Nicole Hughes

Found a New Spot!

2011-04-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've moved blog locations! Check it out: nicolehughes.tumblr.com

#CCBESTOFATX

2010-11-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

VOTE for CrossFit Central & Relentless Boot Camp for Austin Fit Magazine's Best of Austin Awards! Click Here to Vote - today is the last day!

Perception & the Unnoticed

2010-10-25T14:37:00.001-07:00

Our eyes take in so much more than we perceive. Think about your day - how many people did you encounter? What kind of colors, places, sounds and smells did you process? Some of this we can commit to memory, sometimes we force it into memory, but most often it becomes fragmented in our minds, like pieces of a lucid dream or the feeling of deja vu. What would your week look like if you could piece together snap shots of your adventures, the small details and people that you encountered?

Check out this amazing short by Mike Matas - who did just that while in Morocco & Spain

Morocco & Spain from Mike Matas on Vimeo.

Behind the Scenes of the Erwan Le Corre Interview

2010-10-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

This summer I had the privilege of joining Web & Elliot in an interview and photoshoot with Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat. After catching up and the interview it was time for the photoshoot. First on the shot list - climbing rocks and trees and jumping from various cliffs - keep in mind it was August....in Texas....at 12pm.....

On the second day of the shoot Erwan found this giant log in the woods, which he quickly incorporated into a workout He did all kinds of things from turkish get ups to running through the trees with the log, push ups, etc. It was CRAZY!

Later that weekend I attend one of Erwan's MovNat workshops. It was an amazing and eye opening experience. I learned so much about natural movement and balance in the first 3 hours - and I was ridiculously sore the next day!

A few behind the scenes pics: Web, Erwan & Elliot

My first (short) photo essay was published on SICFIT.Com - would love your thoughts

Click Here to check it out!

Just Tweet It

2010-10-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

I came across this video a few days ago, it is absolutley hysterical and worth the watch! Who's side would you be on - iPad or iPhone?

Women in Hollywood

2010-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

The November issue of Elle Magazine came in the mail last week. It's a guilty pleasure of mine - Elle & Wired are two of my favorite magazines. One of the articles this month: Women in Hollywood - The Power List. Titles like this usually make me want to gag, but I found a fascinating section on Women behind the scenes of huge power house production companies like Warner Brothers, Universal Pictures, and DreamWorks. Perhaps it shouldn't surprise me that there are powerful women involved in these colossal mediums, but it did. I found it fascinating!

THE MOVIE EXECUTIVES

Elizabeth Gabler, president, Fox 2000 Pictures
She may be low-key, but her studio isn’t—not after The Devil Wears Prada and Marley and Me.

Donna Langley, president, Universal pictures
Even during a recent maternity leave, this executive, responsible for Mamma Mia!, Knocked Up, and The Mummy, continued to be touted as the next-in-line studio topper.

Amy Pascal, cochairman, Sony Pictures
The leader of a dwindling pack of female executives heading movie studios, she’s so dug-in, she’s planning Spider-Man VI.

Mary Parent, office of CEO, chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM
For holding that struggling studio slate together (thanks, Valkyrie!) with chicken wire

Keri Putnam, president of production, Miramax Films
She’s the reason that Miramax Films doesn’t make schlock in the wake of the Weinstein brothers’ departure. The proof? Oscar-favored No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.

Stacey Snider, CEO, Dreamworks Studios
As Stephen Spielberg’s right hand, she’s had a tough year because of the credit crisis. But now, with the company on solid financial footing, she’ll return to powerhouse status.

Nancy Utley, copresident, Fox Searchlight Pictures
This newly named cohead of the studio has a daunting task ahead of her: to continue Fox Searchlight’s amazing run of Oscar nominations and wins (Slumdog Millionaire, Little Miss Sunshine, Juno).

New Article Out

2010-10-07T15:47:00.001-07:00

I published an article for The Garage Gym Blueprint this afternoon --->"Twitter & The Garage Gym - Why You Should Care about 140 Characters" An Interview with Web Smith. I'm a complete nerd-o at heart....yep I love to learn. Researching Twitter Inc's roots and the development of social media for this article was super fun!

New Twitter Users Beware!

2010-10-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

It didn't take long after signing up for a twitter account to realize how it would change so many things in our society. Not just the way we do business and the way we interact socially, but the way we think, the way we share information and even our language.

The Hashtag, # (better known in The Hughes household as 'pound') is now something of great relevance. Prior to being a twitter user # meant the symbol for numbers....not any more. Now this seemingly useless and archaic icon represents thought patterns, behavioral patterns, irony, and categorization. For example, if the thought crosses my mind, "what should we eat for lunch?" it is quickly followed by #paleo #chipotle

The # sign can also represent the tone or feeling of a tweet. Example: Saw my high school arch-nemesis tonight at my HS Reunion #ZombiesAreCoolerThanYou

But in all seriousness the hastag is now so relevant to our society that it has the potential and the power to bring down national and international companies. Two months ago Wired magazine published an article demonstrating this fact. Unhappy AT&T customers used 8 characters to vent their frustration with the company --> #attfail Over the course of 6 months 5,000 people used this hashtag.....and it's still going. THIS is powerful! Now, more than ever before the consumer has a voice and the chances of that voice being heard are astronomically greater through the use of Twitter

The @ Symbol - now entire articles (especially ones referencing Twitter) use people's twitter handle instead of or along with their full name.

Web Smith once told me that Twitter is the new press release. He is 100% correct - Twitter is the quickest way to share news, stories, and content with people who share similar interests as you.

Chi-Town

2010-10-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

My girlfriends & I recently went to Chicago for a girls trip - our version of a college reunion. What did we do in the windy city? Saw a Cubs game, ate Chicago style pizza, danced in a basement club, did some sight seeing - and of course took a touristy photo! (as if our "ya'lls" and affinity for bottled beer didn't give us away)

*Note: this is the first time ever - EVER - that we've had more non-blondes in the group! Since our freshman year in college Lindsey (on the far left) Heather (red head, 2nd from the right) and myself (dark brown, 3rd from the left) have always been the only ones that weren't blond! Sarah - welcome to the dark side ;)

@ The Cubs Game...our best attempt at looking 'hard'.....pretty sure we failed

@ Millinum Park 'The Bean'

Out & About....

Who Do You Fight For?

2010-09-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Fight Gone Bad is by far one of my favorite fundraiser events. First of all - the workout is tough - Wall Balls, Sumo Deadlift High Pulls, Push Press, Box Jumps, and Rowing all in one workout. Like every good workout, Fight Gone Bad will test you mentally. It's only a minute of work at each station, which is nothing compared to those battling illness or what soldiers endure, but in the throes of the workout that minute has the power to tap into your psyche. But the best part about it are the causes this workout benefits --> The Livestrong Foundation & The Wounded Warrior Project.

This weekend I'll be on a trip with my girlfriends from college making it the first FGB event I've missed in 4 years. It's also the first Fight Gone Bad Event I've not coordinated in 4 years!

Good Luck to everyone taking this workout on - remember that after your 15 minute fight you get to celebrate, go have lunch, or go home to your family - this Saturday dig deep, push yourself and fight for those that don't have the same opportunity.

The Temperature at which Books Burn.......

2010-09-20T13:34:00.000-07:00

"Colored people don't like Little Black Sambo. Burn it. White people don't feel good about Uncle Tom's Cabin. Burn it. Someone's written a book on tobacco and cancer of the lungs? The cigarette people are weeping? Burn the book. Serenity, Montag. Peace, Montag. Take your fight outside. Better yet, into the incinerator."

"Funerals are unhappy and pagan? Eliminate them, too....Forget them. Burn all, burn everything. Fire is bright and fire is clean."

Fahrenheit 451 was printed in 1953....eery & odd how it speaks volumes to our present day and future.

The September Blueprint

2010-09-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Last week we had 5 affiliates travel to Austin for the September Garage Gym Blueprint Training. What I loved most about this group is their diversity. They each had completely different goals, different brands, and visions but they all shared one thing in common - They sought out our business training program so they could reach more people, affect more lives and help others. Pretty legit people, it was an absolute pleasure working with them.

Pictured: Chris & Amy from CrossFit Waxahachie, Paul & Max from CrossFit South County, Brian & Jill from CrossFit Fly, Karen & Tony from CrossFit Genius, Landon from CrossFit Round Rock, Jeremy, me & Adrien from CrossFit Round Rock

Who Could Resist?

2010-09-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

While visiting my parents one weekend I walked into my Dad's office and found my niece and our dog, Deacon, sharing a water bowl. Like any good Aunt, I quickly grabbed my camera and started snapping away!

These were a little irresistible too...Diego's dog, Oso, hanging out at CrossFit Central

Game Face

2010-09-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

My Mom loves to tell the Chutes & Ladders/Candy Land stories. She says that when I was little I loved to play games.....but only if I won. Apparently I was one bossy and controlling little chick when it came to board games & making up games with the neighborhood kids. My Mom says "We had to let you win so you wouldn't throw a fit!" We have tons of video and audio tapes where I was caught in the act of directing the scene exactly how I thought it should be played out.

Usually went something like this:
Nicole: "Steven, when you ride your bike up the driveway you stop right here. No no.....right heeere. (As I drew a chalked line on the cement indicating where to stop) And then you look at David and say - David! There's a monster at my house! Okay?"

"David, you stand right here and look at Steven and scream and then we'll all run and hide in the backyard"

"Ready?"

"Okay go!"

This would go on and on until it worked out to my liking. Thank God I grew out of this and turned out somewhat normal (even though the above picture proves otherwise). But it always makes me laugh when my parents tell these stories. I still love to play Games...and I still like to win but "winning" doesn't hold the same meaning for me.

I've learned, over time and through many experiences, that being competitive or wanting to win isn't a negative thing. It's how you re-act, how you portray humility and hold integrity whether you come in first place, second place, or last place that matters most. After all - it's only a game. The medal is perishable but the knowledge you gain during the experience, that lasts for eternity.

Pictured Above - Me & Zac @ Dave and Busters about to have a dance off....game faces on

The Will to Act

2010-09-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

"Training is Nothing. Will is Everything. The Will to Act"

Movie Videos & Movie Scenes at MOVIECLIPS.com

I Will Commit - A SICFIT Production

2010-08-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

Elliot Schrock with produces another stellar video:

Visit sicfit.com for more Videos

Is it Possible There Are No Coincidences?

2010-08-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Pictured Above - Taken by my fabulous friend Kate of The Black Forest in Germany - the setting for many of the Grimm Brother's fairy tales....

"People break down into two groups. When they experience something lucky, group number one sees it as more than luck, more than coincidence. They see it as a sign, evidence, that there is someone up there, watching out for them. Group number two sees it as just pure luck. Just a happy turn of chance.

I'm sure the people in group number two are looking at those fourteen lights in a very suspicious way. For them, the situation is a fifty-fifty. Could be bad, could be good. But deep down, they feel that whatever happens, they're on their own. And that fills them with fear. Yeah, there are those people.

But there's a whole lot of people in group number one. When they see those fourteen lights, they're looking at a miracle. And deep down, they feel that whatever's going to happen, there will be someone there to help them. And that fills them with hope.

See what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you?

Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or, look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?"

This is Kid's Stuff

2010-08-04T10:26:00.001-07:00

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child gives us a true picture of reality - innocent and pure. Where adults see stress and concern children see adventure and possibilities. Where adults complicate situations, pass judgment and hold grudges children keep it simple, operate on blind faith and forgiveness.

Recently I dropped by a CrossFit Kid's Camp and got to see this theory in action. The workout challenged them to find a way to work together, trust one another & push themselves - even when they thought they couldn't. We wrapped up the morning with story time and I found myself engulfed in the message, creating and dreaming up the possibilities of my future.

There are a few books that are often categorized as "Children's Books" that are among my favorites --> To Kill a Mockingbird, The Adventures of Huckleberry Fin, A Wrinkle in Time & of course the master of 'childhood' poetry Dr. Seuss.

Think Dr. Seuss' rhymes are meant for kids? Think again - Pay attention to Dr. Seuss' lyrical and theatrical prose, they are life lessons we can all use:

The more that you read,
The more things you will know.
The more that you learn,
The more places you’ll go.
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go.
And today the great Yertle, that Marvelous he,
Is King of the Mud. That is all he can see.
And the turtles, of course... all the turtles are free
As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.

Just a Man

2010-07-31T08:28:00.000-07:00

"JUST. What a horrible candle-snuffing word. That's like saying, He can't climb that mountain, he's just a man, or That's not a diamond, it's just a rock. Just." - Finding Neverland

Back to the Simple Things

2010-07-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

After a week in California, eating out, grabbing things on the go, and fine dining by the Tasty F'ing Meals Crew, I was ready to get back in the kitchen and cook a feast!

The first day back we grilled grass fed beef patties and sausage topped with homemade guacamole, and pic de gallo.

For the Veggies - I cut up zucchini, squash and tomatoes and spread them out on a sheet of tin foil, seasoned them with pepper, fresh garlic, and drizzled olive oil. Then I folded the tin foil around the veggies so it made a packet and put them on the grill for 30 minutes. YUM!

The finished product:

Finally! The Pièce de résistance.
I was really wanting something sweet, but wanted it to still be somewhat healthy......
This dessert trumped anything I've ever had before.

Dairy Free Coconut Milk Ice Cream (Coconut Flavor)
Topped with Crushed Pecans, Honey & Grilled Peaches

Ingredients:
Coconut Milk Ice Cream - Coconut Flavor
Pecans
Fresh Peaches
Honey

*Cut up fresh peaches in slices (shape and size doesn't matter) Personally, I like the thinner slices!

*Brush a little honey on the more flat side of the peach and place on the grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes or until you see the charcoal grill lines on the peach. Flip the slices over and grill until lines appear on the opposite side

*Cut the peach slices into smaller pieces and place on top of the Coconut Flavored Coconut Milk Ice Cream

*Drizzle with honey and chopped pecans

Viola! Fabulousness!

Enchanting Contentment

2010-07-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Location: Laguna Beach, California

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees,
books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in everything."
William Shakespeare

The Murph: Nomad Style...Kind of

2010-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we joined CrossFitters across the globe and took on MURPH in honor of Navy Seal, Michael Murphy's service & life. My parents were in town visiting so we couldn't make it to CrossFit Austin's annual Murph event. But this was a workout I didn't want to miss out on. SO as every good Nomad should, we decided to take on this workout outside wherever we could find a pull up bar.....or so we thought.

Saturday morning we woke up to a 'Texas' down pour. The kind of storm that unleashes buckets of rain for a couple of hours and leaves a wake of thick sunshine and humidity in its trail. Knowing we couldn't use that as an excuse we headed to our apartment gym to see how we could still take on the Murph. And as luck would have it, there was a pull up bar!! It was supper slick and ridiculously tiny, after a bit I had to sub a movement for pull ups.

This was my second year to take on this brutal workout. Last year I did in just over 53 minutes. This year I completed the workout in 38:23...add on some more time for 'real pull ups' I think I still would have come in under last year's time.

But my Murph time isn't what's important in this story - what matters most is honoring and reflecting on one man's time and service during his life; and in turn, relecting on my life and the time spent with those I care most about, and living in the moment every day.

Amongst a sea of machines and concrete walls you know I had to rock my new G7 Nomad shirt!!!!!!

Lead from the Back

2010-06-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've heard the phrase Lead From the Front many times, but one you hear less often is its seemingly contradictory method of thought - Lead from the Back. This was a theory widely promoted and used by Nelson Mandela as one of his 8 Lessons of Leadership. Mandela believed that the way to be a great leader is not to stand at the front yelling and pushing people into action. Instead, Mandela believed that a great leader should empower others to lead and allow them to realize their potential.

I believe it takes both forms of leadership to be a great. A leader should empower and trust others to direct their movement. They should guide with patience and inspiration while leading by example.

A great leader should be willing to get in the trenches with their people, ride to the front of the battlefield and take on the unforeseen danger & glory ahead - side by side, with their troops.

"Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while."

Splendor in the Grass

2010-06-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

What though the radiance which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower;
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind...

Nomads Unite

2010-06-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

This event was by far, one of the BEST and most FUN events CrossFit Central has put on! I was in charge of photography for the day, pretty fun job....just need to increase my skills.

My favorite team @ the Throw down - the G7 Nomads!!! Not only did they bring the salsa music BUT their bandit outfits (complete with colorful stars & Mohawks) were pretty legit. Plus, they're Nomads - enough said.

A Human Being Should Be Able

2010-06-15T19:14:00.001-07:00

"A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." -Robert A. Heinlein

Stream of Consciousness.....

2010-06-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

While up late, working on a few projects, inspiration can come from many places. For some, inspiration is found in a speech. For others it's in a movie. For me, it's music.

And tonight - it's Ryan.

If Nacho Did It - You Can Too

2010-06-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

This movie clip has been resounding in my head all weekend....well that and the Rosebud scene from Citizen Kane...but that's another story entirely ;) In this hilarious and ridiculous clip Jack Black's character hides the fact that he is secretly living out his dream as a wrestler.

Mostly it's just hysterical to watch Jack Black's facial expressions but it does bring up a good point - What would happen if you set out to make your dreams a reality? What would happen if you follow your heart? Would you quit your job - Start a new project or pick up an old one - Make amends with a co-worker - Apologize to a friend - Say I love you?

I make it a point to consistently examine my life and ask myself -- Am I the director in my life or a member of the audience, anxiously waiting to see how it all plays out? Am I choosing the various paths of my life or am I living someone else's dream?

And if you can recognize the irony laced within these sentences you're already ahead of the game.

Shameless Vacation Slideshow

2010-06-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine

I have a long long list of places I want to visit - New Zealand, Jerusalem, Madrid, Canada, Ireland, Morocco, Crete, Vietnam...the list goes on and on and on. Zac and I made the decision this year to travel to a few of these places. First up --> Napa Valley!

A few reasons why Napa:
1. The weather
2. The scenery
3. The wine - Duh!

I have always had a love affair with wine. From production to consumption it truly is an art form celebrated since the days of Socrates, Zeus & Apollo.

When Zac and I travel we don't typically go with a set agenda, we have a few things in mind we might want to see or do - but for the most part - we just set out on a journey.

The two things I knew we had to do while in Napa:
1. Wine tasting by bike
2. Wine tasting in a cave

We took a TON of pictures...and there will be video coming soon...be afraid.

Drinking Wine in a 100 Year Old Cave:
Del Dotto Winery

The wines of Del Dotto are barreled in the 2nd oldest cave in California. It is absolutely insane how different a wine can taste depending on the barrel it is fermented in. We tasted Cabernets made from the same grape...from the same part of the same vineyard....but one was barreled in a 200 year old American oak barrel and the other was barreled in a 400 year French oak barrel. It tasted like a completely different wine. After the wine sits in these barrels for a few years they are all bottled and labeled by hand.

Drinking & Riding: 10 Mile Vineyard Wine Tour
Zac & I rented a couple of bikes in Yountville, just outside of Napa. Equipped with a map and a camera we set off through the valleys of Napa to taste some wine. It was absolutely gorgeous! The ride became progressively slower the more wine we tasted.....

The Mondavi Vineyard
1st stop on the bike tour and also one of my favorite California Cabernets
The Hike:
We woke up on our last day in Napa and went for a hike in the hills. After we made it to the top we decided to run to the bottom - SO FUN!

We tasted so many different varieties of wine & I learned so much more about wine in our short time in Napa. BUT knowledge of the vine can only be shared...and appreciated....over a glass of vino.

Do Your Worst, For I Will Do Mine....

2010-06-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

"Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout as you did in Rome. Do your worst, for I will do mine!" Count of Monte Cristo

On the Menu

2010-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

Last week I realized I was sick of eggs for breakfast. I needed a change, something that was packed with antioxidants and protein but didn't involve meat...or eggs. It was time I tried the Blueberry, Avacado, Kale Shake from the Primal Eating Modern Table website!

The Legit Recipe:
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup kale, off the stem
1/2 avocado
squeeze of lemon
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup water
1 scoop whey protein

I switched it up just a bit
*I threw in almonds instead of avocado to add crunch to the shake and also added some fresh blackberries
The verdict? DELISH!

And for Dessert.....
This weekend I planned a big dinner for some close friends and was searching for a dessert made with only high quality food - no dairy, wheat free, gluten free, etc. I came across the Fudge Baby Recipe on The Label Says Paleo website.

These things are BY FAR, HANDS DOWN, THE BEST, MOST INSANE PALEO DESSERT I HAVE EVER MADE!!!!

Keep in mind they are super high in good fat - but oh oh oh so good. They taste just like brownies - the kind your Mom used to make with eggs, butter, and ingredients you can't pronounce.

The Legit Recipe:
1 c walnuts
1 and 1/3 cups pitted dates
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3-4 tablespoons 100% cocoa powder

Directions:
1. Chop/blend all the ingredients, using a food processor, bullet, or blender
2. Roll into little balls.

I switched it up just a bit
*I added coconut flakes to half the batch and used pecans and almonds instead of walnuts for a little variety! I also popped them in the refrigerator for a bit to make sure they stuck together.
The verdict? AAMAAAZING!!!!

Seize the Day

2010-05-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favs - The Dead Poets Society. This movie overflows with great literature, inspiration, and passion. In this scene the Captain reminds his students that one day we will take our last breath - this is certain. The question is, what will you do with your time until that day? Will you live an extraordinary life without fear to chase your dreams? Or will you wait and watch life pass you by?

We are all traveling down the same path, though the terrain may appear slightly different. These roads will twist and intertwine, sometimes unexpectedly. They can lead you backward, and take you deep into the brush. But our experiences, our adventures, and the people we meet make it all worthwhile - Life is about the journey, not the destination.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.
Carpe Diem

Thrifty Pirate Chef

2010-05-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

It was the end of the week - I had already cooked through the fun recipes and we were down to bits and pieces. We had no meat, some nuts, fruit, and a variety of greens and no matter how many times I opened the refrigerator doors, nothing new appeared. For a moment I thought, "Eh, let's go out to eat, nothing looks good." But instead, I decided to throw all of the vegetables left in the refrigerator into a pan, and see what happens!

I sauteed onions and fresh garlic in organic olive oil until it thickened. Then I added chopped bok choy, kale, collard greens, and tomatoes with a bit of cilantro and tossed it around until the overflowing pan of greens wilted a bit. A dash of garlic salt and pepper - Viola! Thrifty Pirate Veggie Stir Fry Mix!

Childlike Enthusiasm

2010-05-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

The picture? That's me the last Christmas I was an only child. My parents say I had that exact same expression later that afternoon when I discovered my Dad's empty cardboard box from his new TV. The vacant box was a world of endless possibilities and quickly transformed into my new radio station headquarters.

We are all born with the gift of enthusiasm, curiosity, determination, and sheer excitement. It's hardwired into ALL of us. But somewhere along the way we "grow up" things become "serious" and our natural enthusiasm and excitement dissipates. The good news is that we can all tap into this liveliness and choose to approach any project or situation in great fervor, with wide curious eyes and a childlike grin.

Mornings are my favorite time of the day - the moment you open your eyes, everything is so fresh and new. You can determine the tone for the rest of your day, fill yourself with excitement, and as always, be grateful.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily" Colossians 3:23

Freeing My Mind

2010-05-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

It's just me and the trail set before me. Miles of natural terrain bends it's way along the river bank, hastily pushing flowers and brush aside. Light filters through the trees and spreads along the path. There are dozens of other runners, walkers, and bikers making their way across the gravel - Soon they will all be out of focus.

As I start to run thoughts race through my head - relationships - family - friends - work. New ideas formulate - projects develop - images crystallize. Stress and emotion begin to flow out of me and silence fills my thoughts. I make peace and keep running. My mind opens and awareness heightens. And always - overwhelming gratefulness takes over - for the opportunity, for the chance, for today.

I run a few times a week. Not because I have to, or to stay in shape, or because it's listed on my workout program.

I run because it frees my mind, I run because it's fun,
I run because I can.

"Do not be misled by what you see around you, or be influenced by what you see. You live in a world which is a playground of illusion, full of false paths, false values and false ideals. But you are not part of that world." - Sai Baba

Equipping the Next Generation

2010-05-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

Every time I spend the weekend at my parent's house my Mom and I have the same conversation over the phone before I travel to Dallas:

Ma -"What should we cook? What kind of snacks should I pick up? What are you not eating now? Do you still drink wine?"

Nicole - "Ma, the usual, don't worry about it."

Ma - "Well, I never know. Every time you come home you're eating new things."

This is hysterical and at the same time so insightful. She's right, every few months I seem to gain new knowledge in nutrition and what it means to eat good quality food, and usually change up my eating habits in one way or another.

Growing up my parents never kept sodas in the house and my Mom usually made our after school snacks. Dinner was home cooked meals @ 6pm sharp, and it wasn't an option to miss. But as I grew up we introduced things into our diet like "fat-free", "low carb", and we always had dairy products, especially milk.

It wasn't too long ago that myself and most of the Central coaches were still eating dairy on a regular basis---> yogurt, cheese, etc. We recommended that most of our clients eat string cheese as a snack & top their meals with shredded cheese to get good fat intake. Crazy how things have changed! No more dairy, increased intake of "good" veggies, super food every morning, and omega 3s from natural sources.

Now - we're learning that some veggies aren't particularly ideal to eat year round because they're naturally out of season (even though our grocery stores sell them year round) like bell peppers & tomatoes. Looks like another change is in store for my Mom!

It makes me wonder what knowledge, information, and eating habits I'll pass down to my kids. We have the chance to empower and equip the next generation with the knowledge of what it means to be healthy, active, natural, and feel great.

Pictured Above: My niece Sofia playing in Nana's daises. I can't even begin to imagine all of the super stellar things I'll teach her!!

Good for the Soul

2010-05-03T16:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoon I had the urge to try a new side dish recipe to go with oven baked chicken. So I started searching a few of my favorite "clean food" sites ---> Mark's Daily Apple, Eat This, Eat Clean Live Strong, The Label Says Paleo & Primal Eating Modern Table. I finally settled on the Sauteed Chard with Apples & Bacon Salad from Primal Eating Modern Table!

The Ingredients:
Swiss Chard
Green Apples
Bacon
Sauteed Onions
Fresh Garlic
& I added a little olive oil to the mix

This one was super easy to make! Check out the full recipe here. The final product - DELICIOUS!!

Their website is full of great ideas, information, and recipes. Up next --> the Primal Eating Modern Table Blueberry, Avacado, Kale shake!

Vision Without Sight

2010-04-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

On the morning of July 4th, 1952 Florence May Chadwick set out to be the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel. A thick blanket of fog saturated the morning and clung to the chilly ocean air as she entered the water. Sharks circled the water only a few yards away from Florence, threatening to stop her journey at every stroke.

But it wasn't the cold water, nor the frosty air, nor the ravenous sea creatures that kept Florence from reaching the shore that morning. It wasn't a lack of skill, nor a lack of physical preparation, nor a lack of experience.

In the end - it was the fog that did her in.

Florence swam for 15+ hours straight, her body was tight, her arms and legs cramped below the surface of the water. Her coach and mother urged her to keep pressing forward, to finish what she had begun. Ultimately Florence was pulled out of the water and into the safe harbor of the row boat. She was less than 1/2 a mile from reaching the shore.

Once on the shore she told a reporter, "Look, I'm not excusing myself, but if I could have seen land I know I could have made it."

Florence Chadwick went on to achieve great things in her lifetime - but this one incident is so remarkable, & so brilliant, because it captures the essence of human discouragement and lack of faith. What happens to many people when they set out to accomplish and achieve - they give up, not knowing how close they are to reaching their goal.

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." -St. Augustine

This City is Vibrating

2010-04-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Austin is an amazing city. Art, music, film, fitness, trails, hills, tress, lakes, rivers, creativity, buzz..and we are lucky enough to wake up each day in this environment. Every weekend there seems to be something going on from ballets and triathlons to food and wine festivals & art festivals, how can you not be in awe of this city!

This past Saturday Zac and I checked out the Austin Art Festival. This is by far the best way to buy art. Most of the time it's the artist, painter, or sculptor selling their work from a tent. You get to hear their story, learn where the piece was created, and ultimately what inspired them.

Zac's Pick: was from Andy Van Schyndle who lives in Wisconsin and traveled to the festival. His art is extremely creative - think creatures of the deep meets the mad hatter. Part reality and part fantasy, they're pretty amazing. The below painting was inspired by Space Invaders!

My Pick: A Captivating picture by a local Austin photographer, Greg Davis. He spent most of his life working with computers when one day he woke up and realized he wasn't living his truth. He started traveling and taking pictures. Turns out, he's pretty good! The below pic was taken in New Guinea at an annual peace meeting between native tribes.

After the first white man arrived in New Guinea in 1936 these tribes made the commitment to ban together and seek out peace. Every year tribes travel for days through the mountains and valleys to attend this gathering where they dance, eat, drink, and tell stories.

Faith + Perseverance

2010-04-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

Remember Stafon's story? Less than a year ago he was a running back for USC and was sure to be a star in the NFL. One day he was bench pressing 275lbs when the bar dropped from overhead and landed on his neck, crushing his esophagus. He couldn't speak for 2 months and endured extensive rehabilitation.

He's back - and just signed with the Tennessee Titans. Stafon says that it was his faith in God that allowed him to push through the turbulence and come out on the other end.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;brand=foxsports&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:e0e19eda-3496-42fb-b696-94fe1af3d4c0&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;showPlaylist=true&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videosearch&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;fg=everyzing" target="_new" title="Stafon Johnson ready for draft"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Video: Stafon Johnson ready for draft&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

"Young boys should never be sent to bed....they always wake up a day older."

2010-04-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

Sword ready, chalk in hand - this young boy is prepared to take over the world.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.” Albert Einstein

CrossFit Leander

2010-04-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Elliot Schrock (mastermind behind Central's rock star videos) & I took a trip out to Leander, TX last week to see what Chad & Dale, owner's of CrossFit Leander, have been up to since coming through the November Affiliate Business Training. They have opened up a box in a great location, have grown their client base, and are creating a phenomenal community!

Visit sicfit.com for more Videos

Fate

2010-04-20T16:18:00.000-07:00

"Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her. But once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game." -Voltaire

Sometimes we're on a collision course, and we just don't know it. Whether it's by accident or by design there's not a thing we can do about it.

2010-04-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

I was waiting for a big back yard to plant a garden....but then I realized there's no need to wait! Last weekend I planted some herbs - Basil, Thyme, Mint, Rosemary & Serrano Peppers, a few green plants, and of course - flowers.

How To Lesson on Planting an Herb Garden on Your Apartment Patio:

Step 1: Enlist help
Deacon was a perfect specimen - loves to play in the dirt and prefers to be paid in cookies....

Step 2: Purchase Your Plants
I used to spend $2.50 on fresh Basil or Rosemary every week that I went to the grocery store. I was able to buy these herbs @ The Natural Gardner for $1.29 each. They grow so fast too - I've already had to trim them back since planting - Bargain!

Step 3: Wear a great big hat
I swear it improves your gardening skills by 60%

Step 4: PLANT IT!
Put your potting soil into your pot, place the herbs in the pot, fill in and around with more soil. Water & Viola! Fabulousness on your apartment patio!

The Finished Product:

Ya Can't Take It With You

2010-04-05T14:48:00.000-07:00

We spent the Holiday weekend moving - always an adventure! (Notice the white tail sticking out on the right - that would be the D-Man....helping) As we filled the moving boxes with our "stuff", we made give away piles, storage piles, and then there were the things that are important to us. We're pretty simple people and truly understand that worldly possessions mean nothing in the end; but of our belongings it was very apparent what is significant to each of us.

For Zac - it is his immense collection of music, albums in mint condition, collector's items from bands and concerts, and our collection of movies. Then theres E.T., Chewbacca, and the Abominable Snowman (don't ask....)

For me - pictures, my Grandmother's china passed down through generations - and books, and books, and books. To me, a book isn't just something to pass the time or a hobby - it's a passion and near obsession. The prose within these titles have the power to move generations, start a riot, fuel a revolution, or challenge your perception of the world...Up from Slavery, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Alchemist, A Testament of Hope, The Invisible Man, East of Eden, The Confessions of St. Augustine, The Picture of Dorian Gray....the list goes on. I ended up filling 2 1/2 large boxes of books, the mover's weren't very happy with me. Who knew you couldn't do that?

Seeking Harmony

2010-03-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

A few phrases and words seem to swirl around my colleagues and friends lately --> finding balance, juggling career & family, avoiding burn out. Jen Cardella recently wrote an article on SICFIT.COM on the possibility of having to choose between her passion and her brother's wedding. And it got me thinking:

Is it possible to be driven, ambitious, hard workers, raise a family, be good husbands and wives, good mothers & fathers, good friends & confidants....while finding time for yourself....all at the same time?

Living in a fast paced world where most of us find it difficult to put down our iphones, turn off the computer, and recall trivial definitions without the help of google.....seeking balance has become something we now have to strive for. Spending quality time with family and friends, without muli-tasking or heeding the sound of your text alert, now takes more effort than ever before.

Finding balance is something that I too struggle with. I love to be challenged and have a very hard time stepping away from the things that I am passionate about - creating, solving, thinking up new ideas, making visions reality - I can work late into the night and on the weekends....because I'm driven and because it's fun. But I realize that I have to find a point to shut it off (completley) and focus on my relationship.

When you decide to shut it off and focus, not only will your relationships improve but the quality of your work will also improve. You will be able to give 100% of yourself @ home and @ work vs. splitting your time and focus - doing a half ass job at work and a half ass job at home.

Bottom line - put the phone down, turn off the computer and spend quality time with those that matter most. We never know how precious our time is until it's taken away.

2010-03-29T20:42:00.001-07:00

Dear Twitter God - I have finally surrendered. As a sacrifice I offer you my anonymity. In return I expect you will make me famous.

Best,
Ninja Hughes

http://twitter.com/NicoleJHughes

For the past 3+ years I've lead CrossFit Central's marketing and media platforms. I've developed numerous websites, cultivated the brand, and worked to create the model that is Garage Gym Marketing. The one thing I haven't tapped into (personally) is TWITTER. I recognize and believe in the importance of twitter for businesses and constantly follow the success of this social medium but just couldn't bring myself to sign up for a personal twitter account.

Why join now after being successfully stubborn for 2 years? It all began with Gary V's book, Crush It, and Web Smith and my many conversations on marketing and social media. The more I looked into it the more I saw endless possibilities. Not only opportunities for businesses to connect directly to the public but the chance for people to ignite social change and join local & global movements, simply by clicking the follow button.

Queen Rania of Jordan utilizes her twitter account as a vehicle to change people's perceptions and prejudices. RevRun tweets daily devotionals and scripture - sounds like something I want to be apart of. One day far in the future I'll probably live in an obscure location and travel to quaint distant places where I will truly disconnect from the matrix. But that day is far in the future, and today I have the opportunity to connect with hundreds of people using modern day literature, be effected by those I follow, and quite possibly affect people's lives.

Food Focus...

2010-03-25T20:15:00.001-07:00

Lately I have been on a major food focus. Some of you who enjoy cooking might relate to this: Some weeks I go grocery shopping and get the "usuals" on my list..nothing new...nothing exciting. I make the "usual dinners" that week - and though everything tastes good, I am left feeling unfulfilled and bored. My husband on the other hand, could eat the same thing every night for the rest of his life and be fine. Not me - I'm the girl that has my favorites, but loves to try new things, experiment (not always the best idea in the kitchen), and mix it up a bit! PS - I've had plenty of disaster-moments doing this.....we're talking about entire dishes down the drain because it was literally inedible. My success rate is about 87.9%....not bad! ;)

The last few weeks though, I am in Chef Boy-Ar-Hughes mode!!! Dinner last night was a simple one but I experimented with a few new flavors - a fresh basil, garlic, & lemon marinade for the chicken, topped with a little olive oil, shredded basil, & crushed garlic.

Finished product!

@ SXSW

2010-03-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

Zac and I made the rounds this weekend @ SXSW and hit up as many shows as we could get into! First up was Momos on Friday night - where we hung out in the artist area - it was unreal.

Saturday night we got to the Fader Fort concert a little before 7pm...stood outside in line for an hour in the freezing cold...only to have the director tell us they were at capacity and there was no way we could get in. We didn't believe her so we stood in line for another 20 minutes...and definitely did not get in. I was so bummed! The surprise guest this year --> Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, John Bon jovi, John Mayer...really??? Next year we're freakin' camping out......

Kat Edmonson - This girl has an insane voice. She's this adorable tiny little thing and channels the greats like Billie Holiday, Smokey Robinson

Sarah Jarosz - This girl is equally as insane. She's 18 and attends Harvard, one of her songs was just nominated for a Grammy.

Citizen Cope - AWESOME

My New Favorite Veggie - Bok Choy!

2010-03-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

I finally gave Bok Choy a try...and I fell in love! This stuff is awesome, loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, and it tastes pretty decent too. I chopped up the bok choy with some fresh ginger (yum), fresh garlic, and chicken. I threw it in a stir fry pan with a little olive oil for 5-6 minutes....it turned out fantastic.

Fresh Ginger - this adds so much flavor to food!

2010 Sectional

2010-03-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

200 athletes, 100+ volunteers, 42 Level 1 Certified Judges, 6 professional photographers, 4 On-Site Medics & the SICFIT media team = One Amazing Event.
We saw athletes put it all on the line this weekend, and it was an inspiration to watch everyone compete. All of the workouts were tough, but WOD 2 really caught a few people off guard. Charlie Lima, of CrossFit ATM turned to me halfway through WOD 2 and asked, "Did you guys know WOD 2 would crush this many people?" We knew it would be tough but we watched men and women struggle to complete their Hand Stand Push Ups.
Putting on an event of this magnitude takes a lot of people and hard work. There is no way we could have pulled off an event like this without our amazing volunteers, judges, and the CSTS lead team. By Sunday afternoon after all of the equipment was unloaded at Central I was exhausted - but went to celebrate a job well done with a well deserved Modelo. ;)

Au40

2010-03-10T06:15:00.000-08:00

CrossFit Central was a sponsor of the Au40 (Austin Under 40 Awards) this year! Jeremy Thiel, Lisa Thiel, Carey Kepler, Kris Kepler, Web Smith, Lindsey Smith, Zachary Thiel, Michael Gregory and Zac and myself attended the award dinner this past weekend. We wined & dined then headed to the Belmont for an after party!

This October CrossFit Central will hold it's first Gala benefiting our up and coming Kids Non-Profit Foundation. I can't wait for that!

Sectional Planning

2010-03-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Sectional will be a huge event! We're expecting roughly 700-800 people at the event including spectators, volunteers, and athletes. There are so many aspects that go into planning an event like this, to give you an idea, here is a quick over view on what we've been up to

Design workouts that will separate the top 30 men and women from the rest...
Designate Athlete & Spectator Parking
Map out Location
Map out Athlete Area
Map out Spectator Ares
Equipment for 4 WODS & 200+ athletes
Fencing
Check-In & Registration
Porta Johns
Media
Manage 100+ Volunteers
Signage
Water
Ice
Scoring
10+ Vendors
..........there's more..........
Packet Pick Up
Music
Mics
Opening Ceremonies
EMS
Insurance
Human Performance Lab
Food Vendors
T-Shirts
Crowd Control
Parking Passes
Guest Passes

This week it is super important that our team trains well, eats well, and sleeps well - next week - GAME ON!

CC-Fittest Games-Part 2 from CrossFit Central on Vimeo.

SICFIT's 1st Commercial Launched!

2010-02-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

Web Smith & I sat down @ Cafe Medici a couple of weeks ago to discuss a few media projects. One of them at the top of the list --> a commercial for SICFIT. We devised a brilliant concept, got Elliot Schrock's input & direction, and scheduled the shoot. Even though Web, Kris Kepler, and I were up at Central back to back - Saturday and Sunday morning @ 6am - I had an absolute BLAST!! Elliot pieced together the footage, worked his magic, and came up with the killer video below. There is nothing better than taking an idea or concept, putting it through the creative wringer and seeing a finished project.

My favorite part: The ending when Crystal McReynolds closes the garage door & Kris K walks out the gym door. This seemingly trivial scene is not only visually stunning but is pivotal to the athletes in the video. This single act sums up the video, empowers the viewer, and leaves you wanting more. The athletes finish their task and go to face "the real world". We assume they'll be back again tomorrow, pushing the boundaries of human potential.

Visit sicfit.com for more Videos

Dear Shaun White - You & Your Double McTwist Are My Hero

2010-02-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Olympics is nearly over, so my Olympics focused posts will also soon come to an end (promise!) Shaun White is my hero - this guy is an incredible snowboarder & athlete. He took the Gold in this Year's 2010 Winter Olympics, and is just insane!!!

Top 2 reasons why Shaun is SIC:

Reason #1
@ The X Games this year he busted...hard. If you haven't seen the video, click here and prepare to cringe. After he gets his composure he rushed to the top of the hill and rode again. He says he had to do it - he had to immediately get back out there and take on the trick that nearly snapped his neck. This way, Shaun says, there was no time for fear to set in & no time for 2nd guessing.
Reason #2
@ this year's Olympics he already had the Gold medal before his 2nd ride. He was the final snowboarder and the Gold was a done deal. But he still gave the half pipe every inch of focus, beat his winning Gold Medal Score, AND pulled out the Double McTwist 1260 (which on his 1st ride in the finals he didn't do) He did it because he can & because he's passionate!

Celebrate Every Day

2010-02-18T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Truth Shall Make You Free: John 8:32

Magic Exists!

2010-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

The first time I heard the name Tony Robbins was in 1999 in the movie She's All That. That's right, Mr. Robbins makes a cameo (by name only) when Freddie Price Jr, responds "OK Tony Robbins!" to criticism about his undecided future. I was 17 years old at the time and thought, Who the heck is Tony Robbins? So I looked him up & over the next 8 years I would categorize Tony Robbins with all other self-help paraphernalia in my BS file. I believed I was above this stuff and didn't need to improve upon myself by reading self help books or going to seminars. I was a decent and intelligent person, learned from my mistakes, considered other's feelings, had an open mind, and the ability to pull myself out of a slump using only my mind and my environment. (BTW - this is all called EGO!!!)

Since then I have some a long way, and now realize that my mind needs training, just like my body and spirit. We are bombarded daily with propaganda, negativity, and victimization. So to combat that who wouldn't want a daily dose of positive mentorship? A map to change everything in your universe from your thoughts to your actions to the way you perceive the world and what you're capable of.

I joined a Tony Robbins group @ Central where we listen to his CD's every day and get together once a week to reflect on the changes we've made, will implement, etc. I was listening to a CD one day when Tony asked, "Where is the magic in your day?" Think about that - every day holds magic. Most people just go through the motions: Get up - Work out - Go to Work - Eat Lunch - Work - Come Home - Eat Dinner - Watch TV - Go to Bed - Get up - Workout - Go to Work - (yuck!)

Reflect on Your Day. There was magic - we're you looking for it?

Abre los ojos

Winter Olympics

2010-02-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

Confession: I like watching the Winter Olympics better than the Summer Olympics!! My favorite sports to watch - Snowboarding, Ski Jumping, Freestyle Skiing & Speed Skating. So far one of my favorite athletes to watch was Apolo Anton Ohno in the Men's semifinal short track speed skating.

For the first half of the race Apolo sat back in last place and watched the competition ahead of him. They changed positions, fought for first place, and weaved in an out of each other. It was down to the final laps when Apolo made his calculated move and raced ahead of everyone, and sailed across the finish line far ahead of the other skaters. It looked like it was planned from the beginning - he accomplished the feat with grace, efficiency, calmness, and accuracy. It looked effortless.

Winter in other parts of America.....

2010-02-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

Other parts of the world (even Dallas!) are seeing snow.....but so far only cold rain in Austin :( Zac sent me this picture of Southwest Airlines planes waiting on the runway in Dallas today due to winter weather delays - they got over 8 inches of snow!

And at my parent's house in Dallas.......And at my girlfriend's house in Virginia where they saw over 50 inches of snow........

And in Washington.......

Did You Know....

2010-02-10T14:08:00.000-08:00

The average American eats over 200 lbs. of meat a year.

30% of the land in the U.S. is used for planting corn.

Corn products include: ketchup, cheese, Twinkies, batteries, peanut butter, Cheez-Its, salad dressings, Coke, jelly, Sweet & Low, syrup, juice, Kool-Aid, charcoal, diapers, Motrin, meat and fast food.

The average American eats over 200 lbs. of meat a year.

In the 1970s, the top five beef packers controlled about 25% of the market. Today, the top four control more than 80% of the market.

In the 1970s, there were thousands of slaughterhouses producing the majority of beef sold. Today, we have only 13.

If you read these facts and say to yourself...I didn't know that...you must rent Food Inc before your next trip to the grocery store. You will be amazed at the details of the monopoly on our food source.

CrossFit Central will be holding a screening of Food Inc this Friday for all I Am Crossfit & Relentless Challenge teams!

Dear Google

2010-02-09T14:20:00.000-08:00

Google has changed the landscape of our every day routine and habits, our thought process and even our memory.

This commercial is genius:

Congratulations CrossFit Leander

2010-02-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

Chad & Dale of CrossFit Leander (pictured below, far left) came through our August Affiliate Business Training and have seen HUGE success in their business since that time. They just had their Grand Opening this past weekend, where Jeremy, Web & Mike joined them for a a little Fran! Congratulations Guys! Check out the video on SICFIT.Com

CrossFit Leander @ the CrossFit Central Affiliate Business Training

CrossFit Leander Grand Opening

The American Dream

2010-02-01T16:40:00.000-08:00

The American Dream: a chance at Greatness, a chance for Exploration, a chance at life, a chance at happiness, a chance to dream....to dream your biggest dream.

a CHANCE
life, dream, hope, prosperity, opportunity

OPPORTUNITY
the opportunity to dare, to dream, to hope, to chase, to awaken, to pursue, to free, to take ACTION

Not bound by money, nor material, nor property, nor blame, nor excuses, nor fame, nor fortune, nor oppression. But the expansion of our minds, our capabilities, our opportunities. To change, to grow, to enlighten, to develop, to aspire, to empower, to be.

It's in Everyone

2010-01-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light , not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make and manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

Super Food for Super Humans

2010-01-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Every morning I wake up and take a handful of pills - Omega 3's, Thermo Plus, & SUPER FOOD!!!

I used to mix the raw super green formula with water, but I couldn't get the taste of beets and freshly mowed grass out of my mouth for the rest of the day. So for me, pill form is way easier to swallow. I know I don't get enough veggies each day - these pills contain over 8000mg of greens per serving + they are made of whole foods which means they're not striped of nutrients in processing. These super pills help me boost my immune system & fight off evil radical cells!

Take a look at whats in these suckers:

Food That Comes With an Expiration Date

2010-01-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

Every weekend I join the rest of America and shop for the coming week's groceries. Most of the time I can't help but take a peek at other customers baskets....it's so fascinating to see what other people are consuming!

I buy 99.9% perishable foods for that week only. It's hard to tell in this picture but most our groceries consist of a ton of fresh veggies (broccoli, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, etc) fruits (tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries) nuts and organic meats. Most coaches will tell you to shop the outer perimeter of the grocery store. That's where you'll find natural, perishable, good quality food. To get the best quality food visit the farmer's market and shop local!

Shopping each week for only the next 5-6 days also helps us save money. By Friday I have to get really creative on what to cook because we're down to the last bit of food. We eat everything we buy and nothing goes to waste.

Why 99.9% and not 100% perishable foods? I love to make homemade salsa -- canned tomatoes, diced green chilies & diced jalapenos (the cans you see in the above pic) along with some spices makes for a quick and easy homemade salsa.

And then there's my weakness at every grocery store and farmer's market - fresh flowers!

Running from Godzilla......

2010-01-22T11:33:00.000-08:00

I tore up my hands on Tuesday morning doing pull ups in class. Thursday I walked into the gym and saw none other than.....PULL UPS on the white board! I looked down at my hands, bit my lip and for a split second thought about the pain I was about to experience. Then I found some tape, bandaged my hands, and blocked it out.

These are the days that make you better.

Life is unpredictable, so is CrossFit. If I was sore from running & Godzilla was chasing me would I think...I'm sore, I just ran yesterday...I'm going to sit this one out. NO! I would RUN!!!! Actually, I would take a picture first...then I would RUN!!!

Coach Megan Parsons puts this mindset best when she says, "Suck It Up & Go!" This applies to many situations in life, below are a few examples:

1. I'm tired - Suck it Up & Go!
2. I have so much to do...I'm so busy - Suck it up & Go!
3. I don't know what to do with my life - Suck it up & Go!
4. I'm sore - Suck it up & Go!
5. We just did that movement in yesterday's workout - Suck it up & Go!

Don't make room for any of the above examples in your life...period. BUT if it creeps in, just use Meg's phrase. Suck it up & Go!

My Fit Foods - Is it Worth It?

2010-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

My Fit Foods recently opened its doors to Austinittes! This company started in Houston and is growing fast. The concept: provide pre-cooked meals & snacks that are healthy and offer balanced protein, carbs, and good fats with each bite. I had tasted their food at a few CrossFit Central events and finally stopped by the new store in Bee Caves yesterday afternoon.

The verdict? YES IT'S WORTH IT! I was very impressed. I picked up a couple of snacks, a small chicken & veggies for me and a large chicken taco bowl for Zac (picture below) I really liked the organization of the store and their products. The nutrition is on the side of each container so there's no guess work and no calculators needed! I also loved the fact that the containers were divided by portion size so I easily picked up a small container for me and a large container for Zac. AND it tastes really good!

Zac took the taco bowl to work today, so we'll see what he thinks of today's lunch.....my guess is it's a step up from the usual turkey, salad and fruit or left overs I pack for him each morning! ;)

Donate to the Haiti Fundraiser

Welcome Back Hughes!

2010-01-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today officially marked the start of Week 2, back in the gym & back from the Holidays for me. During the Holidays I didn't workout for 2 weeks straight!! It is incredible what can happen to your fitness level and overall energy in two weeks time when you don't workout and you introduce foods into your diet you don't normally consume.

1st of all Let's Get my list of excuses out of the way:
1. We were in Lubbock for a week away from my typical routine
2. Our alcohol intake increased
3. Zac's Mom made her super amazing & famous casserole for Christmas
4. Pie & Avatar
5. Drinking coffee and snowball fights with Deacon sounded more fun than going to a the gym
6. Oh yea - then there was New Year's Eve....and Saturdays....

There you have it, my excuses, otherwise known as COMPLETE BS. For 2 weeks now I have taken the initiative to get back into my workout regimen. I took on 500ft of lunges in a WOD last Monday which was my first day back - and because I'm a little stubborn I decided that I didn't need to scale anything against the advice of my coach - I was wrecked for 4 days straight, oops.

Today I did pull ups for the first time in about a month (as you can see from the picture above!) Today is also the turning point, I can feel it! I feel amazing and strong. I can't wait for tomorrow's workout!

Donate to the Haiti Fundraiser

I See the Promised Land

2010-01-18T20:16:00.001-08:00

The people of Haiti are suffering. What was a poor economic society is now left devastated in the aftermath of the largest earthquake this area has seen in over 200 years. Those who are on the ground are doing what they can but they need help and support.

Central has organized a fundraiser which will donate all of the money raised by this Friday to Doctors Without Borders in an attempt to help the medical aid making it's way into this country. We are taking donations through this Friday - give what you can, every bit helps. Keep in mind that when this natural disaster has slithered out of the headlines and is no longer a topic for discussion on the press' agenda - Haiti will still suffer, and will continue to seek support. Do what you can, do your part.

Donate

I See the Promised Land - One of my favorite Martin Luther King Speeches, given the day before his assassination, making this speech his final one.

"Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation. And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you." Full Speech

Random Sunday Meandering

2010-01-17T19:58:00.000-08:00

Do you ever hear someone use a common phrase or saying and think, what is the real meaning behind these words? I may be alone on this one - but I am always fascinated by the origin of words and phrases. I spent a couple of years studying the etymology of words, mostly Greek and Latin, and was astonished to find what some of our everyday words actually mean and where they derive from!

Some of these aren't 100% true (I'll let you decide which ones) but it will make you think twice before using these phrases at will.....

Rule of Thumb:
An old English law declared that a man could not beat his wife with a stick any larger than the diameter of his thumb.

Saved by the Bell:
When our ancestors realized that they were burying a great deal of people before their time had actually come, they came up with a solution. They tied a string onto the "dead" person's hand, buried them, and tied the other end of the string to a bell and then tied it to nearby tree branch. If the person revived enough to ring the bell, their survivors would rush out and dig them up. Hence... "saved by the bell" (Ewww!!!)

Bite the Bullet:
When engaged in war there are times when emergency surgery is needed: Legs have to come off or deeply-buried bullets need to come out. And sometimes, there's no time for anesthesia when the Nazis are bearing down.

So, rather then stabbing a patient in the arm to distract him from the saw going through his foot, the surgeon would supposedly shove a bullet in his mouth and ask him to bite down. Of course, you could use a belt or shirt but even in the throes of death it's important for a man to look like a badass. Thus, "Bite the bullet."

Raining Cats & Dogs:
In the 1500s human beings had the pleasure of living in homes with thatched roofs. In these strange times, humans kept their pets outside. The animals would keep themselves warm in the little nooks in the thatching on the roofs and store their food up there for a rainy day.

When an especially rainy day did come along, the animals would either get washed off of the roof or would come leaping down looking for better cover. The story goes that the townsfolk would look out their window, see pets falling from the sky, and proclaim it to be "raining cats and dogs." Then they would probably burn a witch or something.

As Mad as a Hatter: (this is one of my Mom's favs)
There is a number of theories about the root of this similie. Perhaps the most intriguing, and also plausible, was offered in "The Journal of the American Medical Association". Mercury used to be used in the manufacture of felt hats, so hatters, or hat makers, would come into contact with this poisonous metal a lot. Unfortunately, the effect of such exposure may lead to mercury poisoning, one of the symptoms of which is insanity.

Crocodile Tears:
It is proverbial that crocodiles cry like a person in distress to lure men close enough to snatch and devour them, then shed tears over the fate of their victim. References to this proverbial belief are found in ancient Greek and Latin literature.

Frog in Your Throat:
Medieval physicians believed that the secretions of a frog could cure a cough if they were coated on the throat of the patient. The frog was placed in the mouth of the sufferer and remained there until the physician decided that the treatment was complete.

More Bizarre...Common Sayings

The Art of Promotion

2010-01-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

Marketing Defined:

If the circus is coming to town and you paint a sign saying “Circus Coming to the Fairground Saturday”, that’s advertising.

If you put the sign on the back of an elephant and walk it into town, that’s promotion.

If the elephant walks through the mayor’s flower bed, that’s publicity.

And if you get the mayor to laugh about it, that’s public relations.

If the town’s citizens go the circus, you show them the many entertainment booths, explain how much fun they’ll have spending money at the booths, answer their questions and ultimately, they spend a lot at the circus, that’s sales.

And, if you planned the whole thing, that’s Marketing!

The Future of Books?

2010-01-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

I was recently introduced to the latest media medium - a VOOK. It's a combination of "your favorite book with engaging video". It allows you to read a book and watch video in the same context on an itouch or iphone. At first, I though..Hmmm, looks like an updated version of the kindle.

When the kindle and other digital book readers came out I refused to buy one, simply on principle. Well, that and I don't deal well with scrolling text on a tiny screen! I am a compulsive reader and to some extent borderline obsessed. I love the way books smell and the way they look and feel....The way the freshly bound and unused binding creaks on a hard back book each time you open it, wearing in with each sentence consumed....like I said, borderline obsessed. Using a kindle felt fake.

I will always love books in their "traditional"....soon to be vintage form; however, for non-fiction books, teaching tools, etc - I think the vook is absolutely genius! Picture yourself reading a book on Paleo Nutrition and with each chapter you can watch a complimentary video on recipes, farmer's markets, or information on non-paleo foods - LOVE IT!

Slogans, Tag Lines, Adventures, Oh My!

2010-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

In my work at CrossFit Central I have brainstormed and thought up a few tag lines, ideas, and mantras. Not all of them stick - but it's fun trying! The latest tag line we've developed is Be Fit. Be Strong. Be Relentless. - with the major sticky phrase being BE RELENTLESS. Now, it's no Ilon Specht, who penned the phrase "Because I'm Worth It" (Now turned to Because You're Worth It --> whose popular phrase is now synonymous with the entire brand that is L'Oreal, not just a copy for a commercial....genius!!) BUT a girl can dream ;)

PS --> The most intriguing thing I find about Specht's award winning copy - she wrote it in a moment of complete and utter frustration, sitting in a room full of men, in a time when women weren't taken too seriously. Her coworkers continued to press the idea of the L'Oreal woman as a "traditional and glamorous woman" who wanted to look good and dye her hair for her man - she was livid. In her office, determined to give these guys the editorial middle finger, she sat down and feverishly wrote a slogan that is still widely used and very popular, over 30 years later.

Specht says of that moment "I just thought, F*@# you. I sat down and did it, in five minutes. It was very personal. I can recite to you the whole commercial, because I was so angry when I wrote it."

Check out this AWESOME Relentless teaser video:

Be Relentless from CrossFit Central on Vimeo.

Push Ups on 6th Street

2010-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

This Saturday I went out with Chris G, Julie Ward, Megan Parsons, and a few of the Lake Pointe Ladies. We started off at Imperia with family style sushi platters & sake martinis - YUM! The food just kept coming!! It was absolutley heavenly, we then headed to Ester Follies for a litle comedy and then ultimatley over to 6th street. Along the way, after each bar, we stoped to do 10 push ups on the side walk....in downtown Austin....in 30 degree weather. It was absolutley hysterical!!

People pushed to the windows of the bar to see what the heck we were doing. No one could figure out why. Why not!?!??? If anyone gave us a crazy look - I didn't see it. I could only see people cheering us on, laughing with us, giving high 5's!

Many of these ladies are taking on the 100 push up challenge, very similar to the 100 burpee challenge. They had to get in that day's push ups - even if it meant doing them on 6th street on a Saturday night!

3-2-1 GO!

2010-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

I Am CrossFit started with a bang early this morning! I pulled up to the facility @ 6:30am - it was 20 degrees and pitch black. Soon Crossfitters began to arrive in dozens of layers, nervously eying the pull up bars. It wasn't long before those layers lay in colorful heaps on the gym floor - everyone was warm in no time! Roughly 90 men and women took on the I Am Crossfit workout in the 20 degree Austin air this morning. Passerby vehicles looked at us like we were crazy. Maybe.....but we all feel great and are ready to attack life. My kind of crazy!

I will be joining the 100 I Am Crossfit clients over the next 8 weeks ---> this means dialed in nutrition, consistent workout regimen & consistent rest!

Reflect on '09 & Look ahead in '10

2010-01-08T05:44:00.000-08:00

Most everyone sets goals & New Year's resolutions, but the percentage who stick to it is very small. According to recent research roughly 40-45% of Americans make New Year's resolutions but less than half will actually follow through. Why do so many people set themselves up to fail?

The answer is simple:
A) They never made the decision to change
B) Their goals were not planned out properly

Goal setting is something that takes time and requires a quiet place where you can get away from distractions. When I ask people what their goals are for the New Year I sometimes get responses like, "Lose weight" "Make more money" --> these cannot be obtained, they're not specific enough. How much weight do you want to lose? How do you intend to lose it? How much money do you want to make? Is it possible in your current position? How can you get a promotion? Here's how you can start:

1. Go to a place that is quiet (No TV, No cell phone, NO DISTRACTIONS) a place where you can be alone and focus

2. Write down your 3 Month Goals, in 3 categories - Physical, Personal, Professional & Be Specific!!!

3. Set up a plan on how you can work to achieve these Example: If my goal is to lose 5lbs I have to look at my schedule and determine what my workout regimen will look like & schedule my workouts. I also have to plan out my food, clean out my kitchen, etc.

*Goal Setting isn't something that is done in minutes by scratching something out on notebook paper, it takes time to do this right. Goal Setting should take you at least one hour if not more

4. MAKE THE DECISION - you have to consciously make the decision to change and work toward your goals, if not, you will never set the necessary changes in motion

5. Look at your goals EVERY DAY - and determine what you did that day to work toward achieving your goals

Carey Kepler is talking to all of the I Am CrossFit clients about goal setting tonight at the kick off meeting - she is a phenomenal goal setting coach, I'm super excited to hear her speak!

Pictured Above: Deacon reflects on 2009!

Pay For What You Get

2010-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

I was driving home from a meeting this morning and clicked on the radio. A commercial for a local Austin gym was on - one that plays every time I'm in my car lately....at least twice every 30 minutes. You might have heard it - it goes something like this: "Join Our Gym for $1.00 - Pay $10 the next month, no commitment" The only words that seem to stick in my head --> NO COMMITMENT.

I truly believe that we must work to monitor our thoughts and that the words that come out of our mouths combined with our actions - that these sources of energy - more than anything, define us. This business boasts cheap membership fees, but in the same sentence combines no commitment, to me that means no results.

Once upon a time I joined gyms like this - and I saw zero results. I then joined CrossFit Central, put money into a high quality training program, and saw my body transform like it never has before!

Consistency

2010-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

My absolute favorite NFL player is Cortland Finnegan. Here's why:

1. Hes Unassuming - the guy is 5'10" 188lbs, he looks small out on the field but is SUPER powerful
2. He Will Make You Lose Focus - Cortland plays with an intensity, watching him you get the sense that the knows exactly how to get in his opponent's head and makes his move when they make a mistake
3. He's Aggressive - If there's a big stop, you better believe he's involved. If there's a fight, hes probably in the middle of it
4. Last One Picked - Cortland went unnoticed in the 2006 draft. Sports Illustrated projected him to go undrafted. Finally, the Titans picked him up as the 7th Pick of the 7th Round. He is now a big player and a 2009 Pro Bowl starter.

No one can pave your path and no one determines your success - But YOU - not even ESPN, your past failures, or even your past accomplishments. DO WORK.

Finnegan Intercepting a Pass

Do it for the T-Shirt

2010-01-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

There is a ton of behind the scenes work and minute details that go into putting on a challenge - promotion, marketing, T-Shirts, communication, logistics, registration.....all the way to getting the water and ice. One of my favorite parts of putting on an event is directing the T-Shirt design.....after all isn't that why most of us take on races & fitness challenges....for the T-Shirt?

Above is a sneak peek of the back side of the I Am CrossFit Shirts. The front design is probably our best one yet thanks to the guys over at Life as Rx. The T-Shirt will be revealed, in all it's glory, Friday night @ the kick off I Am CrossFit meeting!

Employee of The Year

2010-01-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

I was recently named Employee of the Year for CrossFit Central! I am absolutely honored as there are many people who make this engine run. Everyone works hard and is dedicated to the Crossfit Central mission. At the banquet, when Jeremy and Carey were giving their opening speech, I though that my partner in crime, Julie Ward, would surely receive this award. We are better known in the CrossFit Central interim as Shock and Awe - the dynamic duo who press out many a project @ Central. Also killing it behind the scenes are Christine White & Ben Flores - none of us could get the job done without them.

Thank you to Jeremy and Carey for the opportunity to be apart of this movement. Looking back on the past year we have done some amazing things...a few of my proudest accomplishments:

CrossFit Central Success Stories
CrossFit Central Empowerment Stories
Grand Opening @ Central
I Am CrossFit
Spartan 300 Challenge
Fight Gone Bad 2010 Event
Fight Gone Bad Video - Winner of Best Soundtrack
The Movement
Viewing the CrossFit Games @ The Alamo Draft house
Launch of Endurance & Boot Camp Website
Launch of SICFIT.Com
BlackBox Summit Event & SICFIT Coverage
CrossFit Central Community Growing to 600+ People

Zac & I at the December Banquet

Shock and Awe Celebrating

Myself & Julie with CrossFit Central owner, Jeremy Thiel

Taking a Giant Leap Forward in 2010

2010-01-03T19:12:00.001-08:00

"I'm tired of sailing my little boat, far inside the harbor bar. I want to go out where the big ships float, out on the deep where the great ones are. And should my frail craft prove too slight for waves that sweep those billows o'er, I'd rather go down in the stirring fight than drowse to death at the sheltered shore."

We've got to go out, my friends, where the big boats are.

Born to Run

2009-11-13T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter if whether you're a lion or a gazelle - when the sun come up, you'd better be running."

Author of Born to Run, a Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World has Never Seen, Christopher McDougall will be at CrossFit Central today! I am so excited to meet Christopher. Within the first 50 pages of this book, my entire perception and mindset on running changed.

Read this book - it's absolutely fascinating and holds extremely important implications for the fitness industry and endurance community.

Staying Motivated During the Hibernation Months

2009-11-05T08:55:00.000-08:00

This particular time of year is always difficult for me to stay motivated, in fact it's this exact week of the year that seems to be the most difficult. Let's break this down:

1. It almost feels like winter and in most parts of the country it really is winter (would LOVE the above picture to be winter in Austin!!!)

2. The time changes - I get up earlier, according to my alarm clock, so I get a TON of work accomplished in the morning to early afternoon. Around 4pm I'm thinking okay...what am I forgetting about. The light begins to play tricks on my eyes so I'm continuously thinking it's later than it actually is.

3. My mailbox fills with magazines boasting comfort food, holiday parties, and winter decor

4. Movies showing at the theater are mostly feel good, nostalgic, Holiday-esque movies

This is a marketers dream! So how do you stay motivated when 98% of the population is out shopping for the Holidays, cooking homemade apple pie, and putting off their workouts until the new year?

For me - my motivation comes from books, quotes, essays, and movies (nerdy I know - but it's true) This week I've had to take extra measures to read about greatness and the fulfillment of dreams. In particular - Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison & Testament of Hope by Martin Luther King.

Where does your motivation come from? Is it about fitting into your skinny jeans, having more energy each day, or is it about feeling good and well? Whatever your motivation - tap into it - TODAY. Don't wait for tomorrow - Live Now.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain

This Year's Halloween Costume

2009-10-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Every year I try to come up with a fun, creative, homemade, comical costume idea. Past Halloweens --> Mario & Luigi and Peter Pan & Captain Hook

This year -PacMan & The Blue Ghost! The PacMan costume was by far the most difficult outfit Zac and I have made, it took a lot of time and massive amounts of duct tape and glue.

Pac Man In the Making.....

The Blue ghost was a pretty easy costume to make - Deacon helped....

The Final Product.....

Dia de los Muertos

2009-10-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend we hung out at the Viva la Vida festival, celebrating Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. The festival was full of good food, good drinks, art, ritual dancing, a costumed clad procession and a TON of celebration. I love festivals rich in culture and history!

A Little History of Dia de los Muertos:

The Celebration:
This 3,000 year old ritual is a day when families honor their deceased relatives, celebrate their life and death. Aztecs embraced death and is considered a “moving-on” to a higher level of consciousness.

The Skulls:

The Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations kept skulls as trophies and displayed them during the ritual. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth. The skulls were used to honor the dead, whom the Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations believed came back to visit during the monthlong ritual.

Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.

Princess Pink Sugar Overload!!

2009-10-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

Zac and I traveled to my parent's house this weekend for my niece's 1st Birthday Party! We had a blast and she is the most adorable 1 year old I have ever seen! All of our family that lives in the area came to celebrate. There was a ton of yummy food and of course a ton of wine. ;)

I did pretty good with the snacks and dinner, sticking to the meats, nuts, and vegetables - but then it was time for the main event - Birthday Cake. Sofia ate her over-sized cupcake with both hands and was covered in princess pink icing. I had 2 cupcakes, which were oh-so-good. Four hours later I was in the bathroom...insanely sick.

At first I thought it was the sugar shock to my system, but now I'm fairly certain it was a bit of a stomach bug since I was sick for a few days. Either way that memory is now connected to pink butter cream frosted cupcakes....don't think I'll be having one of those super sugary treats for a very long time ;)

Fight Gone Bad - Videos through the years

2009-10-14T13:26:00.001-07:00

Fight Gone Bad from CrossFit Central on Vimeo.

Elliot, our media man did it again. He did an amazing job on the Fight Gone Bad highlight video! This video is in the running for BEST FIGHT GONE BAD VIDEO. Last year we won runner up for our video - this year - no question - Best Video.

Vote for CrossFit Central's Fight Gone Bad video as the BEST film festival video!
http://vimeo.com/groups/19222/videos/6950773

How to vote for this film as BEST VIDEO:
Your "comment" is your vote, in the comment section write in your vote for Best Video

Check out our Fight Gone Bad videos through the years, we've come a long way!

Fight Gone Bad III - 2008

Fight Gone Bad II - 2007

Fight Gone Bad I - 2006
Look closely you can see our client Tom Green who has been involved with Fight Gone Bad every year! Other coaches you'll see in this video - Jeremy Thiel, Carey Kepler, Zachary Thiel, Michael Gregory, Randal Setzler and Dutch Lowy of Crossfit A&M

Timshel

2009-10-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

"But the Hebrew word, the word timshel—‘Thou mayest’—
that gives a choice.
It might be the most important word in the world.
That says the way is open. That throws it right back on a man.
For if ‘Thou mayest’—it is also true that ‘Thou mayest not.’"
- John Steinbeck, East of Eden

Everything is Good - In moderation

2009-10-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

One Very Important thing I learned from the 30 day Paleo Challenge - You still have to ZONE! Might seem like common sense to most but I thought that since I was eating good, clean food and following the Paleo way of eating I was good. Not so - like my Grnadmother always says, Everything is good, in moderation. In short a giant handful of almonds is not better than 3 or 6 almonds per snack as long as my goal is to loose 5% body fat. During the 30 day challenge I felt great, but I gained weight. Not a substantial amount, but enough for me to notice my pants were getting a little tight!! ;) So it's back to Paleo & Zone!

Check out Coach Jessicaa Sharratt's 30 day no cheat Paleo Challenge - she's killing it!

Last night's dinner was 100% grass fed beef, green peppers, avocados, and spinach - the picture shows Zac and I's dinner in progress! But of course Zac gets to eat WAY more than I do ;)

Monday night I made homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup - minus the tortillas and cheese - topped with fresh avocado slices it was AWESOME and perfect for an overcast day.

A Day @ ACL

2009-10-05T06:49:00.000-07:00

Among my Top 10 Favorite Things - books, movies, coffee, rain, fall & winter, and live music - especially concerts in small venues. This Saturday we got to experience a TON of rain and live music @ the Austin City Limits Festival.

There are a few things you can always be sure of at ACL - it will be super crowded and you're going to get dirty - no way around that one. This year was especially dirty - it poured the entire day! There were only two moments when the rain paused, we were soaking wet all day long. Shoes were full of mud and squished around every time you took a step, your hands couldn't stay dry, and forget about your hair. Despite best efforts to contain the mud to your tennis shoes - it got every where.

Lindsey & I in our rain gear

Lance & Jess attempting to keep dry

BUT the bands played on and they were amazing. We saw Citizen Cope, Grizzly Bear, Mos Def, the Decemberists, and of course Dave Matthews.

Get Involved with Fight Gone Bad - Right Now!

2009-09-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

Fight Gone Bad IV - Do It Right Now from Sportsgrants on Vimeo.

Not only does this event benefit 2 amazing causes - The Prostate Cancer Foundation & The Wounded Warrior Project but it is CrossFit Central's biggest event of the year! Come out and watch the event - it will definitely be fun and entertaining September 26th @ The Long Center 8am - 12pm

I have $75 left to raise for this event thanks to my awesome friends and family!!! Check it out

Volunteering @ The Austin Triathlon

2009-09-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I joined some of the Crossfit Central coaches at the Austin Triathlon as race day volunteers. Our job was to work the finish line - where all the action takes place. We were told to be on crowd control and man the front line so that the runners had a clear path to the finish - and cheer the runners on. The later half of our duties seemed like a no brainer - but this role became very important toward the end of the day.

As I yelled at the runners with great enthusiasm "Nice Work!" "Finish it here!" "Finish Line this Way!" I noticed a change in some of the athlete's posture and the way they carried themselves as they got close to the finish. Some where exhausted, barely placing one foot in front of the other. It was getting hot and the crowd of spectators was thinning. In the last hour of the race the runners needed encouragement and support almost as much as they needed water and rest.

I watched as the athletes turned on to Riverside Drive and make their final decent toward the finish, some seemed almost dazed - and definitely tired. As the runners reached the cheering volunteers telling them the finish was now within reach I watched as their shoulders set back, their pace quicken and a look of determination over came them. They had done it - they accomplished and finished a goal. And we were at the finish line to witness their feat. It was a great time and a lot of fun. Wish I could say the same for my new tan lines - not so attractive ;)

FGB Venue

2009-09-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this video clip I made of Jeremy @ the Fight Gone Bad venue! The music is slightly dramatic (straight from Crouching Tiger hidden Dragon ;) ) Next week I plan to post Jeremy's outtakes - which are hilarious!

Sunday Morning Breakfast - A Crumbly Mess

2009-08-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

All weekend I was a cooking fanatic! (thanks to seeing the movie Julie & Julia no doubt) I made grilled salmon with olive oil and fresh sage.....sauteed bell peppers, onions, squash, and zucchini....homemade salsa.....I even made my own salad dressing. Sunday morning I woke up, still buzzing with the urge to cook, so I made fresh chicken salad with crushed almonds. For breakfast I decided to make Paleo Pancakes.

I read Jess's blog last week and saw that she had made these paleo pancakes and said they turned out pretty good. I had never tried to make anything other than traditional pancakes so this one was new to me....although it tasted pretty good I couldn't get it to look like an actual pancake. Instead it looked like a crumbly mess

I topped it with cinnamon and just assumed that these "good for me pancakes" would taste pretty good but never look appetizing. Of course, I didn't think it was my doing - had to be the ingredients I was using!! Then, low and behold - a pretty normal looking pancake!

Turns out, the crumbly mess was way more fun to dip in real maple syrup and scoop up with some crushed fresh blueberries and raspberries. ;)

Quick Paleo Pancakes - Per Jess's Blog and the Nutrition Menu
Time: 10 minutes

• 2 eggs
• 1/2 C unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 C nut butter (not peanut butter! - almond/macadamia nut butter works well)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• coconut oil

Mix all of the ingredients except the coconut oil in a bowl. Stir well, until you have a uniform batter. Next, use a bit of coconut oil to grease a non stick skillet. Spread some of the batter into the skillet to form a pancake, then cook over low/medium heat. Flip after 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn them!

Once you've cooked all of your pancakes, you can serve them with a variety of toppings. A few that I like: chopped apples and cinnamon; heated blueberries; real maple syrup; and unsweetened applesauce.

Zone info: 3 servings at 1/2 carb block, ~1/2 protein block, 15 fat blocks

2009-08-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

"Every woman should know: How to look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, and work like a dog." - Author unknown

Love this quote.

We have such a phenomenal team of coaches at Crossfit Central. The men and women I am surrounded by on a daily basis never cease to amaze me with their talents, skill sets, and passion to keep pushing their knowledge and own fitness level and inspire the community.

CrossFit Central is unique in many ways but the fact that we have such a large group of strong CrossFit Women as super star coaches at our box is pretty cool. Female Crossfitters are not rare BUT to have 12 female coaches who are all amazing CrossFitters and super passionate about the business - you don't see that in every CrossFit affilaite across the country.

Over a year ago I wrote a blog spot called, Female CrossFitters. The post showcased Carey Kepler and Crystal McReynolds - their talents, strength and uncanny ability to connect with people. Check out the post - there's a picture of Crystal at only a few months in to CrossFit --> http://nicoleholstrom.blogspot.com/2008/02/female-crossfitters.html

Planning CrossFit Central's Largest Event

2009-08-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of work that goes into planning CrossFit Central's Fight Gone Bad, our largest event of the year. We created a Fight Gone Bad board a couple of months ago made up or 8 leaders of different aspects of this event - everything from logistics of the workout and equipment to packet pick up. We meet every other Wednesday to discuss details of this event. Today we did the 1st official walk through @ The Long Center and mapped out what the event will look like.

I absolutely love this venue for Fight Gone Bad. It looks out to the Austin City Skyline. So as your pounding away reps, catching your breath, and fighting through the workout your view looks something like this:

Walking up to the venue looks something like this:

This event is going to be awesome! If you haven't signed up already - do so today. This event will fill up, there will be no day of registration for this one. We'll be leaking all of the details via the CrossFit Central website including sponsor information, giveaway information, and more!

My personal goals this year for Fight Gone Bad:
1. Raise $300
2. Compete at the Elite Level
3. Score: Break 300 Points

Spartan 300 Challenge

2009-08-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

When Paul Phelps, first approached us with the idea of holding an event at the Testosterone Festival I must admit I didn't think it was real - I thought, "Testosterone Festival?? Is Jeremy just messing with me?" But when we sat down with Paul, organizer of the Testosterone Festival, I knew it would be a lot of fun and perfect for something like The Spartan 300 Challenge. There were a ton of things to do and see from cooking classes, UFC Fighters, MMA, Bikini Contest, Fit Model Search, poker, basketball games, video games, car show....the list goes on...

Saturday and Sunday my team - Christine, Ben , & Alex - took turns promoting the Spartan 300 Training Package (out this December) at our booth. I've never set up a booth before so this was a new adventure - but I think it turned out pretty good!

The coaches loaded in the equipment on Friday afternoon - we brought barbells, mats, boxes, kettlebells, bumper plates AND Richard made us a mobile pull up bar!

Since the Palmer Event Center wouldn't let us drill into their floor (lame) ;) we had a max of 3 people go at a time to keep the pull up bars steady and all athletes had to do dead hang pull ups instead of kipping pull ups. It definitely changed the landscape of the workout - but these guys and girl pushed through it and did a phenomenal job!

One of my favorite competitors was Elisabeth Duncan, or Liz. She was the only girl to sign up for the challenge - LOVE IT! She rocked and her husband competed in the workout too - it was his 1st CrossFit workout .....ever and he took on the Saprtan Challenge @ the Elite level! CRAZY!!

Shock 'n' Awe

2009-08-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Julie (aka Shock) posted this pic on her blog of us at The Movement right after we put pink spray paint in her hair. Julie and I represent two different sides of Central

Julie (Shock) - Numbers, Data, Contracts, Forecasting, Payroll, HR, Accounting, Spreadsheets, Insurance, Details

Nicole (Awe) - Media, Photoshop, Website, Branding, Culture, Videos, Pictures, Big Ideas & Big Picture, Events

We are truly the ying and the yang of the company. Jeremy has referred to us as many things - Central's Pit Bulls, Work Horses, Julie's the right hand & I'm the left. But we thought the title SHOCK & AWE was much better suited! When Julie starts talking about budgets, numbers, and spreadsheets she starts talking a little faster with pure excitment and her eyes get wide - she can't help but smile....my eyes glaze over and I have to remind myself to focus. When I start talking about new websites, projects, making events over the top, and creating cool videos I get so psched and start talking faster - wide eyed....Julie looks at me cross eyed, shakes her head, and laughs. ;)

Our Associate team is starting to grow, Ben & Christine have recently joined the team and they're killing it behind the scenes.

I'm looking for 1 more person to join my media staff - could it be you?

This person has to be self-motivated, dedicated, passionate about the community, culture & branding of CrossFit Central. Knowledge of video editing, photoshop, In Design, and HTML code are a plus but not required - just need the desire to learn it. This person must be passionate about grass roots marketing, understand social media, have the ability to work on several projects at once, and the sedire to grow inside a start up company.
This position has endless posibilities.

If you're intersted shoot me an email nicolehughes@crossfitcentral.com

CHEATING ON PALEO

2009-08-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

My 2 Cents on Cheating, the food privacy clause, and Personal Power

Food represents a wealth of emotions for most people: Joy, Achievement, Pain, Anxiety, Celebration, Happiness, Stress...and the list goes on. The emotions and ideas that food triggers lie on such a vast scale and are different for everyone. Think about it - when people come to your house, where do you gather? The kitchen. When family and friends come to visit what is one activity you almost always do together - Go Out to Eat or Cook a Big Meal. Most Holidays are attached to principal dishes that trigger thousands of memories - Grandma's Ambrosia Salad @ Christmas, Turkey @ Thanksgiving, Ham @ Easter, Box of Chocolates for Valentine's Day. Food is also a very private thing, many people reward or punish themselves with food or beverages. Someone once said food is as sensitive a subject as Politics & Religion.

So I had to ask myself - why am I taking on the 30 days of Paleo Challenge? Is it simply because I love a good challenge and want to see if I can do it? If at the end of this 30 days I go out and "celebrate" with some non-paleo food what then have I trained my brain to do?

The Answer: More Bad Habits. This is about changing your lifestyle not taking on a challenge and returning to bad habits when you've completed it.

Ardith, a CrossFit Central client and powerhouse entrepreneur recently came to speak with the coaches & staff about being debt free. She said that you have to make decisions from a place of power and live in an abundant mindset vs. a poverty mentality. It is more powerful to say I choose not to buy those pair of jeans than to look at the jeans longingly and think, "I can't afford those jeans" :( Turns out the same kind of decision making applies to food choices.

The third time I sat across from a basket of corn chips & salsa I didn't flinch, it didn't even seem appealing. So there within lies my progress! Now going to a TexMex restaurant and not having chips and salsa is not a big deal. I now choose to not to eat the chips and salsa vs. looking at the salty crispy goodies thinking oh man I could have just one!!

Bottom Line - Eat good, clean foods most of the time. You know what will happen to your body if you don't so be ready for the consequences (no energy, bloated, sluggish, stomach ache, etc). I think many people get into a cycle of disappointment. Example: Suzy eats a cupcake after dinner one night. She feels guilty because it's not on her "plan" or "diet" So the next day she thinks I'll fast until lunch and eat a good lunch. Lunchtime rolls around at the office and she eats what she packed - Cabbage, chicken, and a few nuts with lots of water. Suzy holds off until dinner time to "make up" for that cupcake she ate the night before...problem is now she's REALLY hungry. So at dinner time she eats 2Xs as much as she should, plus a few handfuls of nuts, and some yogurt and fruit. Suzy goes to bed sluggish, bloated, and feeling guilty...and the cycle of disappointment begins again.

Instead wake up the next day, give thanks, and eat good clean food.