Back to the Basics

If you haven't noticed there has been a movement in the running community back to how it all began, barefoot.  Now although many shoe companies have not endorsed this movement fully for obvious reasons, they have begun to produce extremely more minimalist shoes in the market.

Nike has introduced the Free lineup and boasts how it mimics the barefoot gait.

Adidas has also introduced a lineup of shoes called Adizero with similar characteristics.

And now New Balance is starting the Minimus lineup, which in my mind is getting closest to minimal running by a major shoe company.  Below is a teaser/intro video to the shoe and how it was developed with collaboration with one of the best ultra marathon runners, Anton Krupicka.  Krupicka is one of the quickest rising stars to the sport and is known for his simplistic approach to gear and training.  Minimal shoes and lack of timers encompass how he trains.  He simply runs as much as he can with a normal weekly training that logs over 200 miles, with much of these being barefoot.

After starting to compete in marathons and ultras he quickly began winning, and winning big.  In 2006 and 2007 he won the Leadville 100 (just google to understand how crazy this race is) where he set a record time and finished 3.25 hours before the runner-up.



(yesterday)
WOD: 6 rounds of:  400m sprint/25 burpees
times:  21:22

The Heart.

Today I held a dead lifeless heart. .

I thought that it would be somewhat magical, but to say the least, it wasn't.  The globs of fat and fibrous tissue surrounding it made for a poor presentation and the rock-like clotted blood throughout each chamber and venule only made for a more difficult preparation.  The presence of a shiny metal pacemaker inferred a poor lifestyle with bad dietary habits or possibly familial predispositions.  On the outskirts of the organ, a bypass surgery was present to help extend the life of this amazing organ.  One aspect of the heart seemed so real, so natural, and so authentic - while all the modern day innovations of healthcare showed a surreal and somewhat forged part of life.  Yet somehow, after seeing all these incredible feats of preserving life, and imagining the doctors that spent lifetimes to perfect their skills in realizing them I only could think about how much we do to destroy it.  

Why is it that as normal people we don't take on the responsibility of taking care of ourselves.  It's too often that we imagine a doctor's office as a mechanics garage that will take you in, fix you, and bill you later.  We believe that the fixing, repairing, and restructuring of our life is up to a physician or healthcare advisor when in reality we could avoid most all illnesses with prevention.  I fear the majority of Americans just lack the education and are ignorant to what they impose upon themselves with their choices.  I don't understand why more resources are used to help prevent the number one cause of death in America, heart disease.   Due to our poor lifestyle choices the rate of this disease is increasing at a phenomenal rate and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.  We know that tobacco causes lung cancer and we enforce laws to prevent adolescents from using them, while at the same time childhood obesity is skyrocketing and we do nothing.  Hmm.

Artificial heart

As I'm becoming more involved in medicine, I realize just how political and ethical the decisions we as healthcare workers are making.  I've heard it numerous times that doctors don't decide who gets treated or not, but instead just do what they've learned to do - heal the sick.   However, it's becoming more and more the issue that doctors are limiting services to underpriviledged, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients because they fear not getting reimbursed.  Morals are now brought into practices such as with cases dealing with abortions, and it's becoming a career so mixed up and confused that I can totally understand why many doctors wouldn't repeat it if presented with the opportunity.  So why do I choose to follow the crooked path to doctorhood?  Simply put - I don't know, I just want to.

Of course there are personal influences that motivate me but what I'm not inclined to do is to just treat the symptoms.  I hope one day that I can be involved of the healing process that helps someone regain function and quality of life.  I hope that I don't fall into the trap of pill pushing with a mere hope to keep a sick dying heart pumping for no reason other than self gratification.  This is what I hope for.

In the deep end.

Today was the official start of Block 2 at BCM for the MS1's. Block 2 is comprised of three main systems known around here as CRR, or Cardio-Renal-Respiratory. For the next five weeks we will be force fed more stuff than we'd ever imagine learning in this time frame, and I for one felt it today. I've had some basic background with Anatomy and basic systems throughout the body but after 4 hours of lecture today dealing with more than I felt I could handle, I feel as though I've been pushed in the deep end of pool.

Studying will thus commence today. Additionally, I have heard a once or twice that a few students are going to use/try James' method of studying. I just want to reiterate that although I have tailored and altered points here and there, I don't take credit for it's principles. That goes to some guy at UT Houston (yes I know, it's hard to believe they did something right - jk).

Today was a bit of a scary day also because Shelby took Casey in to see the vet about a bump that has come up on the side of her face. It's really weird because it seems that it literally appeared overnight and is about the size of a date (round, but somewhat oblong). It doesn't hurt her when we palpate it so it has been somewhat a bit of confusion around here. Luckily Shelby was able to get her into a new vet down here in Houston, who happen to all be Aggies - whoop! They weren't exactly sure what she had but were 'concerned' due to her age and location of the mass. Shelby was informed the next best thing to do was sedate her to get a biopsy, which first requires a thorough workup of blood. Those results should be back in a few days and then we'll move from there. We're both hoping everything turns out okay because Casey is such a great member of our family.

Below are a few shots of the dogs and clips from some old folders.



WOD: 3 rounds of Kelly (due to time constraint) 400m sprint/ 30x 24" box jumps/ 30x 20# wallballs
time: 17:41

Saturday.

Saturdays are A-W-E-S-O-M-E.  College Football, no school, college football, relaxing, did I mention college football?  Anywho, this morning was great because I took Grayson on his first run around the neighborhood.  Crazy enough, I took the two dogs too (2 grown labs if you didn't know).  I was really surprised to see how well Grayson slept throughout all the bumps and crevices of the trails, and how the dogs behaved, despite when they had to make unexpected pit stops to drop a "T-Rex" dump (as Shelby so kindly puts it).

I also was fortunate enough to see a good friend of mine all the way back from Palestine, (Texas that is).  When I had to stop for one of the doggies, I heard a bicycle approaching from behind and I heard a, "James Berg, I can't believe it's you!"  Low and behold it was Mark Gold, former Texas A&M student body president and medical student at UT Houston.  Great guy, and after a brief chit-chat he was off to study for their approaching block exams.  Overall the run was great, and I was glad to get some early morning exercise.   Later I'll try to go to the gym at BCM to lift heavy.

When I got back I was warmly welcomed by an "All American Breakfast" put on by the CARES team at our complex.  There is absolutely nothing better on a Saturday morning than waking up, getting some fresh air, then getting home cooked breakfast (for free!).  Later today Shelby's Meemaw and Aunt Carrie are coming down to visit Grayson and we're going out for lunch.  I'm excited to get to hang out with them and relax some more.

Also, I put together a video for your enjoyment of the last few days, primarily at Hermann Park.  Enjoy!



WOD: "Diane" 21-15-9 225# Deadlift/handstand pushups timed; followed by Annie for completion
time: 13:25

Staycation

These past few days have been awesome!  With no school to worry about and a plethora of activities in Houston, Shelby and I have been trying to take advantage of everything to do nearby.  So with that, Wednesday and Thursday we headed out to Hermann Park to check out what it had to offer!  

Wednesday when we pulled up to the park near the Museum District (which is another place we have to hit up) there were a TON of people everywhere, and to be racially insensitive - they were all Mexican!  We had no idea what the heck was going on but we soon heard the sounds of guitars and drums playing the unforgivable mariachi.  HaHa, Grayson sure loved it because it put him right to sleep without a peep.   Upon nearing the park with the stroller it dawned on us that the big fiesta was probably just something for Mexico's Independence.  

Grayson on the drive there

Shelby beside the reflecting pool

It was our first time for us to go to the park so there was so much to take in.  Near the entrance there is a huge reflecting pool (kind of like the one in D.C.).  There's a ton of trails, both paved and rock to run, jog, or just stroll along on.   Closer to the entrance of the Houston Zoo there's a beautiful lake that offers rental paddle boats and a miniature train that encircles it and the park.  We weren't able to try either one of these, but we will one day - I promise. 

One part of the trip I enjoyed was the skyline of the Medical Center in the Background.  I still can't believe how large the whole center is, and how many different institutions there are throughout all of it.  It's hard to believe that in just a year and a half I'll be able to start rotating throughout some of them. 

Shelby interpreting Japanese for us

Thursday might have been even better because although I had most of Wednesday off from school, this time I had the whole day off.  The day started off a little hard though because I had volunteered to wake up and feed Grayson with formula during the whole night so that Shelby could get a complete nights rest for once.  It was tough and I admire all the women out there that have done that for months and months.  I insist that they have specific genes that modify their sleep cycles so that they don't go too crazy.  Again we went back to the park but checked out the Japanese Garden and Tea House.  Near the entrance we learned that the park was originally established in 1990 when Japanese Prime Minister Kaifu visited Houston for the World Economic Summit.  He helped set aside a fund from his government to build this amazing garden.  The actual teahouse was built in Japan, disassembled, then reassembled in Houston.  All throughout the garden symbolism abounds in it's architecture, design, and beauty.  I could definitely afford to revisit here, especially when it's a little cooler.  

Japanese Tea Garden

Hopefully more fun activities to blog about later this week.


WOD:  5 rounds of: 10 sumo deadlifts (95#), 50 double unders
time: 11:10

Block 1 Wrap Up

Just a few humorous exam Q&A's

The much anticipated and much awaited Block 1 of medical school here at Baylor College of Medicine has come to an end.  It has met all my expectations and exceeded many more.  The past few years have been spent working tirelessly, studying endlessly, and worrying excessively about how these past few weeks would play out, and I can say with an clear mind that it was "great."

I remember first learning about coming to Baylor College of Medicine.  I was worried that the student body would be unwelcoming, or maybe even a little "too nerdy" for my style of learning.  Around the same time I also learned that I would become a father just a week before the final exams of block 1.  Many nights I wondered how were our living conditions going to be, how much time would class take away from me and my 'new' family, or how would I ever concentrate enough to take exams with a 10 day old newborn at home. To wrap it up in a few words, "It wasn't easy, but it was worth it."

First I couldn't have done it without Shelby.  She's been extremely understanding and patient with me during my transition to medical school, sometimes maybe a little too much.  She has sacrificed herself over me numerous times so that I could focus or study more frequently and less interrupted.  And now, she has given up her career to primarily raise Grayson at home.

School has been both exciting and stressful.  While most classmates would probably agree, the material that we learned this past month and a half wasn't terribly difficult to learn or comprehend, but the sheer amount of it was overwhelming at times.  According to my transcript, we are currently enrolled in 40 semester credit hours -  40!!  That's like three times what I ever took at A&M during one semester.  All the professors at BCM have also been great.  While boring at times, and maybe a little irrelevant at others - it was incredible learning side by side to some of the greatest scientists and physicians Houston, and even world have to offer.  It's just incredible when diseases and pathways are named after the scientist who discovered it and is now subsequently standing in the auditorium teaching you about it first person.

Personally I feel that I did okay concerning my well being.  I made a goal to try and exercise consistently and maintain a healthy paleo-based diet.  Every week except when Grayson was born till the block exams I did extremely well with my workout regimen and diet.   However I don't feel like I stayed true to that course after Grayson came and block exams neared.  Stress (distress) played an important role in this, but I don't believe that's a valid excuse.  I except that I chose to stray from my good habits and am trying to redirect them back.  I've also tried to keep the dogs both actively engaged and healthy through a good diet, exercise, and positive stimulation.  From my short period of being an owner/dad to two labs these past few years it's incredible what a little time with them everyday can do for them over a long time.

Now finally, there's no better way to wrap up this block than to have a little time with my family.  Since exams ended yesterday afternoon, I have until Monday to rest, relax, and enjoy the time with Shelby, Grayson, Casey, and Parker.  During this time I hope to spend some quality time with them and maybe explore Houston a little more.  I'm also going get back in shape, read some recreationally, and most importantly - catch up on blogging!

Below is a video that has really motivated me to step up just a little more.

Visit sicfit.com for more Videos

Why am I here?

The best interview ever. 

Although it hasn't been that long ago since I started medical school, I'm already beginning to feel the drag of the constant studying, sleepless nights, and loss of why I even decided to go to medicine.  When we sit in a lecture hall (the same one) for 4 hours a day straight, every weekday, I imagine feelings like this are only normal for anybody pursuing this dream.

I recall a year ago when I was applying to medical school.  I was stressed out about the MCAT, my classes at A&M, getting married, and which school I would be going to - but what I did have at the moment was excitement and a desire to aim for the biggest goals in the world.  I imagined nothing could stop me from realizing my goal of being a doctor and helping people through a unique way that few have or ever would  experience.  I dreamed of seeing patients, diagnosing them, and following them through their treatment plan to a successful recovery.    -  -  Sadly I admit now, I have lost many of these desires.

I was fortunate enough at this same time to stumble upon a blog written by a first year student here at BCM named is Rishi Kumar.   I read about how he enjoyed going on Fridays and talking to the interviewees that were coming to look at the school and be evaluated.  He talked about how these moments revitalized his desire and kept him motivated.   Today I'm glad to say, that I have experienced those same feelings.   During the afternoon I was fortunate enough to have a few moments free, so I decided to drop by the lecture hall where they keep the interviewees.  I was able to talk to a few people from all over the nation and hear their stories and motivation to become a doctor.   All of them were very bright and by all means qualified by me to be great students and will likely get accepted to their choice of school.  All of them had the same characteristic though, that desire.  The one you only see in naive, ignorant, and unexperienced students.  The desire that will blindly lead you through anything and everything, whatever the cost to succeed.   It was this that I once had, recently lost, but now rekindled.

It's truly amazing the affect positive people around you can have.  The emotional attitude change that can be drawn from another is incredible so as that people change their lives just from seeing others transform theirs.  I expect many more drop-ins this year to keep my fire going, and to experience the unique affect associating with people that have the same goals as myself.

WOD: 10 min AMRAP - 4 135# hand clean/4 50# turkish getup.  After 10 minutes, 2 minute limit to establish 1RM clean jerk
completed:  5 rounds, 4 cleans, 2 TGUs/  1RM 215

Stressed Out?

That's what I asked myself as I left the admissions office here at school and saw this huge sign saying, "Are you stressed out!?"  It then went on to list everything you can imagine that might make you stressed, then how to recognize it, followed by the appropriate Rx.   Geez, talk about stress - it's hard enough to live with it, much less having to read about it around every corner.  Like this post, if it's stressing you out - please, just close the tab right now! :)

Often misunderstood though is the true meaning of stress.  A common definition goes something like this:

"a specific response by the body to a stimulus,as fear or pain, that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism"


However, what some might not know is that there is good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress).  We want the first, not the second, duh.   But what causes each of these?  Distress is most commonly associated with the word 'stress' and invokes thoughts of crying, worrying, forgetting, and losing.  Distress can also have much more than just an emotional consequence, but it can cause health issues.  It can lead to hypertension, loss of oxygen to you brain, neuronal death, and shorten your life.   It can even kill you.  It was supposedly documented that during the recent World Cup, some Brazilian fan died of heart attacks after watching their team lose.

Moving on to eustress.  How can we replace the common distress with eustress.  Common acts or feelings of eustress involve accomplishing a task or goal, riding a rollercoaster, happiness felt during the birth of a baby, or any event that induces feelings of nervousness or anxiety in a positive manner. Eustress unlike distress, has absolutely no deleterious effects on your health and in contrast helps bring meaning to everyday life.  Without these positive stressors, we might not feel or anticipate positive events in the same light.

Stress in the mainstream has primarily been seen as outside stimuli that affect the way we feel.  But I offer another side to this argument.  I believe that a large part of our management of stress is psychological.  When placed with a stressor, it is our option to choose to have it positively or negatively affect us.  We decide if our anger will get the better of us, or whether we see the situation as an opportunity to learn and grow.  If you are stressed though and feel out of control with your emotions, you should definitely seek help.  There are many useful websites and people that have dedicated their lives to helping and teaching others to cope with stress.

WOD:  50,40,30,20,10,20,30,40,50  situps/double unders
time-  20:29

Genes- What's the big deal?

So after internally fighting how much I've disliked our genetics and endlessly looking at squares, circles, and triangles that are connected by lines in every direction I've come to realize just how important it is.  Maybe it's because at A&M the math part was heavily enforced, or maybe it was counting fruit flies that originally repelled me from the field, but now that I'm a father it all changes.   

Today we were allowed to separate in small groups (10 or so students) with a facilitator (MD) and an affected family from a genetic disorder.  I had the opportunity to meet a lady who had a son with a genetic mutation of a protein called connexin 26 that plays in important part in gap junctions, or structures that allow communication between 2 cells.  Just so happens that this isoform exist in the internal ear.  Thus a mutation causes practically complete deafness bilaterally.  

I felt that we were lucky that even the son (7 yrs/old) was able to come and participate in the session.  The mother talked about their experience from birth until present and how he was originally diagnosed.   This part struck me particularly strong because Grayson was just discharged Monday having performed the same test that let this mother know something was wrong with her son.  There is so much that I never thought about concerning the lifestyle changes one much commit to when faced with difficulties like these.  Not only the child but the parents and siblings will be changed forever.   All social interactions will also be altered in someway or another to accommodate the differences.  

Interestingly enough, this young boy has thrived during his childhood and was fortunate enough to qualify for a cochlear implant.  This gives him the ability to almost hear as well as anyone else although localizing signals are often confused meaning the individual must look directly at the auditory cue directly.  This brings to light also the advances in technology available for individuals with these genetic conditions.  It truly is amazing to watch the two fields grow together more and more, although with these innovations comes increased cost.  

Anyways, it was a great opportunity overall and a moment where I was able to calibrate the true importance of genetics and it's relevance to medicine, but most importantly to people, . . . real people.


WOD: 10 handstand pushups/strict pullups.  9, 8, 7, . . .2, 1.
time: 13:15

Back to work!

So after the most amazing weekend it's back to work, studying hard for our Block 1 exams next week.  I think that I can speak for most of my classmates when I say we're all freaking out just a little bit.  We're about to be tested on 6 weeks worth of material that has been been fed to us at hypersonic speed.   We've covered Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Radiology, Histology, and physical exam skills.  To say the least, it's been fast.

What I really see coming through though with BCM is their willingness to help out.  The Faculty are amazingly easy to approach and confront with any question or difficulty.  For example, last week we had an 'Intro to Nervous System' that quite frankly nobody understood.   Many students emailed the prof and with that he decided to simply review what we learned last week for today's lecture.  All the upperclass students have impressed me too with the willingness to teach as TA's for labs, or be an anatomy buddy to set up practices and give advice on just about anything.

The workload/schedule at BCM is of it's own as I've mentioned before.  Today I went to class from 8-noon (including anatomy lab) and was home to eat lunch with Shelby and her mother.  I quickly was able to study during the afternoon, come back to eat dinner and hang out with Grayson - and now I'm reviewing more notes while most of them sleep.  BCM also offers the ease of video streaming most* lectures.

Anyways, I hope the week gets started right after a long weekend at the hospital.  Thanks again to all that have helped out with the baby, dogs, food, etc.  Shelby's doing great and Grayson is thankfully sleeping the days away.

WOD: 115# barbel complex of 1snatch/2overhead squats/3push press/4 back squat/5 deadlift/6 lateral burpess.   10 rounds for time.
time: 18:21

Movie Night

I threw together some of the pics and video clips from Saturday and Sunday.  Hope you enjoy!

Grayson Pierce Berg

Me and Grayson

September 4, 2010 at 9:23pm Grayson Pierce Berg was born weighing 6lbs 13oz and measuring 20 inches long.  He truly is the most handsome baby in the whole world.  I never actually thought that I would say that, but it's true. It's so hard to describe the experience but I'll try my best.

At 5:00am this morning we were instructed to call the hospital and inquire if they had any rooms available for Shelby's induction.  As suspected they did not because Shelby's induction was elective and considered low priority,  and we were told to call back in 2 hours.  This happened again at 7, 8:30, 10:30, and 12:00.  Luckily around 11:00 Shelby's parents had come over and we decided to go driving around town to get our minds off the baby.  We drove all around Hermann Park, the Medical Center, Rice Village, Downtown, and every road in between.   It was a lot of fun to say the least.  

Grayson just saying Hi

Then around 12:15 we called the hospital and they had an available room for us if we could show up at 12:45 exactly.  Of course we accepted and headed straight over to get things going.  The check in was quick and not before long fluids and meds were being pumped into Shelby.  Very quickly around 2:00pm she started having rhythmic contractions every 2 minutes.  Slowly and slowly she became more dilated until about 7:30 when the doctor just casually came in for another checkup and turns to us and says, "Okay, it's time to start pushing!"  I myself was taken back by her laid back attitude to the point that I became so nervous so quickly that I almost wet myself.  Shelby on the other hand I believe was ready to go!  

Shelby and Grayson

The pushing lasted about 2 hours until Grayson finally popped right on out.  It truly was amazing in a nerdy scientific way how the body is capable of doing such incredible things like delivering a baby.  I was so taken back when Grayson was out and set on Shelby's chest.  I just couldn't believe that I was part of this new little creature in the world.  I was touched.  

Grayson hardly made a peep during the whole process.  Sadly though, there was one little hiccup to the story.  Grayson was born with hypospadias, which by definition is an abnormally placed urinary meatus, or pee hole.  On him his urethral opening is just angled a little downwards opposed to straight out (some might even argue this isn't a problem at all).  His case is very very mild, in fact I didn't even notice it when they told me.  The neonatalogist recommended that we just follow him up with a urologist and if it requires, have a small surgery to correct it 100%.  (Beware - the Wikipedia article on this condition has a very weird picture of a penis, so just be careful)

Grayson Pierce Berg

Altogether I feel exhausted and can't imagine how Shelby feels.  The epidural definitely helped alleviate the pain but the sheer amount of effort port forth has drained her.  Right now Grayson is in the nursery and will be brought to us in an hour or so, so that we can try to feed him again.  Earlier he latched on to Shelby but just didn't seem to be very hungry.  Hopefully things will go better the second time around.  I'm so proud of Shelby and her courage throughout the whole process. She never said one negative comment throughout the whole night.  I love her and Grayson sooo much. 

Last night.

Well, as so many people have reminded me - It's officially my last night without a kid.  I can't sufficiently write in words the feelings that are going through my head.   I first want to note what great support we've had from all our family and friends.

Our decision to come to Houston for medical and start a family has been the best decision so far.   Not just for school, but for being closer to family.  Just the shear amount of relatives that we have so close has been great.   Shelby has 3 uncles and aunts, numerous cousins, and her Meemaw all within about 45 minutes in the Tomball area.  On my side, Joseph and Breana, Serena and Dave, and my grandmother live practically right down the road.  All their support and willingness to help has superseded any of our expectations as when decided to move to Houston.

I've really admired many of my classmates these past few weeks too, especially those those that are married - and even more those that have children.  The balancing act they constantly play scares me at times, but observing them has given me confidence in my abilities to do the same when Grayson comes.  These new friends in Houston have been another great aspect of our transition to Houston.  Their willingness to babysit, make food, or even stay the night here so we can sleep is appreciated.  I feel if we have any questions medically related about children, Candace or Josh having two children of their own will definitely have an answer.   If we need anybody to just cheer us up or do the most random favor - I know that I can call Lindsay and she'll do anything (literally) at the blink of an eye.  Brandon always provides a comical outlet in any situation that can't be overlooked.  There have been so many more that have expressed their concern and desire to help that I can't possibly thank them all in one post.

It's almost surreal now as we get ready to go to bed how different our lives will be tomorrow.  We will have the greatest responsibility placed upon us to raise a child and give him our unconditional love as he grows up.   Sometimes I feel so inadequate or unexperienced with matters like this but at the same time I feel so anxious to jump right in.  I've never changed a diaper still, nor have I ever really babysat an infant, but beyond that I know that our decision to have Grayson has been the best decision of our lives so far.  I know Shelby'll do great tomorrow, because she is so strong-willed and determined.   I'm also thankful that my in-laws are down to be here with us through these dramatic days.

So as I end this post, I ponder about what tomorrow will bring and how I'll feel.  I'll truly be a husband, Father, and student.

Fitness is. .

copyright crossfitmobile.blogspot.com

I want to share a post from a blogger and crossfitter that I actively follow, Blair Morrison.  He grew up in California and studied at Princeton and Oxford.  He's always incorporated fitness and health since he was young.  On his blog, he periodically writes about what "fitness is. . "  Here is one of his articles.

Fitness is. . .

Impartial.

It doesn’t care about circumstances, timing, or convenience. You’re either up to the challenge or you aren’t.

During three years of personal training in Washington D.C., I had the privilege to meet and engage with people seeking fitness from all walks of life. I listened to their goals, taught them the skills they would need to achieve them, and did my best to help meet and overcome each inevitable hurdle. During the course of these interactions and experiences I heard a million reasons why goals weren’t reached or why hurdles were too high. But no justification, no matter how convincing or true, ever transformed failure into success.No task, whatever it may be, will ever make itself easier to overcome because you are tired, sick, or haven’t had your coffee. This is fitness’s beautiful simplicity. You either lift the weight or you don’t. You get yourself to shore or you drown. Almost doesn’t count.

In many cases this kind of impartiality can be ruthless, but it is always fair. Growing up playing football and baseball I was exposed to kids from good families, bad families, rich families, poor families, families with dogs or cats or birds or whatever. The best part of any sport I ever played was that I wasn’t any of those things when I was on the field and neither were they. In that moment we were nothing but our ability or inability to perform.

Unfortunately, this brand of abject fairness doesn’t sit well with those that don’t get it done.Rather than acknowledging failure, finding their flaw, and working towards improving it, the vast majority of kids looked outwards and instead found an external excuse for their incompetence. Call it immature, irresponsible, or whatever, but it is the same in society at large.People blame violence on the influence of video games and popular music. Someone’s kid hurts himself jumping out of a tree and the city is up in arms to chop that tree down. Gone are the days where individuals are held responsible for the risks they take and the decisions they make and it’s creating the biggest and most dangerous epidemic facing the world: that of non-accountability.

Take obesity. There are plenty of medical explanations for why someone is obese and can’t lose weight: over-active thyroid, low bone density, slow metabolism, poor nutrition, previous injury, diabetes, psychological distress…the list goes on. One or all of these could be absolutely true in any given situation and I sympathize with the person fighting to overcome them. But the harsh, impartial truth is that finding a reason for your obesity doesn’t make you any less fat. I promise you, gravity isn’t going to feel sorry for your plight and decide to stop pulling. Yet so often this seems to be what people expect. They resign themselves to the status quo and deem it acceptable because some white coat wrote them a prescription. Their explanation becomes a psychological crutch that cannot be scrapped.

Even more blind are those who blame society for their shortcomings. How many times have you heard or read criticisms of the fast food industry’s corporate greed and deceptive advertising campaigns? As if the individual played no part in shoving that Big Mac and supersize order of fries in his face. The reason McDonald’s is a multi-billion dollar a year business is because people choose to eat there. It’s convenient, it’s cheap, and it tastes good. It also offers very limited nutritional benefit beyond hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. The choice is straightforward and stark, but people get it wrong everyday because they think a good justification is the same thing as a good decision.

I used to wonder how many people could use busyness as an excuse for not exercising. No joke, I heard it at least 6 times a week during personal training sessions and every time it was the sincerest plea. “I’ve been swamped at work,” or “Things have just been crazy lately.” You mean people have to work for a living and sometimes that makes them tired and tight on time?Never heard of such a thing. Things are always about to “calm down” or “lighten up.” Such excuses are the purest form of psychological masterbation. They do absolutely nothing to break the barriers between you and your goals, but, rather, serve only to make you feel better about not reaching them.

I love fitness because it’s a results based pursuit, the purest form of meritocracy. You set goals and you reach them. Or you don’t. No list of excuses will ever change the fact that you didn’t make the time, lose the weight, or prevent the heart attack. SO STOP MAKING THEM. Some people have it harder than others, I grant you. Tough shit. The mirror doesn’t care and neither do I. If the individual reaps the benefit, then so too must he shoulder the burden. Whatever the challenge, just get it done.

WOD: "Cindy" 20 min AMRAP:  5 pullup/10pushups/15 squat
15rounds with 5 pullups