Sean Armistead crossing the finish line (or the Danish Line, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! of the April RKC Graduation workout, administered by Sr. RKC Kenneth Jay HAR ROO!)
It has been two weeks since I landed in MN for the April RKC. Two weeks since I met with the group of people who changed my life. The last life changing experience I had was on March 31st 2007 when I saw The Roots perform The Police's "Roxanne" to a crowd of hungry Philly Roots fans. This time, it was different. Let us begin with the team. Present at the cert, aside from the outstanding core of instructors who showed me what it means to be a pro in this arena, two of my closest friends from the USMC, my girlfriend, and a client who has taken on a Father Figure-ish role in my life were all operating as students or assistant instructors. It meant quite a lot to me to be selected as a Team Leader, and it meant even more to me to execute the responsibilities given to me by the Dragon Door team. But what has resonated with me was the team spirit invoked by my stellar 10 man squad of two assisants and 8 students. Everyone who tested passed, and are now a part of history.
I am a lucky man. I was privy to a great conversation between Geoff Nuepert RKC Team Leader and Mark Reifkind RKC Sr., where two schools of thought debated the validity of the stability ball. What was said is unimportant, what IS important is the amount of knowledge that was present at teh table that night. To sit there, much more quiet than I am known for, while Pavel, Rif, Geoff, Kenneth Jay, David Whitley, and the other iron heads spoke out on subjects varying from Strawberry Flavored Yogilates (Don't ask) to the finer points of Z-Health, had me taking inventory of my own professional value as I sipped my Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade, you freaks!).
It became apparent that I have along way to go before I can really consider myself a memeber of the upper echelon of strength, health, and humanity. I aspire to be one of the best in my field, one of the folk who may make a serious impact on the fitness commmuntiy, and beyond. With the company I presently keep giving me great examples to follow, I think that day is getting closer.
A specail thank you to everyone who attended, and everyone who couldn't be there for one reason or another. Thank you for the kind words and continuous encouragement throughout the weekend. A special thanks to David Whitley for the conversation we had about creation and aspiration. Thank you to Team Williams for showing up ready to train. Thank you to Jeff O'Connor RKC for getting a handicapped Sarah and I back to the Hotel. And a very specail thank you to the Dragon Door Team for the chance to bring my strengths to others.
It truly was a time to remember. And for anyoen who was there at the Eagle Pointe Grill and Bar on Sunday ngiht, what happened?
Nice Vid! I dig your blog... too bad you dont post more...
ReplyDeleteBut Are you going to be at the next RKC in june? If so i'll see you there.
Mayhem, straight up mayhem. That's what happened. Thank God for Jeff O'Connor.
ReplyDeleteI remember a lot of Bent Pressing.
And don't forget about the Packers/Eagles game.....it's all coming back to you now isn't it?
Nice vid! Welcome back to the blogosphere my friend.
ReplyDeleteWill
ReplyDeleteit was such an honor to have you there as Team Leader, watch you work and do your thing with such passion, integrity, selflessness and honor. It is so good to have you as an integral part of this group and you have so much wisdom and insight to bring,dont think for a second you dont' belong right there. Of course we all have to keep growing and learning, as that is what got us where we are in the first place but you are alwyas doing that as far as I can tell.
Looking forwards to listening to you work again and working with you again
your friend
Rif