Dooley Noted: 12/10/2013
I could use teaching for 6 schools, practicing, commuting three hours a day, and earning another master’s degree as excuses.
The thought never crossed my mind, though, until my dad was diagnosed with cancer.
That, along with my schedule, almost seemed too much to bear.
Almost.
I found myself letting go of my goal of becoming stronger. I worked on it daily, but only to a small degree. Everything in my life superseded the goals of a one armed push-up and a 22 kilo press.
I was ready to throw my goals out the window, with a decent amount of apathy. Then, at the StrongFirst Bodyweight certification, God became a machine.
Two machines.
Machine 1:
I reunited with fellow SFG Debbie Hayes, who I watched attempt the Iron Maiden Challenge in September.
She is a body of work. She strict-presses and pistol squats a 24 kilo kettlebell like they’re breathing. She is the epitome of what one considers fit and strong.
One might assume she was always like this. And one would be wrong.
She told me that at age 31, she topped out at 200 pounds. Tired of being unfit, she learned how to eat and train. Now, she has a houseful of kids who watch her train and aspire to be just like their mom.
She’s one of the strongest and most beautiful women I’ve ever met. Even though she owns a one-armed push-up, she couldn’t be more humble.
And she still hires coaches to get her through sticking points. She still wants more.
Machine 2:
My team leader, Coach Cole Summers, is one of the nicest gentlemen I’ve met in my life. Encouraging and diligent, he demonstrated extraordinary feats of strength – including a front lever.
For those who’ve never seen it, a front lever involves hanging from a bar HORIZONTALLY. Not only is Coach Summers 66 years old, he nailed this skill at the age of 60.
Coach Summers is changing the way physical education is taught in Canadian high schools. Nearly all his students are proficient with kettlebells and with moving their own bodyweight.
So, these machines showed me the possibilities when goals are not abandoned. I’m sticking with my evolution, with a rebirth of motivation.
You’re evolving until you’re not. You are in charge.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
