130704

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>America is a pretty great place. Clearly this will be a “duh” statement to many of you, but as I was trying to sit and write something today, it was basically the only thought I had that was clear. To say that I’m grateful for this country, and the life it’s given me would be a massive understatement. I started posting this blog almost two years ago, basically on a whim, and almost two years later it’s given me what I would consider the absolute best job in the world. I’ve been able to travel to places I never thought I’d see, meet some of the best people on earth, and share my passion in a way that few people ever have the freedom to do.

Speaking of freedom—I don’t want to come off like a corny politician, or a dumb bumper sticker, but I feel truly blessed to have the freedom that this country has given me. For those of you who know me well, you know I am a little bit of a teary-eyed schoolgirl when it comes to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces. At this year’s Regionals I had the opportunity to meet Casey Arriaga (who is an officer herself) and Chris Pfeiffer, who are the wives of Ruben Arriaga (who just returned from Afghanistan), and Matthew Pfeiffer (who is currently in Afghanistan). Both gentlemen are with a “group” that I personally respect very much. Ruben and Matthew are followers of the site, and when I met Chris at the Central East Regional I had the opportunity to record a little video to send over to Matthew to thank him for his service, and let him know how good it feels to have men and women like him out there looking out for us.

Here’s a pic of Matthew from about a month ago, working out in Afghanistan on the FOB. Yes, that’s 275# overhead. I guess being strong isn’t just for competitive exercisers.
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Here’s Ruben at his “box” in AFG—Kevlar beard and all.
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I was insanely happy to have the opportunity to communicate with and thank Matthew for what he does, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else who didn’t have a wife who happened to be at the same regional as me. To Ruben Arriaga, Nick Wall, Cameron Currie, Christine Drankiewicz and all the other men and women whose names we don’t know, who are out there—somewhere—putting their lives on the line so we can live our lives under the umbrella of freedom, I simply want to say thank you. You are the ones who allow us to celebrate our country’s Independence Day.

WOD 130704:

Rest day.

23 thoughts on “130704”

  5. Also – would anyone like me to recored my meters covered and breaths taken while paddling around the pool in a lounge chair while holding a Corona tomorrow?

  8. Good post coach. God I wish Captain America was a real person, but our troops are pretty damn close to that stature. Thnx guys and God Bless America.

  10. Happy 4th everyone! Thank you to all who serve and have served! We’re blessed beyond measure to live in such a great country.

  11. Well said Rudy! May God protect our brothers and sisters serving this Great Nation! Great beard Ruben.
    Semper Fidelis

  12. Coach,

    It’s truly a privilege to serve this country.

    For me, at least, and probably for a lot of my brothers and sisters, serving this country is our dream and we couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

    There’s no thanks necessary. We’re warriors who heard the calling.

    To Nick, Ruben, Christine, Cameron, and all the other Outlaws out there putting it on the line every day, there’s a beer waiting on you at Ft. Riley if you’re ever in the area.

    Oh, and here’s my teary-eyed moment for you: I’m doing things every day that two months ago I thought impossible for me, all thanks to your programming.

    #Infantry
    #BigRedOne
    #TheOutlawWay

  14. +1
    #TheOutlawWayAfghanistan
    #MyOpsAreBlackerThanYours
    #NoRunningWaterToCelebrateFreedom
    #NoFireworksPlease
    #MailBeerTo:

  16. Thanks, Coach, for you and everyone who still supports and remembers those who’ve made sacrifices, past and present.

  17. Rudy, you’re the fucking man! I hope someday we get to meet, most likely in a box setting telling how shitty my snatch is but… I can’t wait for the day.
    Happy EFFING 4th!!!!!!!!!!
    Owner, crossfit 19North
    Thanks,
    DV

  18. Thank you, Coach!

    And thank you to all our troops, police, and firefighters out there!

    Happy 4th of July!!

    Merica!

  19. Classy post Rudy, as a Marine I can say your programming has made me become a better Marine so please take pride in knowing that your training has been beneficial to many other servicemembers too.

  20. Anyone who starts out their writings with how grateful they are and appreciative of their country is worth reading and following their blog. Love your position and commitment to it. You are very encouraging and motivating. Happy 4th to you too!

  21. Coach,

    You need to watch a movie called “Dirty Wars”. Not an easy one to watch, but if you’re a freedom lover it’s an important movie to check out.

  22. ALCON, This is pretty serious. I am following Smolov from day one, just did my 8×4 today, and also on top of that I am in the USAF. We have a monthly “practice” PT test that we have to do, which includes a 1.5 mile run. Running today I felt like a rhino on sleeping pills…. Think I should just keep working in runs and see how it goes, or maybe a lower version of smolov?

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