CrossFit Linchpin: 7 Year Review

This day is easy to remember. It's my youngest daughter's birthday who turns 22 today and is a young, married, junior officer in the Air Force now. She is crushing life on her own and at the ripe 'ol age of 52, I'm doing my best to stay strong, mobile and banking enough fitness to ward off curveballs that life throws at me. There have been quite a few since I signed up for Pat Sherwood's CrossFit Linchpin 7 years ago today. Before I go there with the subject of today's post, some background on me as well what Linchpin is and is not.

I grew up as a very much NON-athlete. I don't recall any sort of fitness as a kid and joined the Navy 2 months out of high school. In high school, I ran a year of freshman track and that was it. I'd say I was a tall, geeky kid who was in the band, had some friends and got bullied a good deal. Entering the Navy, this didn't bring fitness into my life, really, as all they wanted was a twice-a-year PT test and nothing more. It wasn't until the mid-90s when I got sucked into the Virginia Beach running scene that led to my first marathon in 1997 in the notorious Scranton, PA. Dunder Mifflin was NOT a sponsor of the Steamtown Marathon! Many years later, I found trail running and thus, ultra-running in NE Ohio after my Navy years that eventually led to multiple 100-mile finishes. In November 2014, I accepted an invitation to a CrossFit class in Kent, Ohio and as they say, "the rest is history." After trying out two affiliates, my wife and I found we enjoyed fitness at home best and began that journey in 2016, eventually adding on a 3rd car garage that has never housed a car. Heck, even Rogue Fitness shared it where it got over 23K likes and over 2K shares. I shopped the internet and social media for daily workouts and created some on my own but eventually signed up for the bargain CrossFit Linchpin (CFLP). My due diligence on the official CrossFit affiliate confused me... where was their gym? Their members? Turns out, CFLP has never had a brick-n-mortar presence but rather online and if anything, was in owner and founder, Pat Sherwood's garage in Washington state. Pat used to work for CrossFit HQ, has been in the broadcast booth countless times and even shares a history with me in the Navy, that being a former officer and SEAL. No, I'm no SEAL but both of us wearing the cloth of our Navy is one thing we share in common. From here on out, Pat will be referred to as Coach as that is truly what he is, even though he doesn't care for that label much.

August 2020 at the CrossFit Games in Madison, WI
Coach is on left. I am 2nd from right and on far right is Dan Bailey.

CFLP is simple. It truly is. Coach lays out weeks of programming in advance and ensures it is well planned and hits key tenants of what CrossFit is. True CrossFit is not random, it is varied, and at CFLP, it is intelligently varied. From long to short, high intensity to low, going overhead and below parallel, and countless other modalities, Coach keeps us super well diversified and as he says, "ferociously fit" if we follow the path laid out ahead. Take a look here for what exactly CFLP is and is not from Coach's own words.

Another big characteristic of CFLP is COMMUNITY. I have heard plenty of talking heads in the space say that you can't achieve the awesome community that brick-n-mortar affiliates achieve via an online community. While you can't literally high five someone, CFLP has PROVEN that a true, genuine, safe community is possible and a REALITY here. Many years ago, I went to Coach and asked him if he'd consider a closed Facebook group. He wasn't a fan of the idea, not being keen on social media. He reluctantly agreed, allowing me to admin the group, and with the understanding that if it goes south, we'd kill it. Years later, about 50% of CFLP's membership calls that group home and many testify that it is the ONLY thing they use Facebook for. It's free of vulgarities and full of people sharing real life, both in the struggles and in the victories. We celebrate babies being born into member families and surround each other when tragedy strikes. We never talk politics and respect each and every member in there no matter where on the planet they are, their age, their color or their belief structure. Truly, it is a safe space to "live" in and BE the community of CFLP.

A recent collection of CrossFit Linchpin gym buddies! I posted a request in the private FB group and members from across the globe shared their furry friends!

My Journey: So I'm 52 now. While I racked up 61 finishes of a marathon or longer (29 marathons and 32 ultras), I have been doing nothing but CrossFit since 2014. I did pick up rucking during this time and have dabbled in Obstacle Course Racing a bit. Actually, two events are in June 2025 here in Ohio. I don't train for them, specifically, I just do what Coach programs. Life has dealt me some blows here and there over the years but thanks to Coach and his education, my "Fitness IQ" is sky-high so that I am able to make smart decisions when life strikes. About this Fitness IQ: In every single daily workout, Coach creates a video that is posted along with it inside the included BTWB (Beyond the Whiteboard) platform. He explains the goals and rationale behind the day's work and how to choose the weights, if appropriate, and scaling options. Truly understanding the "why" behind a day's work helps me make smart decisions on scaling. I don't do ring muscle-ups and I don't back squat. So when that comes up, Coach has taught me over the years how to best scale and maintain the intended stimulus of the workout. That doesn't happen overnight but in time, it does. On top of these daily videos, he hosts a weekly "Ask Me Anything" that is truly that...anything goes. Every Thursday, Coach's AMA takes place on the CFLP YouTube channel.

In 2020, I was deployed to the Horn of Africa in support of Special Operations in Somalia. I deployed right at the beginning of the pandemic and got infected on the flight over there, crammed into a sardine can of an aircraft with lots of others. That led me being "contained" for 19.5 days in something the size (or smaller) of a jail cell. I couldn't even take a walk outside. I had my ruck, the internet and a small open floor. That was some of the hardest mental days of my life. No one checked on me. I wasn't part of a larger unit, rather I was an "individual augmentee" meaning I was 1 of 1. I hadn't even checked into my gaining command so no one really cared. If you look back on those days in my btwb log, the whole 2nd half of June is solid... I didn't miss a day. I did 100s of squats, hit a goal of 1000 burpees, handstand pushups, loaded up my ruck with anything I could find for weighted movements...in short, I made SOMETHING happen. It wasn't just for fitness, but for mental SURVIVAL. Without the education and leadership by Coach, this would not have been possible.

In April 2023, the years of running and thousands of miles finally caught up with me. I had to have a tear repaired in my right knee which meant going under the knife for the first time ever. Remember...a goal of mine is to being in the best shape I can so when life comes knocking, I have a fighting chance. So as I had the surgery and began the recovery, my Fitness IQ being what it is, I was able to keep doing things, staying active and being smart in what I elected to do daily but not derail recovery, yet foster it to come back stronger than before. In fact, that is exactly what happened. I was a model patient, icing and elevating daily and moving a lot to foster blood flow in the healing area. Photo here is me waking up from anesthesia as a total goofball. Guess what... I never took a single narcotic pain reliever in my recovery. Not one. Very thankful for that!

And finally, the most recent curveball was in early September 2024. The workout was a simple couplet of rowing and wall balls. Afterwards, Coach programmed some back squats as accessory work. He offers optional accessory work daily that compliments what we did for the main workout. In this case, lots of wall balls so our "squatter" was well warmed up. I hadn't even loaded the bar yet but when I put it on my back, a zing was felt that was NOT normal. I immediately racked the bar and called it a day, doing no squats. What would follow in the days after would be filled with a loss of pressing strength in my right arm, tingling fingers in my right hand, pain across my upper back and driving across Pennsylvania to military drill with my right arm stretched into the back seat because that was the only position that would relieve pain. That began weeks of discovery, MRIs, CAT scans and meeting with no less than 3 doctors. In the end, my chiropractor nailed it: C6/C7 Cervical Radiculopathy. From Google AI: "C6 and C7 cervical radiculopathy refers to nerve irritation or compression at the C6 and C7 levels of the cervical spine, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arm, hand, and specific fingers. The C6 nerve root is typically responsible for the thumb side of the forearm and hand, while the C7 nerve root affects the back of the arm and middle finger." Nailed it. A double fusion was scheduled for Thanksgiving week and would change my mobility and what I was allowed to and not for the rest of my life. Meanwhile, I continued to see my chiropractor 3 times a week for cervical traction and an adjustment. At my last surgeon appointment prior to the surgery, I could do ONE push-up. The doc saw me do that and was convinced that the traction was working and he would not do surgery. I was healing! I continued the traction and still do today and have regained my strength, the pain is gone and I'm essentially "back to normal." However, the tingling does appear now and then which is a reminder to get on the floor and do the traction with my Saunders device. But what about back squats? Well, I have come to LOVE the back squat, almost more than the deadlift. However, my chiropractor have discussed this movement many times and we agree...it's not worth it. Clearly, I have degradation back there... MRI proved it. The heavy barbell in that very area would only aggravate it. So while I may never rack a bar again on my back, I will choose a better, healthier way for me and I can attribute the ability to do so from my Fitness IQ and my time at CFLP.

The nuts and bolts of Linchpin: Here's what you can expect from a membership and joining our community. 5 workouts a week that include the aforementioned video. In each workout, you'll have the prescribed workout, a "wildcard" option, a scaled option, a limited equipment option and a no equipment option. (I used that last one a lot in my "cell" in Africa in 2020.) He also programs the warmup and recovery as well as optional accessory work. All of that, every day. Further, videos are included to demonstrate each and every movement so you can learn how to properly move and to standards. Want more help? Simply post in our private Facebook group and you'll get plenty of guidance. We also use Beyond the Whiteboard so your subscription includes it. Here is the overview, a video from Coach and his wife, Emily, and a sample day of programming. $18 a month or a 6 month plan for $90 ($15/mo). Everyone is entitled to a free 30 day trial to give it a whirl.

CFLP is unique. We're online. We're a solid community. We exist within the global CrossFit community yet are insulated from all of the drama that surrounds that community in recent years. It's not even a topic within our "virtual walls." Instead, Coach programs what is EFFECTIVE and moves the needle forward. He leads by example, scaling his own workouts daily, and displays it transparently. He doesn't care what is "social media flashy" but rather focuses on quality programming that anyone can do, wherever they are, with whatever they have. CrossFit doesn't define us nor me, it is but one tool to lead a healthy, enjoyable life and be ready for when trouble comes knocking. For me? I am thankful for that November 4, 2014 invitation that introduced me to this methodology and for stumbling on Coach's Instagram feed when I began working out at home.

What's next? I turned 52 in April and will continue showing up at least 5 days a week in the garage or wherever life takes me. I will continue to seek out new challenges like the OCR races next month. Cervical traction has become a way of life for me. Occasionally, some tingling will be felt in my right fingers and it's a reminder to get on the floor and get it done. I haven't lost my pressing strength again so all is well. I also do a lot more dumbbell work vs. barbell, especially when going overhead. The movement of pushing my head forward when locking out aggravates my neck/spine. I also do a lot of work with my sandbags from 60 to 150lbs. I love good 'ol grunt work!  In the end, the goal is live a quality, mobile life with my wife of 32+ years. It's really that simple. CFLP is but one "tool" in my tool belt of life to help accomplish that.

Heading over to Medium

Hey friends. I am now writing over at https://garageboxnick.medium.com/ so please come on by and give a follow, clap or just stay in touch! Easy to subscribe, too. Exciting times ahead!

GO!

Dreaming Big

I’m nearly 48. Our girls are leaving home soon. The house will be paid for, in the big picture, quite soon and retirement from my government job is only a smidge over 2 years away. My Navy career that began in 1991 continues but will also sunset in the next 2-5 years (pending promotion results). Lots of change and a re-focusing on how I/we want to live and fill our days. 

So not too long ago, my bride started expressing some real interest in a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. For those unaware, that is a 2100+ mile hike from Georgia to Maine. It is done by many each year and spans 5-6 months ... non-stop. In fact, the early birds will hit the trail in Georgia as early as next week. We have a background in endurance sports such as distance running, ultra-running and rucking 50 miles at a time...but nothing like this. We have zero experience camping as well. So, our learning curve is steep as many of the mountains on the AT (Appalachian Trail), we have much to learn and experiment with as we continue to dabble with this new dream to “thru-hike the AT.” 

As you probably know, I love to write. So today while we are away on a “just us” overnight, I wanted to write but also do it from my phone only. If and when we set out, I want to blog the journey daily and it’ll be via my phone only. Blogger doesn’t have an app for iPhone like Wordpress does. I do like Wordpress but this blog has been around for so many years and parting with it just doesn’t sit well with me. I may look at exporting this blog into Wordpress but that’s a huge undertaking as there is a LOT on here spanning YEARS! 

So when will this happen? This crazy idea of a thru-hike? Right now, we’re tentatively talking about the 2024-2025 timeframe. Kids out of college, zero debt of any kind, a small government pension to keep the lights on and maybe the uniform hung up with a sense of permanency. For now, we are reading, watching many VLOGs on YouTube, visiting the local REI and talking to friends about potential short hiking/camping trips in the near-term.

This was us yesterday on our way to Amish Country on a 6 mile ruck. We already love to carry weight on our backs over long distances and we love doing it together. Perhaps this AT “dream” isn’t so crazy after all.

2020 in Review

Where do I even start for 2020? I think we all can agree that 2020 will be very much a "verb" in the future or slang or simply...2020. That's all we'll have to say to someone when reflecting back. From the pandemic to the election to racial issues and rioting, our country and world went through a lot. For me, throw in my longest deployment in my 23+ years in the Navy but flexing constantly to the pandemic and yea....2020. But really... how I do sum it all up and how am I approaching 2021?

THANKFUL. One theme you'll get from me here and in person is the overarching presence of one thing: God's absolute supremacy over everything. Nothing is a surprise to Him and when the world totally goes to crap, He is constant. With that, I am thankful for how He has sustained me this past year. I am thankful for protection over my family while I was gone since April. I am thankful that no immediate family members were taken by the pandemic, even a family that has a lot of healthcare workers in it. I am thankful for a sustained income through it all when so many people and businesses have suffered. While wearing a mask, social distancing and businesses having restrictions is frustrating in our first-world USA, there is SO much to be thankful for.

PEACE. Havoc, fear and stress ripped across our world in 2020. I know some would call my bluff on this one but it's legit. I have had an incredible peace throughout. While many times have been hard (19.5 days in isolation in Africa after testing positive for COVID-19, the actual separation for 240 days from my family, and stress brought on by issues pertaining to my job while deployed), I have leaned very hard into my relationship with Christ. I pray...a lot. But I rarely literally get on my knees and beg Christ for Him to intervene. I did in 2020 more than once and it was always in my rectangular CLU (containerized living unit) in Africa. I felt alone on an island 8000+ miles away from home and when it seriously got bad, I begged for help and since no mortal could do so, I leaned heavily into the One I knew would. And He did. Every time. Back in 2011, I hit an all-time lifetime low. I was planning my suicide, my marriage hit rock bottom and I couldn't even return back to work after deployment. That is when my relationship with God went from an arms-length relationship where I called on Him a la carte to having a genuine relationship with him 24/7. That relationship that is constantly growing really made 2020 bearable and I never got to that dark place I was in back in 2011.

HEALTH. As many of you know, CrossFit is a serious passion of mine. Back on 11/4/2014, I started that journey and in doing so, got in the best shape of my life. I know that my condition at the age of 47 certainly played a part in my being totally asymptomatic when I got COVID-19. It was also a year when many months were without any equipment at all. I had to get very creative and certainly lost strength but overall, maintained my health. As I enter 2021, I do have a few pounds/inches to shed. The last 2-3 months hurt on the physical front. I was doing great all year physically but I didn't "land the plane" as well as I would've liked to. Getting back to my routine/diet as I enter 2021 will be huge in retuning to the normalcy I experienced prior to deployment. Overall, I am still very healthy but I have some work to do and I'm all about it!

KNOWLEDGE: I did something in 2020 that after being a Christian for 42 years, I had never done. I read the Bible cover-to-cover. Since I blogged daily while deployed, I used that as an accountability "partner" to read every single day via a Chronological Plan to read it in 365 days. Instead of reading it page after page, the readings are organized as they took place. I really, really enjoyed it! I certainly have my favorite parts (the Gospels and everything Paul wrote) and less-liked areas but in the end, I finished it just a few days ago, about 122 days early. I never missed a day and obviously, read extra many days. I learned so much. It also sparked a desire to dig in more to some areas and in 2021, I hope to do that. So much of it is historical fact that marries up with my faith that is a foundation in my life. That makes it important to me and very interesting! As a person who refuses to beat anyone over the head with my faith but rather someone who LIVES it, this can only help me be a better version of myself. 

2021. As we know, just turning the calendar to a new year doesn't make anything go away that plagued our nation and world in 2020. We still have an election that hasn't really ended, COVID-19, and another police shooting/death just happened again two days ago. In the Navy, we have a phrase that goes "Semper Gumby!" If you remember Gumby from decades ago, he was a stretchable toy. "Semper" is a play on the Semper Fi of the Marine Corps. So when we say "Semper Gumby!" we are saying "Always flexible!" So as I walk into 2021, I will keep that mindset, ready to flex, stretch, adjust, etc. as needed to press forward, LIVE fully, provide for my family and find joy. I will continue to steer away from negativity in people and social media and find the good in others and in life. Stress will still be a major factor that always manifests itself physically within me but pursuing joy and good will help mitigate that. As for resolutions, I don't do them. I make adjustments/changes but not the "fad" of resolutions. But what do I have on deck for 2021? Here is a brief summary:

• CrossFit: back to 5 days a week in the garage via CrossFit Linchpin
• Civilian Job: back on January 11th with the goal of retiring in mid-2023 after 25 years of service
• GORUCK Tribe: a monthly challenge that will have a workout, daily rucking requirement, and book to read. I'll be doing this with my bride.
• Church: continuing as an Elder, a possible new volunteer role in the social media realm, and an unknown future regarding the marriage ministry we led prior to deployment. 
• June and November: Eagle Up rucking event in June and the 26.2 mile Star Course in Nashville in November. 
• Monthly Ruck-n-Brews: we are starting back on our monthly ruck-n-brew tomorrow (1/2/2021) with our 15th ruck-n-brew! This has been such a great way to meet new people over the past two years! We are excited to return to it!
• CrossFit Games Volunteering: I would like to return in late July to Madison, WI to volunteer at the sport's pinnacle event.
• Future Career: really kicking the tires on a few career paths as I turn 50 years old and leave government work in 2023. Back in 2018, I interviewed with Amazon and that still really intrigues me but real estate also has my attention. I love to sell and the flexibility this career provides and the chance to serve others really is attractive to me on the surface. 

I'm sure there's more but that's a good round-up for now. I wish you and your family a healthy and happy 2021. Thanks for following along!

The Incline

Back when I lived in Colorado Springs from mid-2001 to mid-2002, the Incline was an illegal fitness endeavor. It was on private property yet folks still challenged it, even if trespassing and unsafe. Fast forward ahead to my first visit back in 18 years and the Incline was purchased by the city and renovated to be safe. So, I gathered a few willing souls (my wife, oldest daughter and nephew who lives in Colorado), we hit the road at 7:30am en route to the Incline via Chick-Fil-A for breakfast. We've had several days of 50F days over the past week but yesterday afternoon into the evening, we got dumped on in the form of snow. We woke up to lots of it but clear skies and sun. Perfect! Even better...no wind. We just needed to safely get there. So instead of dragging you through lots of words, here are some of my favorite photos from the day. In the end, it took us 1hr, 16min to cover all 2768 steps and climb 2000+ feet in elevation. It was awesome and beautiful! After we got to the top, we took the 3 mile hike down on the Barr Trail into Manitou Springs, walked around a bit and grabbed some hot java. Enjoy the photos! Descriptions under each and they are in sequential order as they were taken. (History of the Incline)

At the start!

Every 100 steps, these metal plates were screwed on the step.

Made it! PROOF! One foot per person! Ha!

Someone left this earlier today... Crazy Bob!

At the top!

Our Lady and the Tramp re-creation. This is what 240 days apart does to you. :)

On the hike back down.

Java in Manitou Springs. 

Helen Hunt Falls and a Senior Photo Shoot

As our Christmas in Colorado enters its final day before a travel day tomorrow, it's been a busy few last days. When I last wrote, I had 5 more days of reading to finish the Bible. I did two readings on Sunday and two more on Monday. This morning during my 2nd cup of espresso and in advance of climbing the Incline here in Colorado Springs, I finished it! 122 days early on a 365 day chronological plan. I very much enjoyed this, especially reading it chronologically. I most enjoyed the Gospels, those being Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 4 different perspectives on the same story and very often, little details only found in one of the books. I also thoroughly enjoyed the writings of Paul. If you've ever thought about reading the Bible through, I can't recommend the Bible app highly enough. There are many, many plans free to use.

Flipping back a few days to Sunday, it began as a lay-low kind of day. I "attended" church online while the house slept but the forecast was going to be magnificent so once everyone got up, some quick plans were made to head out. We decided on Helen Hunt Falls (no relation to the actress) and thankfully, masks weren't mandated on this trail. It was a short hike but I did venture off trail for awhile to climb much higher with my oldest daughter and nephew. Here are a few photos from that hike.

After, we were took a brief walking tour around the Broadmoor Hotel and Conference Center...a very high dollar facility and operation. I chuckled as we walked in the front door and the bellman said "Welcome back, Sir" as I walked in...as if I were a guest. "Thank you very much," I replied. Ha! Shortly after, we found a little coffee shop tucked away in a nearby neighborhood and I enjoyed a pumpkin mocha and some great conversation with Marjie and her sister. You can tell which one is mine. So good!

That evening, I found a local craft brewery (of which, there are MANY!) and my brother-in-law headed to check it out. I love finding local craft breweries with a cool story AND quality flowing from the tap. Goat Patch Brewing definitely was it! Built within an old elementary school, they are a brewery that really partners with local organizations to support them and raise funds/awareness for them while serving top notch brews. We had to sit outside near the heaters as inside dining is forbidden within the city but still, a great time talking and sipping.

On Monday, it was senior photo shoot day! My youngest and last daughter had a wish to get her senior photos taken on this trip so at 10am, we were at the infamous Garden of the Gods park in advance of the incoming weather system dropping temps fast and snow. It went VERY well! In the end, we got 59 photos delivered to us to do with as we will. Best part? She's happy with them.

Once back at my sister-in-law's house post photo shoot, the temps had fallen, snow was falling and wind picking up. But fitness beckoned! There is one pair of 35lb dumbbells in the house so I grabbed them, did a 360m farmer walk to the local park where I did a workout that made the 28F temperature not feel so cold. 2 rounds of a 100m walking lunge with those dumbbells on my shoulders and 50 air squats. 100m doesn't sound long until you lunge with them! After, some shoulder presses while sitting on a picnic table then carrying those dumbbells back to the house. Time well spent! The remainder of evening was spent inside with a great dinner and just spending time together inside.

So today? The Incline. The less than a mile hike gains over 2000 feet in elevation over 2768 steps. It was originally built as a cable car to carry supplies and pipelines up for Pikes Peak. Once that work completed, it was turned into a cable car tourist attraction but a landslide in 1990 ruined that. The rails were removed but railroad ties remained. That turned into an illegal fitness endeavor for years until they renovated it but fixing those steps. Now, it's free but thanks to COVID, pre-registration is required. We have a 9am spot and then once we reach the top, we'll hike down the Barr Trail back to Manitou Springs. So with that, it's time to get moving!

Have a great day, friends!

Breckinridge, Colorado

On a day where many stand in lines to return Christmas gifts, take down Christmas decor, etc., today we headed about 3 hours northwest of Colorado Springs to the skiing resort town of Breckinridge, Colorado. We had a go time of 9am so after my morning espresso and trio of Scripture readings, I found a workout to do at the green space. It was about 40F, sunny and little breeze. Perfect. After, we set out for Breckinridge. Below are a smattering of photos I took throughout the day.

Breckinridge at night

Group Selfie at the downtown Christmas tree

Group photo at the Sevens Resort

Sevens Resort skiers and snowboarders

Scenic stop en route to Breckinridge with a photobomber!

Scenic stop en route to Breckinridge

Scenic stop en route to Breckinridge

Before we left the area, we headed about 20min north of Breckinridge to Frisco, Colorado where Outer Range Brewing is located...one of three breweries highly recommended to me from a friend back home. We had dinner and craft brews there and they did not disappoint!

I have definitely found my way around the country over the last week. As I was winding down my time in Virginia Beach waiting to process off of active duty, I made a 3-day trek down to central North Carolina to see family and then now out to Colorado Springs. Two big concentrations of extended family in each location. I most definitely relish the small town/removed life. I lived many years in a congested, fast-paced area (Virginia Beach) and appreciate living now in a rural area but well within reach of everything we need. Touristy areas, 8 lane highways and tons of STUFF just doesn't have a ton of appeal to me at all. I have really enjoyed these trips so far but inside I crave silence and solitude...with my bride. Fortunately, we both crave the same in that area. We have no idea if Ohio will be our permanent retirement location...truly no idea. For now, we know we are supposed to be there and are 100% good with that. The future? No idea but you can bet we'll be praying heavily over it and will follow that lead when the day comes.

Today's Scripture Reading #1: Day 358 of 365 (+119 days ahead) 1 John 1, 2 and 3 and 1 John 4:1-6.

Today's Scripture Reading #2: Day 359 of 365 (+120 days ahead) 1 John 4:7 - 1 John 5; 2 John and 3 John.

Today's Scripture Reading #3: Day 360 of 365 (+121 days ahead) Jude 1; Revelation 1 and 2.

Goodnight, friends.

Christmas 2020

It was a lazy beginning to Christmas in Colorado today. A very "gourmet" brunch was planned for 10am so we just sat around, sipping espresso and chatting all morning until brunch. As 10am rolled around, this was the scene...

It was nothing short of incredible. So much good food! We're also taking turns presenting a question at each group meal and then everyone answers it. That's fostered some really good conversation and discussion. The afternoon had our gift exchange, more espresso, a fun game and then I ventured outside to do what many could consider a crazy workout. It's called CrossFit Linchpin Test 13 and is quite "simple" ... for time, do the following: 400m run, 20 burpees, 400m run, 19 burpees, 400m run, 18 burpees... etc. and continue all the way to 400m run, 1 burpee. It took me 1hr, 5min, 20sec. I did it a few years ago with a 20lb weight vest on but have no idea how long it took me. After eating like CRAP for several days, it was an eye-opening experience but as always, I'm glad I ventured out. Later at 6pm, we headed over to Marjie's brother's home where his wife made us a Middle-Eastern inspired meal. Lamb, rice, grape leaves, hummus, fresh baked veggies, and much more. It was one of the best meals I have had in some time. So delicious! And with that, that's Christmas 2020. So different than any other which is quite fitting for the year 2020. I was able to squeeze in a few readings, too.

Today's Scripture Reading #1: Day 356 of 365 (+118 days ahead) 1 Peter 2:4 - 5:11. 

Today's Scripture Reading #2: Day 357 of 365 (+119 days ahead) 1 Peter 5:12 - 2 Peter 3.

Goodnight, friends!

Home from Deployment

Just three day ago, I ended a 240 day deployment to the Horn of Africa and like 2011 when I deployed to Afghanistan, I anonymously blogged every day of it. The entire blog can be found here, hosted on Wordpress. I found Wordpress to be much easier to use this time around. However, this blog has existed for a VERY long time and my itch to right remains so here I am... writing again.

One thing I committed to while deployed was a chronological read through the Bible, something I had never done. During my deployment, I was sent home early so I didn't finish the Bible as planned but I'm within days of doing so. For the next few days, I'm going to share those readings in the same format I did on my journal. For other things, I'm not sure what'll happen here on this blog. I'm just going to roll with it and see where I feel led. 

Today, I write to you from a few time zones away from home in Colorado Springs. We actually lived here for one year from mid-2001 to mid-2002. I had a great job that ended abruptly, a short stint as a Starbucks barista, a 2 year old and little did we know, our second daughter on the way in early 2003. As I drove the Hertz moving truck east towards Ohio, I never thought 18+ years would pass before I'd return but sure enough, that is precisely what happened. 18 1/2 years to be more precise. After arriving home on Monday night, Day 240, I had a day of unpacking and repacking Tuesday then caught a non-stop flight to Denver yesterday to join my family for a Colorado Christmas. 

For my deployment, I am now on "terminal leave," which is spending down the leave/vacation I earned while deployed. It will end and my tie to the active duty side of the Navy will be severed in mid-January as I return to Reserve status, at least for a few more years. I now sit at 23+ years of service so when I'm ready to officially hang up the uniform, I'm good to do so as I have more than satisfied the requirements to retire. So with that, I'm going to log my readings below for future reflection and record-keeping. I used the Bible app and a reading plan that is a 365 day chronological guide...meaning much of the Bible was not ready direct cover to cover but rather in an order in which it took place in history. It has been a GREAT journey and learning experience!

Today's Scripture Reading #1: Day 352 of 365 (+115 days ahead) Hebrews 4:14 - 7. The author, as mentioned previously, is anonymous. We know, however, that this letter is written to the Hebrews and it is become clearer in this final few readings that the point was to sum up the Old Testament law and covenant and create a link to the new Covenant via Jesus Christ. There was much resistance from the Jews to abandoning the rituals and laws of Moses and replacing them with the saving knowledge of Christ. Hebrews attempts to connect the two.

Today's Scripture Reading #2: Day 353 of 365 (+116 days ahead) Hebrews 8 - 10.

Today's Scripture Reading #3: Day 354 of 365 (+117 days ahead) Hebrews 11 - 12.

Today's Scripture Reading #4: Day 355 of 365 (+118 days ahead) Hebrews 13, 1 Peter 1 - 2:3. The letter is finished to the Hebrews and full of encouragement, similar to how Paul would encourage his readers. We then turn to the 1st book of Peter, whose author is the Apostle Peter, the same who followed Christ in advance of His crucifixion and resurrection. He is speaking to the Gentiles and much like Paul, will be encouraging the readers to persevere in the face of persecution and to stand fast in the faith.

Merry Christmas Eve, friends!

2019 Year in Review

As 2019 comes to a close, I decided to sit down, pull up our family calendar and jot down some notes from the past 12 months. It's easy to lose sight of what has happened in one's life as current life happenings can easily overshadow the past and in my case, my memory is horrible so this reflection really helps me appreciate the year.

I like to categorize my life into 3 major categories, those being Faith, Family and Fitness. Yes, my career doesn't fit anywhere in there nor does my military service but aside from a few things, there isn't much to share for public consumption. My time in uniform did, however, afford me my first trip to Japan in May which got me gliding in the air adjacent to Mt. Fuji and also a trip to participate in a wargame exercise in July. Other than that, all went well. 

FAITH: My personal faith journey is a huge cornerstone in my life and my marriage. Every decision whether it be small or large is prayed on and we lean heavily on His leadership in our lives as well as how we parent. We seek to be authentic in how we live, accept all regardless of their faith, but stay true to what we believe. We also feel called to serve other marriages and continued in 2019 to lead our church's marriage ministry. Those events spanned from studies to date nights to large in-house events. We even had our first ballroom dancing lessons offered at the church! I also continued as part of the Scripture Reader team and occasionally read on stage on Sunday mornings. In July, the senior pastor approached me and offered me the opportunity to become an Elder at the church. I accepted that position and serve on the Board today. All in all, it was a great year in terms of my relationship with Christ and letting Him lead me as a husband, father and leader in my church. I honestly wouldn't change a thing!

FAMILY: It was a year of transition as our oldest graduated from high school and pushed forward into college life. Senior photos, prom, dating, "identity" ... all issues we all worked through together. We are blessed in the area of our daughters. They are strong, beautiful women that work hard, love hard, and know what they believe and stand unashamed of it. They also both have servants' hearts and give back to others. As a couple, we went on our annual Marriage Cruise with FamilyLife in February and then took the girls on their first cruise in June. Our younger daughter joined National Honor Society as an incoming junior and quickly became president and our oldest flew for the first time on her own, bound for London with her cousin and aunt. Both girls work, manage a bank account, put gas in their own cars (that they paid for) and continue to learn how to navigate "adult" decision-making while still under our "wings." Heck, they even wandered into the garage a few times to workout... and since we're talking about fitness, let's go there!

FITNESS: While I only give 60-75min a day to this, I'll admittedly say that it does take much more space in my mind and thoughts. It's something I love to do, and I don't just mean "CrossFit" but overall fitness and health. That includes CrossFit, rucking and nutrition. My bodyweight is about 4-5lbs higher as I type this from 12 months ago but my clothes all fit the same. (can we just all agree it's MUSCLE?!?!) The holidays have wreaked some havoc but I'm quickly fixing those things and am already back on track. 

CrossFit: Since May 2018, I have been a member of CrossFit Linchpin and follow their programming "religiously" in the garage. In 2019, I teamed up with the owner/founder, Pat Sherwood, and we launched a closed Facebook group for CrossFit Linchpin which has over 1000 members in it spanning the globe. From Australia to Europe to Canada to the U.S., it is a GREAT community free of ego, bashing or anything negative at all. Inside the garage, I ran some analytics today and here are some interesting tidbits I found:

- I averaged 5.16 days of working out per week which is perfect. I take Thursdays and Sundays off but occasionally can't help myself and need to do something more. :)

- Programming: 41% weightlifting, 39% gymnastics, 20% monostructural

- Durations: Sprints 6%, Short Duration: 24%, Medium: 44%, Long: 24%

- Schemes: Singlets 33%, Couplets 20%, Triplets 27%, Chipper 17%. 

- Fitness Level: went from 59 to 63 over the span of 12 months per Beyond the Whiteboard

I also handstand walked for the first time just a week ago! That was a major victory for someone who is extremely gymnastically-challenged. Olympic lifting and gymnastics are my chief weaknesses and bodyweight movements and movements that thrive on an engine are in my wheelhouse. I also participated in both the 2019 CrossFit Open and 2020 CrossFit Open in October. 

Rucking: It was another good year! My wife and I lead local rucks every month and sometimes it was just us in the summer months and in the colder months, we normally had 5-10 others join us. We continued our Ruck-n-Brew series and just hosted our 11th Ruck-n-Brew this past Saturday. The concept is simple: we start about 2 hours prior to the craft brewery opening and then enjoy lunch and brews after. We normally cover about 6 miles under weight. We almost always have someone totally new show up which is awesome! So many new friendships have been forged as a results of us stepping out and doing this. For official events, we did two together this year when going in, the only plan was for one. In April, we headed to Columbus, OH and did the 50 Mile GORUCK Star Course and took 2nd place overall! TOTAL surprise! Then, we signed up for our 2nd 50 Mile Star Course and headed to the Big Apple in September. We took all the lessons learned from Columbus and put them into play for NYC and we walked away from that even unscathed. Not a blister, sore spot or anything. We absolutely crushed it! We also had the opportunity to be interviewed by Brian at All Day Ruckoff Podcast after the Columbus event to share our story. You can find that in his June 2019 archives. Solo, I headed to Philadelphia over Veterans Day weekend for the GORUCK Tun Tavern 13hr Tough event that celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday and birthplace of the USMC. It was an EPIC event! This and the Star Course events were all summed up in written After Action Reports that I posted to my blog. Other than that, my ruck goes everywhere with me. I ruck my breaks at work and often, you'll find us rucking on a date night prior to grabbing something to eat. It's just something we love to do...TOGETHER!

Lastly in the fitness arena, I had the privilege of traveling to Madison, WI at the very end of July to volunteer on the Gear Team at the CrossFit Games. While there, I moved tons of weight and was witness up close and personal to many of the world's elite athletes and the chance to be a part of the "machine" that makes this annual global event happen. While there, I also finally got to meet Pat Sherwood that I mentioned earlier along with Dan Bailey. Truly, an awesome time volunteering and immersing myself in a world I love and that has done so much for me and my life trajectory.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one last stop I made...that being to an Orange Theory Fitness class in Chesapeake, VA. I was down there for the military in August and a great friend of mine invited me to one of his classes. I spent the bulk of my active duty years there and have not ever lost ties with Chuck who has made EPIC strides in his fitness journey. I truly was honored to join him for a class and then relax with him and his wife for the evening. 

All in all, 2019 was a pretty good year and one I'm thankful for. I have struggled back and forth with my social media presence and every time I lean towards shutting it all down, someone messages me with an encouraging note that something I posted either encouraged them or motivated them. I have always said that if only one person is positively impacted, it's all worth it. I try to be as "real" as possible and not live out a fake life. There ARE some things that don't make it online but for the most part, it's for security reasons and heck, some things are just personal! As I named my new podcast this year, "Living with Intention," I'd like to encourage you to do just that. Do everything you do with intention. BE INTENTIONAL. Love those around you hard, serve others, and BE YOU.

Happy New Year!

Nick