Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Gram turns 101, my niece has a blog, and the Podcast gets a facelift

"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards." 

Vernon Sanders Law

Hello all,

Lots to cover, and not a ton of time, so let's get right into it. The last week has been chock full of lessons, ones that I had thought I had learned before, but Father Time saw it fit to make sure I re-visited them. Lessons in faith; faith in oneself, faith in others, faith in this "experiment" we call training and racing, and trust; trusting oneself as well as the ones closest to you, trusting your instincts, trusting that you are making the right decisions, and being prepared to accept what happens if you don't. I look back at the last 7 days and realize that I didn't take a step back, I actually took a huge one forward, understanding more about where true strength comes from, and how spending time alone can provide greater clarity than ever. 

On to more light-hearted topics - the first being some well deserved shout outs. First, to my athlete and friend Allison Gill, who, in her rookie tri season, competed at the USAT National Championships this past Saturday, got herself a PR and a great experience with the best athletes in the country. She's hungrier than ever, and I know she will be a real force for years to come. 

Also, major props to two CFE athletes who are out there preparing to show how the CFE method has them achieving greater results every time they race. John Hippensteel who is preparing for Ironman KY, and Brad Williams, who has seen marked improvement in 3 months time, constantly nabbing PR's and podium spots in tris, who is continuing to use CFE for his half iron at the end of this month. I have mad respect for these guys - they embody what it means to be truly unscared by taking a leap of faith, using CFE instead of traditional endurance training methods, and discovering that each day brings greater results than ever imagined. They are proof that CFE not only works, but that its changing lives for the better. Everyday.

And its that time of year again, Gram had another birthday, 101, and counting. She partied like the Rolling Stones, and who can blame her?, taking in all the love, laughter and joy from her family. She continues to be a beacon of hope, determination, strength, and love for our family, and for those who have the honor of meeting her. She remains in high spirits, even though she's skeptical about the Bears this season, and continues to provide wisdom for all of us. Which is why she is my guest host for my next podcast episode.

Yes, the podcast format is changing again. The first one was a success, done by myself and Krissy. It was received well, got some laughs, and some great feedback. However, a change needed to be made, so the second episode was a solo adventure, where I discussed the Crossfit Games in detail, having watched every heat and every event, including the row, from the Games. It was absolutely amazing, every minute more exciting than the last, and it made me forget the ridiculousness that has become professional sports as of late. In the face of the A-Rod PED case, the Johnny Manziel possible suspension for signing autographs, and NBA players, like LeBron James talking about his "next team" instead of focusing on the one he's currently playing for, watching the Games was watching the future of sport, and its a lot closer than you think. 
But moving forward, I'm going to be doing the podcast with a different guest host every time, discussing all sorts of topics, no holds barred. My first guest host will be my Gram, with her wealth of knowledge and experience we will most likely do more than one episode together. Be on the lookout for the next episode. It promises to be amazing.

And last, I've discovered that my dear niece, Isabella, has started her own blog. Did I mention she's 9? And the blog is a way for her to not only inspire others, but to make money? That's right, in true Petruzzelli fashion, she is using social media to move others to do great things, she's also started a business, making bracelets for sale. The bracelets are great, and her daily messages are even better. I couldn't be prouder and I have to admit, her blog is more inspirational than mine. So check it out and see what the future is doing - 

www.theworldaccordingtobeans.blogspot.com.

You'll be glad you did. That's it for today. Be good. 

Stay strong,

Guy