subbed 1.5 mi treadmill run at 8 mph.
forgot to time myself but kept up high intensity through out.

Eric - Nice job. You back living in Montana or just visiting?