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We all heard about the tragedy that occurred this year at Big Valley. Many injured, one dead and several stories that will live forever. I have heard many of you tell your personal accounts and experiences while at the festival…and even some of you - for whatever reason - pulled out at the last minute and decided not to go.
One story in particular touched me and when I told my wife she actually got a little choked up. Eight years a go a story like this would have been “neat” and “touching”, but now as a father it hits a little closer to home. All you other parents know what I’m talking about and for those of you parents to one day be…you’ll understand when you have your own.
Curt M. was at Big Valley enjoying the festivities with his 21 month old son Jaxen when the storm hit. He was 20 rows off the stage (yes the one that collapsed) and wound up doing the ‘duck and cover’ huddled together with a bunch of strangers. Like a scene out of a movie he had his boy tucked tight into him to protect him from the debris and flying chairs.Â
When the storm hit its peak and the dirt was pelting them a very large man, who was also there with his family, left them and came over to Curt and huddled with him covering Jaxen from the other side. He stayed with them until things started to calm down and then told them to get out of there. Curt’s brother took off his shirt and covered the little guy’s head and face with it so they could run to their trailer for shelter. In his own words Curt said he wouldn’t even be able to pick that guy out of a crowd right now.
Can you imagine that? A total stranger doing what had to be done to protect the most vulnerable. I know it may seem strange in todays world but it just goes to show that there are good people out there.
Now of course I’m going to spin this story and relate it back to SPARK. Everyday we - your coaches - see people struggle through workouts not knowing if they’ll have the gas to finish. All we can do is offer words and of course screams of encouragement and direction. What you may not realize is that others are cheering you on as well. They’ve been there, they get it and they only want you to have success.
From the other side, those of you that burn through WODs are being watched by those hoping to one day acheive the fitness you have. Don’t be afraid to encourage those that are hurting. I’m not asking you to coach them…in fact I don’t want you to coach them…but once you’ve caught your breath start using it. We used to see a lot more of this but since we have been growing so quickly I have seen it less often.Â
Who cares if you know them? Use that to get to know them by breaking the ice…you won’t be sorry. For some of you introducing yourself to someone puts you severely out of your comfort zone…but lets get real, so does CrossFit and you don’t seem to have a problem doing that. Others look up to you and need the encouragement and the newbs need to feel like they belong.
And if you still can’t bring yourself to talk to someone new just walk over and hug them…especially Curt because he’s cuddly and apparently doesn’t mind having strange men cuddle with him.
Any other experiences you guys have had? Post them to “Comments”
Workout of the Day:
Filthy Fifty aka “Chuck Norris”
50 reps of:
- Box Jumps 24″/18″
- Jumping Pull Ups
- KB Swings
- Walking Lunges
- Kneees to Elbows
- Push Press 45lbs / 35lbs
- GHDBE
- Wall Ball 20lbs / 16lbs
- Burpees
- Dbl Unders
Feel free to post results to “Comments”
August 5th, 2009 at 11:25 am
when you think, what has happened to this world?, you hear a story like that and have faith in humanity again! :)Im glad to hear that Jaxen is safe and sound with his family. ( love the name by the way )
There was this one WOD that I really really didnt think I was going to finish, Jonny was beside me ( already done of course )and he cheered me on. If he didnt do that I really dont think I would have finished…Thanks Jonny
August 5th, 2009 at 11:47 am
Great post Kim. We don’t hear enough of these great stories about people helping each other out.
For me some of the best workouts are the team or partner WODs. You don’t want to let the other person down and they are there to push you when you need it. Sometimes that’s all you need to push yourself to finish the last set of reps and power through without taking a rest.
August 5th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I totally agree with Dave - some of my favorite workouts have been the ones that we’ve done in partners. It’s always been a great time, and it’s been cool being paired up with people I didn’t know, or had the opportunity to get to know better working out with them.
The sense of community that there is at SPARK is one of the things I truly love. It’s nice to not just be working out next to a bunch of faceless entities you’re actually going out of your way to not talk to.
August 5th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Oh, and what’s the weight on the KB Swings for Chuck? I seem to have blocked it out of my mind and now it’s driving me nuts!
August 5th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
What a great story!
Phil and I were just talking about how when we first started SPARK, (a year ago now), we felt so welcome and at ease because everyone knew you were new and gave you that extra bit of encouragement. Now that there are so many new faces I know I have been less likely to approach someone I don’t recognize.
This is a good reminder that the new face may belong to someone who is feeling a little intimidated by the workouts and the groups of people that already know each other. A little encouragement can go a long way.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:55 am
First off, great story to start my day with! Second, I have to agree with Karie….in the 2 yrs I have been coming to SPARK I’ve noticed a slight decline in people encouraging others to do what it takes to finish a WOD. I have even noticed it in myself……everytime I go there is a new face that always looks like they need someone to talk to…I am a guy who likes to be at the front of everything I do @ SPARK (if you haven’t noticed)…..but I think from now on I am going to start at the back and get to know some of the new people.
August 6th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Just remember guys & gals:
All those new people in classes nowadays, that was once you…and now think of how better it felt coming in after a long run, last rep, or that last burpee when someone was cheering you on.
I still believe the community at SPARK is great and there are easy steps to make it better.
All it starts with is handshake and some encouraging words.
Keep up the good work…you too Jana;)
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