Spartan Boot Camp

Roll the Dice

2011-06-03T02:45:00.000-07:00

if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
otherwise, don’t even start.
if you’re going to try, go all the
way.
this could mean losing girlfriends,
wives, relatives, jobs and
maybe your mind.
go all the way.
it could mean not eating for 3 or 4 days.
it could mean freezing on a
park bench.
it could mean jail,
it could mean derision,
mockery,
isolation.
isolation is the gift,
all the others are a test of your
endurance, of
how much you really want to
do it.
and you’ll do it
despite rejection and the worst odds
and it will be better than
anything else
you can imagine.
if you’re going to try,
go all the way.
there is no other feeling like
that.
you will be alone with the gods
and the nights will flame with
fire.
do it, do it, do it.
do it.
all the way
all the way.
you will ride life straight to
perfect laughter, its
the only good fight
there is.

- Charles Bukowski

Training

2010-11-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Well its been a while since Ive posted, but Im back again and feel inspired to share a few thoughts on training. Soon I will be vlogging, got myself a sexy little HD camera and ready to roll.

Part of the warrior journey is about being prepared as we never know what life may bring in the next moment. Sure we can set intentions and allow what may come, but life always seems to have a few surprises up its sleeve, and would you really want it any other way?

At the start of this year I was bumped into by a car leaving me with a mild dislocated shoulder and a not so happy bicycle. My recovery is generally fast, partly due to my beliefs, partly my fitness and also my nutrition, but in this case it took much longer than expected. I began working with Colin from ehsproject and instead of working on my shoulder we began preparing the rest of my body for optimal performace and ultimately a stronger body less prone to injury. Now 10 months later I feel blessed by this injury and stronger and better prepared for my life.

Today we will focus on training the body, though training really encompasses much more - mental, emotional, stress and more. I do tend to mix up my training encorporating yoga, intu flow, cross fit, 300 spartan warrior workouts, gorilla workouts, walks, mountain biking and road cycling, outdoor body weight training and transformetrics. Having a good mix keeps it interesting and stops the body for hitting a plateau. Doing a combination also means I am ready if I choose to run through the bush, go wakeboarding and generally live as much life as possible.

Prior to training it is important to know why you are doing it and prepare yourself mentally. What activites do you love to do? What will prepare you for these? Who can help you?

For many years I trained purely on my own and with friends. I now also see the benefit in employing a trainer or coach to help me get myself to the next level.

What are your top tips for training?

Brotherhood

2010-04-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

Today is I write the concept of community, of authenticity and of brotherhood are on my mind. I love having friends in my life who will tell me their honest opinion despite the consequences. It is good having support when I need it, and criticism when I need that. Women often form close bonds that last many years, but for many men they have the guys they go to barbeques and the pub with.

Its time for me to be real men, men who can be themselves going crazy on their latest challenge, or allowing their heart to open and real emotions shine through. Some of the old stereotypes are breaking down, leaving confusion in gender roles and many frustrated and disappointed men. In brotherhoood we can grow to strengthen each other, and better serve the world to completely give our gifts from thus place. In brotherhood we can work our masculine edge, and love women as warriors, not sensitive new age guys.

As I go through the challenges of a life served on the edge, prepared to risk it all for true freedom, I am blessed and truly grateful for the brotherhood around me.

Namaste

Change

2010-03-17T01:46:00.000-07:00

Change is inevitable - right! But can be super annoying when not the change we want.

Today Lee and I headed off for another board room meeting, aka mountain biking at Terry Hills. This is one of our favourite rides as it flows with enough physical exercion plus technical challenge to keep us interested. It certainly doesn't feel like exercise to me even though we are working like machines.

So back to the change... Today we rode the start of the track all going great and then we came to a section where a bulldozer was knocking down a tree (fortunately we noticed this and avoided) plus the track from then was smooth. Not quite as smooth as a baby's bottom but smooth enough to make the ride a little boring. Frustrating when change like this happens and is out of our control.

Anyway felt a rant in order, and yes we did speak to the guy in the bulldozer (Lee mostly) and turns out there is valid reasoning behind this process to avoid run off from track going in to the bush etc. Seems the state forest are cashed up and taking lots of action.

What I have noticed in life is there are so many agendas. The track is used by walkers, mountain bikers, hopefully dirt bikers (to tear up the track and make more challenging) and ultimately firefighters.

I guess its not that big a deal when potentially a life may be saved from this work, but hoping it gets rough fast anyway.

Oh and while Im writing I think this was the closest I have seen Lee come to crying.

Connecting with nature

2010-03-01T03:14:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had spent the afternoon connecting with Christie, and catching up on paperwork that required my attention. The rest of the day was delivering the boxes as part of the http://sydney.foodconnect.com.au/ project. Feels good to be part of a group with a mission that makes a difference.

Lately my exercise has been mountain biking, walking, yoga, some cross fit and recovery exercises and stretches for my shoulder. Very minimal running. It had been raining and I felt inspired to head out for a run. Barefoot trail running felt right and I headed down the street until I met the trail. It started as a gentle massage on my feet as I felt my way along the trail, brushing my face against damp branches and lungs beginning to deepen with each breath as my body warmed up. The gentle massage became intense as the path became covered in small rocks, staying present and continuing to run was a challenge. I focused and meditated on the feeling, and continued feeling my way beyond the senses and finding a flow amongst the rocks that mostly worked. After a while I was running as fast as I would have been in runners, and feeling connected with the great one, with mother nature and super aware and present.

My business partner recently corrected me describing my time in nature as "time out", he articulated that for me it is an essential or "time in". This is my meditation. My centering. My chance to discover all I need to know. My freedom.

What is your "time in"? Having time in or time for ourselves is super important and I recommend booking it in with the same priority we give to our work or business.

Good luck on the warrior path, it is the most challenging but the most rewarding!

Purpose filled rebel

2010-02-12T01:21:00.001-08:00

Throughout my life I could easily be described as a rebel and unconventional. Curiously I wondered how we do all the same things yet experience life so differently through a different level of awareness. We work, we eat, sleep, drink, have fun, laugh, relax and whatever just like everyone else. Yet somehow life is experienced differently.

In my reading tonight I liked a section of the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz which I'd like to share.

"We can declare a war against the parasite, a war against the judge and the victim, a war for our independence, a war for the right to use our own mind and our own brain.

That is why in all the shamanic traditions in America, from Canada to Argentina, people call themselves warriors, because they are in a war against the parasite in the mind. That is the real meaning of a warrior. The warrior is the one who rebels against the invasion of the parasite. The warrior rebels and declares a war. But to be a warrior doesn't mean we always win the war, we may win or we may lose, but we always do our best and at least we have a chance to be free again. Choosing this path gives us, at the very least, the dignity of rebellion, and ensures we will not be the helpless victim of our own whimsical emotions or the poisonous emotions of others. Even if we succumb to the enemy - the parasite - we will not be among those victims who would not fight back.

At best being a warrior gives us an opportunity to transcend the dream of the planet, and to change our personal dream to a dream that we call heaven. "

Being a rebel with a purpose sounds like fun to me! Creating waves amongst this society we have created to bring people back to life, to believe in their dreams once again and that there are infinite possibilities not just the one they feel trapped by.

My questions to myself are how I can I create this moment consciously? How would I like to feel? What is my intention based on what I feel, not purely what I see?

As I recall my life and many experiences it is only now I feel so comfortable in being a purpose filled rebel.

What is your purpose? How can you "rebel" and put that into action today?

Belief

2009-12-06T21:08:00.000-08:00

As a part of my urban warrior training I like to challenge myself to do tasks that may seem impossible. The truth is everything is impossible until we have done it!

Some of these challenges recently have been rock climbing without ropes, driving luxury cars with the super car mafia. My encouragement for everyone is to develop the self belief that they can do whatever they choose. The monster stopping us most of the time is the doubt monster.

Challenge yourself in ways that work your edge, not anybody elses. My aim as an urban warrior is to have discipline where I need it so flow happpens unconsciously, like a samurai, spartan or ninja warrior.

Flu nonsense

2009-11-07T22:24:00.001-08:00

Dr. Leonard G. Horowitz, America’s leading consumer health expert, and Sherri Kane, an investigative journalist, have released shocking proof in legal affidavits that leaders of a private global biotechnology “trust” are behind everything you ever heard about pandemic flu, including its origin and alleged prevention via vaccination. Their documents, being sent through attorneys to the FBI today, evidence powerful industrialists operating a crime ring within “Partnership for New York City” are behind the pandemic’s creation, media persuasions, vaccination preparations, and health official promotions seen everywhere from supermarkets to health clinics.
“David Rockefeller’s trust, that engages several powerful partners on Wall Street, including media moguls Rupert Murdock, Morton Zuckerman, Thomas Glocer, and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Jerry Speyer,” are implicated in advancing global genocide,” Dr. Horowitz wrote to FBI directors, through a team of attorneys assembled to stop the swine flu vaccines from being given.

“This ‘partnership’ controls biotechnology research and development globally. Health commerce internationally is also controlled virtually entirely by this trust that exercises near complete control over mainstream media to promote/propagandize its products and services for the drug cartel's organized crime. This trust, in essence, makes or breaks medical and natural healing markets, primarily through the mass media companies and propaganda it wields for social engineering and market building,” Dr. Horowitz wrote.

Among the most stunning revelations from the Horowitz-Kane research are those linking Larry Silverstein of Silverstein Properties, Inc., and the 9-11 terrorist attacks, to the drug cartel’s geopolitical, economic, and population reduction activities. Mr. Silverstein, leaser of the World Trade Center who authorized to have building 7 “pulled,” meaning detonated, is a chief suspect in the “9-11 truth” investigation. Silverstein is currently landlord and co-partner in the biotechnology trust founded by David Rockefeller and implicated by these new discoveries.

“If these people can get away with killing more than 3,000 people in 8 seconds on 9-11, they are completely capable of murdering millions, even billions, of people worldwide this flu season,” Dr. Horowitz commented. “I pray these revelations will save millions of lives and help activists call upon President Barack Obama to demand legitimate inquiries into these genocidal atrocities.”

Given the unprecedented nature and urgency of these findings, Dr. Horowitz has posted his affidavit for public review on FLUscam.com, praying other activist will spread the information in order to prompt governments worldwide to cease mass vaccination preparations to avoid becoming accessories to the crime of genocide.
http://www.fluscam.com/Affidavit.html
For anyone curious as to the ingredients of the vaccines (H1N1) here it is. I seem to think there is no credibility in the governments claims that they are protecting you and public health. This vaccine when injected will be the catalyst of the pandemic. Those who get it will be the ones who spread it.

So now you know the list of ingredients for the toxic sludge they want to inject your babies with..

List Of Components Of Glaxo H1N1 Vaccine

BIOLOGICAL INDEX

chicken embryos (eggs)
influenza virus, H5N1
virus culture

CHEMICAL INDEX

alpha-tocopherol
aluminum adjuvant : toxic
AS03 adjuvant
Daronrix : toxic
disodium phosphate : Used in pesticide products.
formaldehyde : Formaldehyde is toxic to humans and the environment
magnesium chloride
octoxynol 10 : Octoxynol was classified as slightly toxic in rats
polysorbate 80 (Tween 80
potassium chloride
potassium dihydrogen phosphate
sodium chloride
sodium deoxycholate
squalene : toxic effects on animals and the toxic effects on humans
thiomersal (thimerosol) (MERCURY) : toxic
vitamin E

EMBRACE CHALLENGES AND DON'T HOLD BACK

2009-09-13T03:11:00.000-07:00

Every one of us has different challenges, situations that stress us, change us, and put us up against a wall. I know beyond any doubt that when your body is given all the opportunities to enjoy its natural capacity for movement, the energy reserves you build up help you cope with what life throws your way. In fact, it helps you do more than cope-it helps you thrive.
I call my own personal challenges the three A's-the three things that shaped my life. The first A is an accident I had at age 19. I broke and tore apart my right arm, shoulder, and chest while riding a motorcycle. I was temporarily paralyzed and spent six months in rehabilitation. . . .This is when I first discovered my passion for making people feel better through physical activity because I experienced first-hand how it made me feel better. If I hadn't had that accident, I might not have grown my company to more than 170 clubs with more than 500,000 members. I might not have gone all over the world speaking about fitness.
The second A is arthritis. At age 32, I woke up one morning instantly crippled. My whole body was swollen, inflamed and in total pain. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I had been an elite athlete, a five-time rowing champion, and overnight I couldn't even turn a doorknob. . . .That was quite a blow to the guy who people thought of as Mr. GoodLife Fitness. I used exercise to help me mentally cope with the symptoms and to regain physical strength and mobility. To this day, exercise helps me control the arthritis.
The third A is autism. At the age of two and a half, my eldest daughter Kilee started showing marked changes in behavior. Her kisses turn into biting, her laughter into constant screams. She started pushing me away when I tried to hug her. She wouldn't make eye contact. I went through a bewildering journey of trying to figure out what was going on. I still remember the initial devastation I felt upon hearing a doctor say, "Your daughter is autistic."
I became determined to help Kilee become the best she could be. I chose not to focus on her condition but on her potential. I chose to love her unconditionally. All my energy went into a very intensive home learning program for her, aimed at drawing the best out of her. . . .I also made the decision to commit myself to finding the cure for autism. I've provided the initial funding for an innovative research team under the direction of neuroscientist Dr. Derrick MacFabe at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. I continue to support that program, closing in on $3 million I've donated to the research team.
You might ask what physical activity has to do with my journey as a parent of an autistic child. The answer is twofold. By keeping up my own regular physical activity, my energy levels stay high, my mind stays sharp, and I cope better with stress. . . .Secondly, I have involved regular physical activity in Kilee's treatment program, with the result that today she has a high level of physical skill. She swims, skis, bikes, runs, and rides horseback.
My three A's have given me a sensitivity toward people whose bodies are not perfect, people who have had injuries and accidents, people who are coping with chronic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes or who are recovering from a heart attack or stroke, and also people who are overwhelmed or scared to exercise because of inexperience. I know what someone means when he or she says, "I had this horrible injury and I feel like I can't do things." I can give people the reassurance that there are things they can do and that their body can indeed find a movement level that will help them.
What are your own personal challenges, and how might physical activity help you? Exercise influences the biggest A of all-your Attitude. When life hits you broadside, respond with your big A-Attitude. And follow your big A with the three E's-Energy, Excitement, and Enthusiasm. Exercise helps you feel the three E's in your body. When you feel it in the body, you feel it in the mind, heart, and spirit. There is no split between mind and body-you are one whole human being.
David Patchell-Evans

Magic potions and lotions

2009-08-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

How many people watched The Secret and thought in that moment it was the end of all problems? My personal belief is that problems can be reframed as challenges, nevertheless some action or changes need to be made.

Yes I could visualise and affirm, ask myself empowering questions (and often do) yet without the right training, nutrition and persistence of purpose I may not have made it through the 100km event on Friday.

Part of maturity and growing up for me has been the realisation that there are not many magic potions and lotions or super pills that solve everything. Many of the quick fix ideas only lead to larger problems. We only need to look at the weight loss industry and yo yo dieting to see this cycle in action.

When we decide now is the time and creating my dream is the only option, things start to move. A commitment to a higher purpose with a big WHY so that when any challenges arise we keep going. WHY do I run 100km? Partly its because I can, partly the chance to be in the company of other inspired teams, part craziness, a challenge, show the benefits of a raw vegan diet, it inspires me in the rest of my life to keep going, and hopefully inspires others to do something they previously thought impossible.

What is it you have given up on? What is something you think could never happen but that little voice keeps holding you back? When will the inner self master the outer self?

Some why questions for today...

Why am I doing whatever it takes?
Why am I giving up the diet shakes?
Why am I living my dreams instead of eating cakes?

Brotherhood and challenge

2009-08-29T01:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I ran and walked 100km through mostly bush for a charity event, with 3 mates. It definitely felt good to finish.

The team was a big thing, all pushing each other to make it to the finish line as there were point where everyone was feeling a little "discomfort". The day started off hot and we heard stories of many teams dropping out, or having team members drop out.

What is the difference between those who persist and those who drop out? Do they see a higher purpose in making it to the finish line and a need to complete? Does it really matter in the scheme of life if we do retire early? We had one team member who even though being extremely fatigued still managed to cross the line, for the 9th year in a row. Is he mentally strong, crazy or is it the team that makes the difference?

Why as humans do we feel the need to challenge ourselves?

I know for myself being in the company of men with character is high on my values. Warriors strengthening each other through challenge. My training has been mostly cross-fit and wanted to see the results, plus I love showing what is possible on a diet of mostly fruit.

I found some stages particularly challenging to walk as I love to run, and seemed painfully slow. There was a lot of humour between the team, and at one stage perhaps a little delirious I decided to start some outdoor karaoke. Not sure how popular this was but I had fun.

The last stage was interesting. After walking a considerable distance I started running and didnt look back, hitting the finish line a significant distance ahead of my team and then officially finishing when they arrived. Why did I take off and leave the team? It really felt right like a spiritual experience to be running, feeling the wind across my face through my hair. Running down a tight trail with a head light on, through the streets across the Spit bridge, across Balmoral beach and up into Mosman. It was like something took over my body and all of a sudden I was completely present and energised.

For me to access this sensation, running 100km was a small price to pay. Sure I have a little discomfort today but beats talking about Home and Away.

What gets you present?

Will I do it again? (This was my 2nd time)

Women

2009-08-10T03:20:00.000-07:00

I am conscious as a man of the beauty now in all women. Many times my attention has been grabbed by a young beauty and my head turns to look. Now I have the belief that I love beautiful women, and all women are beautiful and simply breating in that essence I am much more appreciative of the beauty and radiance in women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Instead of just having mothers day I propose a national day to celebrate women and the beauty each of you bring to my day. Appreciate a woman for who she really is, perhaps even more than she realises and you will find love everywhere.

Namaste

The Journey to Manhood

2009-06-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

In todays society many men have lost their place and struggle to find purpose in a world where they have been emasculated. From not having a father figure at all and being raised by a mother, or the father simply not having the gift of manhood to pass on himself. Growing up in a close family, with love and attention from both my parents I would hope to have felt I had made the transition from boy to man. My late teens and early 20's were about rebelling in many ways, and seeking approval from women. I often felt I was "posing" as what I though a man to be, and often this seemed to work in gaining the affections of women yet inside I felt empty. A huge transformation took place when I met a woman who really cared, and took me deeper into what I really wanted. Yet still empty and ended up losing that woman. Later I discovered personal development, and found I could open up and share which has been an amazing gift - but more a feminine energetic exploration than the masculine. It was very easy to communicate with all people, yet the spark of polarity or attraction with women was lost. Obviously as a masculine man this is acceptable, yet men in society have settled for this and instead of going for what they may truly desire from life, they distract themselves with work, alcohol, drugs and televisision. I never want to hear from my death bed - Brock Bowen was a nice guy who lived a comfortable life and never caused any trouble. My journey in finding my authentic masculine power has been, and will continue to be an eventful one. I am committed to being a superior man, a man who strives to truly and deeply give the gift I love to share with the world no matter the circumstances. This can sometimes be a struggle yet I can think of nothing more distasteful than living someone elses dream and being comfortable. When I am am pushing the edge and turning the impossible into the possible I truly feel alive. When I accept death is inevitable and I die a little each day, only then can I truly live. When I am prepared to stand strong in the face of uncertainty and face failure, success becomes possible. As I put aside all distractions and become completely present with the task at hand I am always amazed at the phenomenal results now possible.

The Light in You

2009-06-09T05:37:00.000-07:00

One day, if you haven’t already, you are going to discover that you are beautiful.
Very, very beautiful.
And I pray, that on that day, you will be granted by the loving universe a great deal of courage, and grace…because it takes that to know your own beauty…and to walk through this world, discovering it over and over again. Because after you know, it always comes back to you. Even after the darkest night, or sometimes within it, when you feel your very ugliest, your beauty will begin to shine through and burn away all the heavy fabrics that obstruct it…like the sun. When you have seen the sun, you can never deny its existence again…no matter how dark things look. Even the darkness speaks only of light.
But this isn’t the beauty, however special, that we one day stumble upon in the mirror, or see a flash of through someone else’s eyes. These too are gifts beyond measure…but the beauty I am speaking of is a soul beauty that arrests you in a moment deep within, and unexpected. A soul beauty that crushes forever everything you thought you knew, and leaves you breathless. A beauty that will make you marvel forever in the secret shock of its revelation.
I wish you courage because as soon as the ecstasy overcomes you, there may follow a tidal wave of shame. You will want to cover everything you saw inside you, and deny its existence even to yourself. But you won’t be able to. Not ultimately. It will coerce you and seduce you with its truth and realness until there are no protests left. You will realize you are naked in the light, and clothes will never be the same…even if you put them on.
You might be appalled. It is one thing to feel good about yourself but seems entirely another to become this beautiful creature that you have seen yourself to be. And you know you will never be able to touch that beauty unless you open it to the world…and at first you may not know how…you may strive fruitlessly to find others who can meet you in that place, or vehicles to put it into art or words or to paint it onto scenes it doesn’t fit with…until finally…finally…it will spill out of cracks and find its way to the ocean. And then your life will be one stream of creative endeavors and moments of connection as rare as gold, and your life a golden tribute to that preciousness.
And then your blossom, all of it…the seed, the straining sprout, the potential of the bud, the epic opening, and the complete surrender with petals falling away…all of it is beautiful, over and over again…
Hang on…I know the ride is rough sometimes, but you are going to see things soon you never thought you would see. Dreams will be coming true that you’d forgotten you had even dreamt, long ago, in a reverie of lifetimes past…a moment of conclusion and sweet resolution is arriving on wings of the heart’s prayer. And when it is calm again you will see further than you ever have before, and eternity will roll through you like a long lost friend…and you will know it is speaking just to you. And knowing your true beauty, you will let it in…
Love, Jennifer www.jenniferposada.com

Water, Water, Water, Water, Water, and more water... Our Life Source!

2009-05-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

Tap Water

Tap water is an absolute disaster for health and fertility. In recent years, media reports have raised concerns about reproductive health and possible pregnancy risks from the by-products of chlorinated drinking water. Chlorine is added to drinking water to kill disease-causing microbes. However, when chlorine combines with other materials in water (often added to balance its pH), it forms chloroform and related chemicals called trihalomethanes. Certainly not something you should be drinking even in minimal quantities--would you willingly drink poison? Tap water can also become contaminated with fluoride, pesticides, lead, copper, PCBs (plastics) from pipes or other poisonous substances such as heavy metals. These substances have all been shown to be toxic and carcinogenic, and inextricably linked to thyroid function problems, infertility, miscarriages, embryonic malformations and abnormalities, behavioural and de velopmental problems in children, and much more. Toxic chemicals and industry by-products found in tap water make it dangerous for human consumption, unless filtered by a good quality purifier. So do not be fooled by claims that tap water is good for you, or that it makes children grow big and strong, whilst protecting their teeth! Absurd. It does no such things--it does however decrease your health, vitality and chances of having a healthy baby.

It is essential that you NEVER, ever, ever, ever (EVER) drink hot water from the tap, or use it for cooking or making tea and so on. The heat helps to leach extra toxins from pipes into the water (no matter of kind of pipe you have) and increases the volatility of chemicals that disrupt hormone balance. This makes hot tap water even more toxic than, normal temperature tap water, which is already toxic enough!

The message is loud and clear--DO NOT, under any circumstances, drink, make tea, cook or wash your foods in tap water--hot or cold. Always use filtered water for anything you are going to be ingesting. A shower filter is also desirable as hot showers open pores, which enables increased absorption of toxins through the skin.

By Gabriela Rosa
www.boostyourhealthnow.com

Going for Your Best Day Ever

2009-05-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

One day a fisherman was lying on a beautiful beach, with his fishing pole propped up in the sand and his solitary line cast out into the sparkling blue surf. He was enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun and the prospect of catching a fish.

About that time, a businessman came walking down the beach, trying to relieve some of the stress of his workday. He noticed the fisherman sitting on the beach and decided to find out why this fisherman was fishing instead of working harder to make a living for himself and his family. 'You aren't going to catch many fish that way,' said the businessman to the fisherman. 'You should be working rather than lying on the beach!' The fisherman looked up at the businessman, smiled and replied, 'And what will my reward be?' 'Well, you can get bigger nets and catch more fish!' was the businessman's answer. 'And then what will my reward be?' asked the fisherman, still smiling. The businessman replied, 'You will make money and you'll be able to buy a boat, which will then result in larger catches of fish!' 'And then what will my reward be?' asked the fisherman again. The businessman was beginning to get a little irritated with the fisherman's questions. 'You can buy a bigger boat, and hire some people to work for you!' he said.

'And then what will my reward be?' repeated the fisherman. The businessman was getting angry. 'Don't you understand? You can build up a fleet of fishing boats, sail all over the world, and let all your employees catch fish for you!' Once again the fisherman asked, 'And then what will my reward be?' The businessman was red with rage and shouted at the fisherman, 'Don't you understand that you can become so rich that you will never have to work for your living again! You can spend all the rest of your days sitting on this beach, looking at the sunset. You won't have a care in the world!'

You do make a difference

2009-05-07T08:41:00.001-07:00

Today was another magical day, I know I use that term a lot but I do not use it lightly. Every day I see more and more of heaven on earth, and realise what a gift each moment truly is.

It made me think about the difference each one of us makes. Each day we come into contact with friends and family, acquintances, people serving us in stores, strangers we pass on the street and also on the phone. Our intention and vibration at the time of meeting each of these people has a ripple effect. Who knows what a smile, a compliment or just having fun and being grateful right now might do.

I love to add value to people's lives wherever I can, and this seems to happen in return multiplied by 1000. The more I give and share of myself the more this is returned. My life is truly blessed with the friends, the mentors, the coaches, the opportunites and the possibilities to live a fully self expressed life.

Use money, love people and give to the world as much of you as you believe you can. Isnt that what you have always wanted?

If you knew everything you did was being reflected back - what would you do differently today?

Why is my life so blessed? Why is there magic in every day? Why am I living a purpose driven life?

Discovering One's Own Value

2009-05-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered what your value is in the world and felt miserable because noone gets you?

Stop wondering and take action NOW! Go out and do something you love today and figure it out on the way. I did this Saturday, went out to play and gave massive value away.

When we are truly on purpose it will feel like nothing. Valueing ourselves to receive love in all forms (yes including $$cash$$) free of guilt is the goal. Why do I deserve to be handsomely rewarded for doing things that are easy ? Simply because I am good at it, and this is hard for someone else.

Give your unique expression of love until someone is willing to reward you in the form that serves you best. No action ever goes unrewarded - we can not give without receiving.

God bless and love life.

Faith

2009-05-01T04:33:00.001-07:00

Faith to me is the innate ability to hold to my inner vision even when the outside world does not always reflect everything as I perceive it should. Letting go of the need to see how everything will unfold and surrendering in my purpose to something greater is all I must do. Doing this can at times be a challenge. Recently as a status update on facebook I wrote I am determined to see differently. Constantly I am able to reframe my reality and know there is always a solition, yet doubts sometimes will enter my mind. The challenge is to trust and understand that we need to let go of the current level to move to the next.

My grandparents were faith missionaries. This meant that my grandfather gave all his money away as a newlywed and decided it was his purpose to serve the aboriginal community. He did this trusting that God would always provide. I never spoke to him about this as he died when I was quite young. My grandmother recounted experiences they would have where they had no food, a family to feed and a visitor would stop by . One instance a gentlemen broke down driving through the town where they lived. He had to stay the night and as they had no food to share, he was treated with the last of their milk and cocoa for dinner and breakfast. The next day a food package arrived from this gentlemen with a thankyou note. Experiences like this were a daily occurrence. The wise words my grandmother gave me are "Don't try, just trust".

A big vision and strong faith are what we need to create the world we want to live in for ourselves. My belief is that when we do life from a place of love, with the best intention anything is possible. I now surround myself with people who remind me of this daily with small miracles that occur in each of our lives.

As we plan for the future, living each day at a time within our communities fears dissolve and doubts are removed.

When the vision is big enough, the last thing you will need to worry about is having enough stuff.

Persistence

2009-05-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.
Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful
people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is
almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of
educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are
omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will
solve the problems of the human race." Calvin Coolidge

2009-04-16T22:20:00.000-07:00

"In the morning as you rise, looking in the mirror say the following to yourself:

I love you
I am grateful for another day
I am trying my very best to be accountable
I am accountable for my decisions today
I forgive you for anything that was not forgiven last night
I love you

At bedtime, as you get in bed – a hand mirror is great for this – say the following to yourself:

I love you
I am sorry for anything left undone today
I am sorry for any fearful decisions made today
I forgive myself – I am forgiven for all of it
I am grateful for forgiveness
I love you"

Source: Julette 21 Day Forgiveness Process

Divine Union

2009-03-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

I love this wonderful, literal depiction of the balanced male/female energies made manifest in the real world, and wanted to share it.

This metaphor describes the organic relationship between man and woman, expressing its potential through Lakota Sioux folk lore. The image was received via Lakota Sioux Henry Houston.

The vision is one of the beautiful, wild mare taking flight freely through the open plain, her mane whipping in the wind. The strength of her powerfully sculptured legs merge with the earth, majestically creating its own drumbeat in tribute to Source. She is pure and primal expression of creative power.

What is possible for her becomes totally transformed when her beloved is riding her, the masculine strength who knows and honors her power. It is through his surrender to her that he is able to become one with her. His masterful leadership and understanding of her raw power, her desires and her vision guides and directs the powerful energies in a manner that manifests the greatest good for the unified collaboration. He harnesses the energy into a purposeful end for both.

He does not fear or compete with her magnificent power. Through surrender and union, he experiences his True Nature beyond the world of form and this unleashes his own spiritual power. He is free! She gratefully surrenders to his leadership, for it grounds her, stabilizes her energy, and allows for it's manifestation on the physical plane. Both are empowered by the union. Still each of them stands sovereign in his and her own power. Out of the balanced unity is created a third force, a natural flow of synergistic energy between them that combines their individual wholeness into an infinitely expanded wholeness together. All of creation joins in the celebration of this Divine Union.

Love & Blessings,
Heather xoxoxo
www.heatherfraser.com

Why should I be paid to do what is easy for me and I love?

2009-02-28T18:44:00.000-08:00

This question came up at a coaching workshop recently with the source foundation, and really made a massive impact on the group.

Reasons we came up with

-Im good at it
- It is hard for someone else
- For a body to function each part must do what it is designed to do, a hand can not be a head.
- Why not?
- This is my flow

Many times we work to get paid, and then use that money to do the things we love.

What if this wasnt necessary and we could have it all. Financial sufficiency (thankyou to Lynne Twist) was a massive breakthrough for me yesterday. Many times we focus on financial abundance, but from a place of lack where we believe we need to store up a lot just incase. What if we always had enough to do what we wanted in that moment? What if there was a new financial system, and the current destruction is making way for the new? What if we are the people who hospiced the world through this transformation? What if each one of us chose to be a leader right now, not waiting for someone older, wiser, or better prepared but knowing that each of us is divinely prepared with all we need to start being the change now.

Our perspective on the world right now makes an enormous difference. Yes we can not ignore people are hurting, things will likely get worse for many as we move forward. But the time is now to move forward and bring about the transformation of the world, a place where people express themselves uniquely unbounded by old paradigms or social norms.

Why am I involved in the transformation of the planet?
Why does love and goodness always prevail in the world?
Why is it so easy to live a life of inspiration and led by the heart?
Why are so many juicy souls committed to a world where everyone is free to thrive?
Why am i constantly surrounded by amazing people allowing me to play my biggest game?

What why questions empower you to make a massive difference today?

Peter's Purpose Perpendicular Point Pants

2009-02-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

“In essence we are all the same, yet we are all unique in so many ways.

It is not our purpose to ask how we should be.

It is not our purpose to be how others expect us to be.

It is our purpose to discover how we are destined to be…

and then to be it.

To be it boldly and bravely.

To be ourselves not arrogantly, not aggressively.

To be ourselves humbly.

To be ourselves and serve our creator.

To be ourselves and serve others.

To be ourselves in service of our highest good.

To be ourselves in service of the good of all…and to do so in our own unique way the way that

brings us the greatest, deepest joys that we may continue to serve forever and enjoy every

blessing bestowed upon us by our Creator, by others, by ourselves and by our highest good.”

Peter Hagerty

Structure for flow

2009-02-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

What is a dam without walls? Water without a container

In my life I have often been bold, confident and up for almost any challenge. Whilst I do not see this changing to a large extent I am becoming more and more aware of my need for structure, planning and the right team.

Whilst a warrior is completely present in his mission, and able to flow in the moment he must also create a framework for his life that allows this mission to be achieved at the highest level. Without this structure his energy becomes dispersed, losing focus or potentially blowing up the project he so passionately started.

Tonight I gained much perspective and will remember this for a long time to come, a night when I laughed and cried at the same time as I humbly grow through life's challenges.

What are the chances?

2009-01-13T05:58:00.000-08:00

2009 has only just begun and has already been a magical mystery tour filled with magical randomness and people I love. After our purpose workshop this evening I decided it would be fun to go for a ferry ride to Kirribilli with Sakti. My mind said this was illogical, it was late and should be sleeping but I trusted and experienced a blissful experience of complete prescence gliding across the waters of the harbour as they reflected the moon. We then bumped into another friend Ruben and his girlfriend Emily on the ferry, What are the chances?

The conversation that evolved tonight with my good friend Sakti was all about "What are the chances?", meaning all the crazy synchonicities we experience in this reality we call life. A book recommended by another friend Nicola and emailed to me that day was the same one Sakti offered to lend me that night. Sakti really stirred up some deep questions in me and left me with a deep knowing in my heart that once we have clarity of purpose, anything is possible.

Whether it be thinking of someone and they call, or bumping into the exact person we need in that moment, or finding that book we need I know I am truly grateful to be having this magical experience.

The Journey from Head to Heart

2008-12-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

As I strive for personal bests in many areas of my life, I have realised how important that we not only enjoy the journey but are heading in the right direction. With the influences of family, friends, work, society and media it is sometimes challenging to hear the still guidance of our inner voice above the noise.

An inspiring quote is "the longest journey a man must take is the 18 inches from his head to his heart". At times I have felt I am living someone else's dream, forcing material items into my life or opportunities that completely do not resonate but hoped they would make me look good.

Taking time away from the noise, having as much fun as possible and connecting with nature has led me so much closer to my heart. My wish is that I connect with people from my heart in all that I do, loving each brother from another mother and living an authentic life according to my purpose and values. Many times I feel vulnerable, but so connected with the people in my life. Letting go of the need to impress and surrendering to something greater has had enormous value. Lately I am experiencing so much serendipity and blessings and am truly grateful.

I will still step up to master each area of my life, doing this now from a place of gratitude, love, certainty and presence - or simply living from my heart.

The warriors of Sparta knew their life mission, had love for each other and fought with passion. As the clock rolls forward and I visualise celebrating my 120th birthday I am grateful to know that I did what God put me in this world to do. As the year draws to a close this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year that was.

Are we poisoning ourselves for the illusion of looking younger?

2008-11-19T23:08:00.000-08:00

Its common knowledge that the majority of us want to continue looking younger for longer. Within the media there is numerous products claiming to give us "rejuvenated", "anti-wrinkle", "lushes", "supple" skin through the use of the advertised product.Have you ever consider what the contents actually are? Ever attempted to read the ingredients label? I challenge you for next 24 hours, what ever skin product you use, may it be your shampoo or conditioner, face products, to deodorant, toothpaste or even soap - to inspect the ingredient list before use. Majority of the ingredients will be disguised by their "scientific name" - so for your benefit i've included this link http://chloewehlow.mionegroup.com/en/toxicfor you to decipher what the ingredient is. The most common based product used is Mineral Oil, found in moisturisers, sunscreens, and makeup; and Mum's be aware - J & J Baby Oil is 100% mineral oil, therefore baby's are being coated in petroleum. You maybe wondering why? Because it is cheap for the manufactures!Numerous cases have been reported where a child has orally consumed skin care or house hold products, and became unwell and some in some cases, children have even passed away. This company claims their products are so natural you could eat them! It is very important to be aware that whether or not that product is swallowed (i.e toothpaste/mouthwash) or may it be placed on your skin (i.e sunsrcreen or creams) the product is absorbed by the body (i.e the blood stream). Therefore these toxic ingredients do enter your body's cells. Exposing yourself to toxic chemicals does increase the free radical damage to your body, and increased free radicals is known to lead to chronic diseases, i.e.cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, alzhiemers, etc - as announced by the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION. Don't forget increase free radical damage does increase the rate of aging. Recommended Reading1. Gorgeous Skin in 30 days - Erica Argyle2. The Chemical Maze - Bill Statham3. Chemical Free KidsFeel free to contact me via email, or mobile 0414850460 - if you have further questions. If you are on a quest, as I am, for longevity - ensure that you are decreasing your exposure to unnecessary chemicals/ toxins and hence free radicals. and increase your antioxidants with fresh fruit and vegetables and supplementing your diet with a whole food supplement.Enjoy your day,Chloe xo :-)

How can you measure the value of a man?

2008-11-04T02:25:00.000-08:00

This is an extract from a book given to me by my sister, and found today whilst cleaning up. I flicked open the book and came across these magic words.

The measure of a man is not found in the things he owns, what he's saved for retirement, or even his accomplishments....

The true measure of a man is found in his faith, and his heart, the friends who stand by him, the strength he displays under pressure.

It's found in his willingness to reveal vulnerability, in the truth of his words, the genuiness of his life, his unselfish actions, the values he lives by...

Determine the measure of a man not by admiring his trophies, or comparing him to other men either weaker or stronger.

Determine the measure of a man by how much you trust him and believe in him, and by how much his life enhances yours

The Superhero Party

2008-10-21T01:54:00.000-07:00

For everyone who attended a huge thankyou for the best birthday ever!!! WOW is all I can say

The Phantom was amazing both in costume, and photography

Check out http://www.flickr.com/photos/7755361@N06/sets/72157608160303972/
for some pics.

We had commandos, James Bonds, The Matrix, spiderman, the original Superman and Lois Lane, greek goddess, raw food superhero, skins superheroes and so many more. All in all it was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with everyone, and release those inhibitions while wearing lycra and underpants on the outside. Our condolensces went to spiderman who felt underdressed with no underwear to be seen. Sorry Peter!

A huge thankyou to Joyce and Pat for setting up, hosting and cleaning up after this awesome event. I felt so loved and fully expressed and look forward to many more Brocktobers to come

18 Tips to be Fit and Frugal C/O Scott Sonnon

2008-10-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

1. Bundle up and ride your bike to work. 2.
Take a change of clothes and a toiletry bag, and you’ll look beautiful AND feel great and proud of yourself!
3. Take the stairs. Yes, even if only for one flight.
4. Park at the back. Don’t burn petro cruising the parking lot waiting for the front row.
5.Play with your kids. Yes, you DO have childcare: YOU! Don’t use them as an excuse to not exercise. Play tag, tackle, wrestle, ball, tickle, tumble, and jump.
6. Save a dog at the SPCA, and take puppy for a trot. Or ask your neighbor or friend to let you take theirs for a run.
7. Empower yourself at home. A home exercise tool like the Clubbell has been the choice of people around the world for thousands of years. With less than the price of 2 months at a gym, and keep it for the rest of your life.
8. Close the blinds and dance for 20 minutes. Or don’t close them and laugh with your neighbors as much as they are.
9. Take the first step! The 1st step of your house or apartment is a great exercise opportunity. 10. Step up and down as fast as you can for one minute; rest 60 seconds, and repeat 10 times. Hold a heavy bag while doing it.
11. Can the weights. Or rather, use your canned goods in a sturdy bag as a sandbag to climb stairs, do squats, lunges and side lunges.
12. Clean up your own mess. You don’t need someone else to do your housecleaning or yardwork; plus, it’s a great exercise opportunity!
13. Ask the boss. Email your employer if you can have some free space to exercise on your break, even with your co-workers.
14. Organize a pick-up game of basketball, baseball, or touch football.
15. Water is cheaper than sports drinks… and WAY better for you.
16. Glad grads: check out if any of your local gyms offer discounts to college alumni or grads.
Insurance break: some employers get insurance breaks if you use their gym affiliate, and give you a discounted premium as well!
17. Move every joint: every day for 10 minutes make circles with every joint in your body. See my FREE Joint Mobility eBOOK if you need help. This gives you the energy of an espresso without the crash or the cash!
18. Have a ball: A stability ball is a great way to play around, even if only watching television.
Top of the hour: stand up and perform one 2 minute yoga pose every hour. Go for 8 long breaths: 4 seconds inhale, 4 second hold, 4 seconds exhale, 4 seconds pause.

Inspiring Quotes by Mahatma Gandhi

2008-10-01T06:55:00.000-07:00

A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people.

An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

Faith is not something to grasp, it is a state to grow into.

Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth.

I am prepared to die, but there is no cause for which I am prepared to kill.

I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and Non-violence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast a scale as I could.

Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man as self-sufficiency. Man is a social being.

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

elands

2008-09-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

WOW is all I can say about this place nestled in the hills approximately an hour North of Taree. Kerri Hames from our raw group moved here over a year ago to be with her partner Darren, and I figured there must be a reason why we had not seen her again.

Phill and I drove up from Taree thru Wingham, and along the dirt roads till we arrived at elands. We quickly gave ourselves the tour, stopping at the local store for water, and a round of pool at the table outside. People came by and all seemed very relaxed. My favourite quote from a gentleman I asked if my car was is his way "Noone is in my way man" - an excellent life philosophy.

A short drive and we were at the falls, where we had arranged to meet Kerri. She was there already snacking on a vegan pastie her friend at the kiosk had prepared especially for her. We looked out over the falls, and then decided a swim would be fun. Diving in was extremely refreshing - crisp cold water and seemed to drain all the blood from our limbs. We swam acrossd the other side, then back and warmed ourselves in the sun. Some friend's from Kerri's school arrived and swam also, noting the freshness of the water also. I hope its warmer next time we go!

Phill and I dived back in, this time with the purpose to climb a tree and jump in the water. This was a lot of fun just difficult to balance when cold.

We had a magical afternoon, sampling the organically grown spinach, garlic flowers, marigold flowers and lettuce. The fresh spring water (on tap) tasted delicious and we enjoyed this relaxing on the verandah at Darren's place. Lying in the sun was amazing, with no power lines, traffic or concrete to be seen. This house is made from wood, has spring water on tap, solar power and even broadband internet. AMAZING!

Kerri, Phill and I had some interesting conversations and really got to know each other in a relaxed way. Phill and I worked out in the backyard, finding some weights nearby for this. Soon the guitar came out and we were singing and dancing in the backyard, completely in the moment wishing it would last forever. There was even a trampoline to play on - rawsome!

Next we headed to Kerri's place - a couple of minutes drive down the road. The tour started with the vegetable garden, with lots of yummy snacks and then to a magical valley where the owners of the property even have their own airstrip.

We came up with a nickname for Phill as Raw Sausage Dogg, think he likes it too! haha

This place is heavenly, and we didnt want to leave. Kerri has warmly invited us back to visit, and to bring friends will keep posted as this is a place you definitely want to experience.

Yet again another best weekend ever for Raw Eagle

The Troops from Fitness First Bootcamp

2008-08-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Success or Lack of Success - Article by Don

2008-08-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

How does it happen that two people take the same actions and appear to exert the same effort and still have massively different results? Good question, you might ask? Maybe the answer is as simple. Belief is the key to success. Starting with the belief that you CAN be successful and continuing along each step of the way towards that successful finish.I was watching the Olympics the other day, a tennis match between Roger FEDERER (SUI) - Rafael AREVALO (ESA). This was an amazing sight to see between one of the very best in the world and one of the "not very best" in the world (and I do not mean to offer offense to Rafael, he is just not at the same level as Roger). As I watched the play, I wondered at the mindset of each. Did Roger go into the game with certain knowledge of a win and use it to assist a lesser player in his game (thus bringing up the level of play Rafael was capable of) or did he just play the "full out" method and destroy his opponent. In watching this match I got the sense that Roger was playing his serves in his "normal" way and making his best hits with the intention of winning. During the times he was on the receiving end he returned the ball with skill, but not with "kill" and allowed his opponent to make the range of "unforced errors" that would be commensurate with his level of play. So, it seems that Rafael came into the match KNOWING he was going to lose and was able to play without the pressure and even appeared to be enjoying his match with one of the best in the world.How does all this relate to our success? Simple. Are we showing up knowing we are the best and always going to win or are we coming to play and thinking it is only a matter of time before we are "out of the game". That simple shift in mindset is what can determine our success or lack of success (failure is the result of no longer taking action - not a lack of success). And if the premise is correct, then how can we adopt the mindset of success so that we can be as successful as we desire?Take your first step by finding someone who is having success and know that "if they can do it so can I" (even if you think you cannot do what they are doing, begin the process by just "buying" the idea that you can do anything someone else can do). Take advantage of every instance in your daily life that you can call a success and beging to acknowledge them. Include all the "mundane" things you do, from successfully waking up, successfully getting out of bed, successfully getting dressed ... and so on. Also, take advange of things you might have called "failures" in the past like "I successfully managed to spill my coffee on myself today". And please include a good sense of humor in this activity (another thing for some to be successful at).Enjoy the things you do and do the things you enjoy. If your life is filled with things you have not enjoyed in the past, then find a way to make each more pleasurable. An example could be having a job that keeps you away from your family and knowing that you only have to do this for another fifteen years and then you can retire.Be - Do - Have. Simply, be the person who has success. Do the same things that person does. You WILL have to results.

The Pursuit of Greatness

2008-08-15T04:58:00.001-07:00

How many of us have been diligently watching the Olympics and witnessing the amazing feats of the best of the best?

What is it about this pursuit of excellence that stirs up feelings within us and glues us to the television? Yes even myself, Raw Eagle who many of you will know as someone who would rather make television than watch it.

Actually on that point be interested to hear people's thoughts on an internet based health tv? I am thinking it would make for a lot of fun and definitely motivate us, rather than watching the propaganda fed to us on commercial television.

Ok back to the Olympics - is it that somehow we know within us all there is greatness? Something we can do better than anyone else on the planet, a destiny we were created for. The odds of us being born into this time period are 1 in infinity.

Has got me thinking more .... Who am I? Why am I here? Where is my greatness?

I believe I am hear to heal, to love and radiate and magnify joy in the world!!!

You are all beautiful and I love everyone of you even if I have not met you. Now as we head into the best weekend ever, may I wish the same for you

Health and Fitness

2008-08-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday was the City to Surf which I went along to and ran a time of 54minutes and 4 seconds - almost 2 minutes faster than my previous year. Last year I trained specifically for this event, with long runs, VO2 Max, lactate threshold, and interval training. This time with little specific training I ran a great time, and of course will be even better next year.

After event with friends sore and stiff, I was ready to play again.

My point here is that with an excellent base level of fitness and a focus in certain areas we can perform anywhere and anytime. To achieve this I regularly workout using various bodyweight, plyometric, cross fit, sprint and weights training. This balance has built a solid structure around which I can enjoy different events and recover well. Eating a diet consisting entirely of fresh ripe organic fruit and vegetables certainly helps also.

Also on the city to surf a 27 year old man died 200 metres from the finish line. I am unable to articulate the exact details but it is alarming that this could happen to a man in the prime of his life. So many times we focus on fitness and the body beautiful, feeding it with artificial substances and create a temporary facade but how many times are we actually promoting thriving or true health?

How many servings of fruit and vegetables have you had today?

My next event is the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker (which we will be running). Please send me you love and energy on the 29th August and as always have the best day ever and keep pumping

The Intuitive Voice

2008-07-31T04:21:00.000-07:00

How many times have we had that little nudge that says "Just do it man!" and we disregard it. A book by a friend Mary King "The Intuitive Voice" has led me to listen to these more and more.

Many of you will know I am very into health and fitness - and love a spartan challenge. Tonight whilst at Fitness First I skipped the pump class to train on my own, and as I was cooling down ready to have a steam room I heard an announcement regarding a bootcamp fitness challenge. The winner was to receive a backpack and free bootcamp training.

Well I knew I could win if I put my mind to it, not knowing what it was or what I was in for. Perhaps it was that "Intuitive Voice". I raced upstairs and saw people going through an intense workout for the best time.

5 minutes later I was in for the challenge 7mins 6secs (and a shredding workout) later I was in the lead. Now it was just waiting to see if anyone else could beat this in the last 10 minutes before the competition ended.

I showered off, walked upstairs and won the prize. Total FLOW!

Best thing was I ended up meeting Paul the head instructor who is into adventure racing, rockclimbing and lots of cool stuff like that. Another member had said we would get on well and turns out they were right.

I will let you all know how we go on the bootcamp, many exciting things are opening up for Raw Eagle with more travel planned. City to Surf and OxFam 100km trail run.

To paraphrase Helen Keller "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing"

Until next time people stay well and love to hear of your adventures.

Raw Eagle

Running Drills (c/o Gordon Byrn www.byrn.org)

2008-06-04T23:43:00.000-07:00

Running Drills
These drills are a combination of what I learned from John Hellemans and Mark Elliott. John and Mark are coaches with the New Zealand Multisport Training Centre. Additional ideas are from an article I read by Tony Benson as well as discussions with Joe Friel.
I do the drills at two main times, as part of my warm up for a Sustained Speed session and as part of a running strength/core conditioning session. Some of these drills require a fair degree of co-ordination. Seeing as you are only doing the drills 1-2x per week, you should give your muscles plenty of time to "learn" correct technique. Some will be a little awkward at first, this is normal.
Tony's article suggests that people can include these drills in a circuit routine that features: sit-ups, push-ups, burpees, single leg quarter squats, calf raises, modified dips, back arches, astride jumps, tuck jumps, hopping, can-can kicks and prone/semi-prone sprints. I'm including this list to provide you with ideas. In NZ, we tended to use the non-drill exercises as part of a 60 min running strength session. The focus when we were warming up for an SS session was more Core Conditioning.
Here is the list of the main drills (hopefully, you will have seen them before because it can be tough to explain some of these without a live example). While the drills can be done anywhere, I really like doing them on a soft surface.
Note that the explosive drills are stressful on the body. Start slowly with a small number of reps.
We would typically do a selection of drill 4-6x for 20-80m duration. In between the drills we would jog easily or walk. As these drill as are either technique or strength oriented, we weren't concerned on average heart rates.
Sideways running - No cross over, almost like a skip.
Sideways cross overs - This time you cross over and rotate your hips/shoulders as the left leg moves in front and then behind the right leg. Think fast feet on this one. Best to start slow and then build up the speed
Backwards running - Hold normal running form and jog easily backwards. Speed can be increased over time. Can also do quick accelerations to forward running out of the backwards running. When doing accels, I tend to get very low and rise as I accelerate (like a sprinter). Benson notes another method, heel up quickly to the butt then use quad to extend leg as far back as possible. I haven't tried this method.
Hands on head running - Alternate between normal running and hands on head running. We did this on the sand and it became surprisingly difficult as we sped up. If you have any lateral movement in your normal running gait then it seems to become more pronounced.
Butt Kicks - Hamstring drill, the thigh points directly down and doesn't move, body position is slightly forward. Kick leg up to the butt. Focus is on a smooth, action. Build the speed. Forward movement doesn't matter here. I can do the drill staying still.
Front Bench Kicks - Face the bench and place you left leg on the bench. Draw the right leg quickly up towards your butt. Goal is a quick movement up and a minimization of ground contact time. Hold arms is regular running position. Start with 10 reps each leg and build gradually towards 30. Once you hit 30, drop back down to 20 and add another set.
Rear Bench Kicks - Face away from the bench, place your left leg up on the bench behind you (knee bent, toe resting on the bench), draw you right leg up towards your butt, arms are held in normal running position. You may find that you need to do a little jump with your right leg to get it off the ground. The resting leg does not contribute anything to this drill (aside from balance). Aim for a quick action with minimal ground contact time. Start with 10 reps each leg and build gradually towards 30. Once you hit 30, drop back down to 20 and add another set.
High Knee A - Come up onto the ball of your left foot while raising your right knee. Grab your right knee and lift up while maintaining proud form. If you have trouble with balance, then keep your "down" foot flat on the ground. Speed is not important on this one.
High Knee B - This is the traditional high knees. Proud form, very slight forward lean, idea is to stay "tall" while rapidly lifting and driving down the knees. Benson notes that many people drop their hips on this one. He recommends focusing on the downstroke to keep the body tall. Turnover is rapid, forward movement doesn't matter.
Quick feet - Quickness drill, take baby steps and work on a very, very fast leg action. Arms and feet move very quickly. Not much in the way of knee action, movement is on and off the balls of the feet. Forward speed is not important.
Straight legs - I always think of John Cleese when I do this one. It is a Monty Python walk. Run forward keeping the legs straight. Forward speed is not important. Focus on quickly bringing the legs back under the body. Arms are held in normal running position.
Kick Outs - Similar to the straight legs drill, except the knee is brought up and the lower leg is kicked out and then the whole leg is brought quickly under the body.
Bounding - Running tall, extend the push off phase and bound. I use a mental image of a deer for this one. Relax shoulders and be sure to use arms as part of the drive phase.
Lope's Run - From a crouched position, bounding forward with a side-to-side component. When I do normal bounding my feet are striking in a lines that are virtually side-by-side. In this drill my feet are striking about five feet apart. The "push vector" is about 45 degrees. In the previous drill, you push straight ahead. On this drill your arms swing from side to side. Think Quasimoto.
Two legged hops - A great one to load the legs before doing an interval, or just as a drill on its own. Swing the arms forward when jumping. Start from a low position. Absorb the impact by bending the knees quickly on impact.
Low walking - Get into a crouch with your thighs parallel to the ground. Arms folded across your chest. Either walk around in this position, or stay still and (ever so slightly) oscillate up and down. Maintain until quads start to burn a little, then maintain some more.
"A" walk - Tony describes this better than me. "Walk tall, quickly lifting the foot straight up under the butt. This should induce a high keen lift and slight skip. Lower the leg to the ground with out any noticeable extension. Repeat with other leg. Keep forward motion slow".
"A" Skip - Once you have mastered the walk then you speed up and the foot "claws" as it hits the ground. Stay tall, move rhythmically. We found it really tough to alternate and tended to do several cycles on one leg and then alternate to the other leg.
Strides - One of Joe's favorites and great way to improve running economy. 6 x 30 left foot strikes on 1.5 min walk back rest. Run at 800 m race pace. Key is to focus on high cadence and lifting heel directly up to your butt. Lift the heel, knee lift is a result of the heel lift. Toes should be relaxed. Best done barefoot on grass.
References
The Monday night and Thursday morning sessions in Christchurch, NZ with Dr. John Hellemans and Mark Elliott.
Triathlon Sports Magazine, Jan/Feb 2001, Developing Speed, Tony Benson, pages 47-8.
The Romanov Academy, The Pose Method of Running, Video.
I don't have my copy with me but Endurance Athlete's Edge By Evans has a number of good running drills.
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Raw Fox's Extreme Upper Body Workout

2008-05-08T03:08:00.000-07:00

This is an extreme workout. We have done a lot of high intensity training, weights, cross fit etc and this one will completely shred you.

Check this one out and if you have a favourite workout please post for the rest of the members to benefit from. Workout is done using the Gymboss timer, basically allows intervals such as 20 second intense workout, with ten second rest.

Here is the workout thanks to Raw Fox (www.rawbodyweight.com)

10 sets x Handstand holds
10 sets x one arm pushups
10 sets x wall pushups
10 sets x dips
10 sets x atlas push ups
6 sets x pull ups
5 sets each arm x 12kg kettlebell bicep curls
5 sets x static chair body raise
5 sets x hindu push ups
5 sets x diamond push ups
5 sets each arm x holding leg of chair in air (working forearms)
5 sets x T pushups

Remember to fuel up before this workout and drink plenty of water. BE WARNED THIS WORKOUT WILL SHRED YOU.

What is spartan boot camp?

2008-05-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

How many of you have seen the movie "300" and admired the fitness and physique of the actors involved?

Many laugh after the spinoff movie "Meet the Spartans" showed men with painted on ads. This blog is my journey along with friends who are dedicated to fitness and training and transforming our health and physique.

This is not for the faint hearted!!! We will be posting results, workouts and nutrition.

Stay tuned...

Raw Eagle