So much has happened since I last shared about my journey working with Force Barbell. I feel like I have egg all over my face for not posting sooner. I’m on the verge of completing my second new 4-week program tailored to challenge me since my last journal entry.
On the Monday before Brad Collins returned to Vermont, he asked me if I was aware of how far I’ve come since starting working with Force Barbell. I can honestly say, I am. And I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with such a fine group of coaches.
This past Friday, I finally not only made my personal record of sledding around the parking lot for 8 minutes dragging 65 lbs. behind me, but beat it by about 6 seconds! Now the device I started pushing once a week about three weeks ago is a different story. The first time Brad had set it up, he put enough weight on it where I couldn’t budge it. He had to take all the weight off and had me push it 100 feet behind the building just to get the hang of it. My program had me do this in conjunction with another exercise five times. The next week, he added weight, and the third week of this four-week program he added even more weight, which shows the progress I’m making. However, last Monday’s push truly challenged me and drained a ton of my energy.
The beauty of working with Force Barbell is trusting that the coaches know what I can do versus what I think I can do. Nine times out of ten it works, and it’s so gratifying to meet those challenges. I’m even getting more accustomed to doing stuff that feels awkward and strange, because I know it’s benefiting me in some way and shoring up my weaknesses.
And, I NEVER thought that anyone would hear me say this (particularly Tyler Miller): Two days a week, I’m growing accustomed to getting up at 6 a.m. to get to Force Barbell at 7:30 a.m. for training. This is HUGE for me, because I’m not a morning person!!!! And, I have to credit everyone with being kind and understanding with my body being physically at Force Barbell but my mind being happily back in bed snoozing away, cuddling with my three kitties. I will confess, though, I’m getting a tad more pleasant at 7:30 a.m. on Monday and Friday mornings.
Like most of you, I will miss Brad terribly. I’ll miss his “strut,” his humor, his ability to be what each athlete/client needs, and the high energy he brought to Force Barbell. It was infectious. On the evening of his farewell dinner, in was such a pleasure to sit so close to the door of the private room we were in at Tuscanos and catch Brad’s expression on my Iphone when he walked in to see 40+ clients, athletes, and their families wish him well as he sets off on his new adventure returning to Vermont. To me, that is a true testament of how he touched so many lives while here.
And, Tyler is an amazing owner to pick coaches, such as Brad, to work with the clients/athletes at Force Barbell. While the next assistant coach has enormous shoes to fill, I know that Tyler will, once again, find an individual equally talented in his/her own way and that person will also touch all of us.