jeffblaylock.com
Hiker. Blogger. Photographer. CrossFitter. Dog Owner. Austinite.
Rainbow Over the Double Cs
Aug 31st
After today’s kettlebell WOD, a fellow CrossFitter reported a bright rainbow was shining in some unseen rain. Beneath its technicolor arc lies not a pot of gold but the CrossFit Central storage shed, emblazoned with the Double Cs. Sea breeze showers popped up around the area today, but not a drop fell on my yard (natch). I am hopeful that the island of Vieques, which I recently visited, and all the people there were spared from serious damage from Hurricane Earl.
9 Days, 7 Challenging WODs
Aug 28th
The Wolfpack poses for a photo after this morning's swim and kettlebell WOD at Barton Springs pool.
This has been a challenging last few days of training at CrossFit Central. I’ve faced, and completed, seven tough WODs ranging from pure strength training to high-rep met cons to, well, swimming.
A week ago, I began an 8-week program with Coach Travis called “Strictly Strength.” His program focuses on perfecting technique on the heavier lifts which we encounter in our WODs with the goal of increasing the weight we can move (as well as enhance our enjoyment of moving it). While all the lifts are familiar, they have to be approached with much haste during a typical workout. Travis is slowing the moves down, turning the clock off, and working on improving our approach to these lifts.
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San Juan and Vieques
Aug 24th
Blue Beach on the island of Vieques
My friend Marshall and I landed in San Juan on a hot Thursday afternoon. He managed to get me upgraded to first class for the short flight from Austin to Houston, but I was relegated to coach from there. At least it was a window seat, and I had some good views of the ocean and occasional islands and reefs. Once in San Juan, we caught a cab to the Conrad Condado Plaza, located right on the ocean. After a walk to a drug store for some forgotten items and sundries not allowed on airplanes anymore, we caught a cab into Old San Juan, instructing the driver to take us to a hot spot for happy hour.
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Last Lake Day of Summer
Aug 23rd
Sunset from West Beach Marina on Lake Travis
Sunday was most likely my last “Lake Day” of this summer, as my pal Chris will be pulling his boat out of the water for the season next week. An intrepid crew of seven rode the faithful Cracker I and a pair of jet skis to a quiet cove on the north side of the lake, then over to Devil’s Cove, where the party was winding down. It was scorching hot, and the water felt more like a bathtub, but a great day was had by all.
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Wolfpack WOD at Barton Springs
Aug 21st
The Wolfpack after its inaugural WOD at Barton Springs pool. Top row: Firas, Aaron, me, Chris, John. Bottom row: Diego, Travis, Mike, Jeremy, Randal.
I met several coaches and clients of CrossFit Central at sunrise this morning to participate in the Wolfpack’s inaugural WOD (workout of the day). The women’s program was in full-on competition mode today, so founder Jeremy Thiel (who I would follow into any battle) decided the men needed a challenge of their own.
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Back From Puerto Rico
Aug 12th
The last, and best, sunset of my weeklong trip to Puerto Rico
Just got back tonight from a weeklong trip to Puerto Rico. The opportunity arose when my pal Marshall lost his original travel companion(s), and so I joined him and his colleague Blake for the first few days, including two rock star nights on the island of Vieques. My friend Lisa joined me for the remainder after they retreated to their conference. The weather was beautiful on Vieques and stormy on the main island. Lots of good food and drink, some beautiful beaches, two massive Spanish-era fortresses, a couple of soggy hikes, numerous claps of thunder, several close calls on the crazy roadways, a bioluminescent bay, and many good times were had by all.
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Two Years of CrossFit
Aug 4th
I Am CrossFit
Two years ago today I began my CrossFit journey with Coach Chris at CrossFit Central. Thanks to box co-founder Coach Jeremy, who introduced me to Chris, and to the other coaches I’ve had: Coach Lance, Coach Big Mike, Coach Randal, Coach JDP, and Coach Travis, and to all my many classmates and the rest of the CrossFit Central family. The changes in my life are extraordinary, and we’re just getting started!
The second anniversary WOD started off with 27 birthday burpees for a classmate — yay burpees! — and some front squats. I managed to get in three sets of 3-5 reps at 45-85# before time ran out working with three other people. The main WOD was 21 jumping squats, 15 ring rows and 9 sumo deadlift high-pulls (75#). I managed to get three rounds and 12 ring rows (To balance the class, I started on ring rows.) in the 12:00 time. My quads were destroyed from yesterday’s Kettlebell Class workout, which involved 135 wall ball shots. It was a good indication of the work still in front of me, but I have certainly come a long way since that original hour with Coach Chris.
