01/27/08- squats and deadlifts...training

I trained today because it is all I know how to do.  It defines me, and it is what pushes me every day.  The heavy squat bar is me, and I am it, and it is those times, those couple seconds, when I feel alive.

My wife's cousin went to a hospital in Michigan on Monday, complaining of a headache and a stiff neck.  By Tuesday he was life flighted to a larger hospital and was in and out of consciousness.  Thursday his brain swelled and he suffered 2 strokes that left him blind and paralyzed.  Friday he seemed like he was improving, his brain swelling was reducing.  Saturday his kidneys failed and he was placed on a ventilator.  Today, right after I was done training, my wife called and said he passed.  He was 37 with a beautiful 4 year boy and a new baby girl.  Before Monday he was healthy, vibrant.  My wife grew up with him, they were more brother and sister then cousins, and we saw them every August for the family reunions and spent the weekend together partying and livin'.

That is how life goes.  You never know.  If you aren't telling those you love how much they mean to you, if you aren't living your life on your terms, your playing with fire.  Your next breath, your next minute, nothing is promised.  Nothing is given to you, and the one thing that I can guarantee is that YOU WILL DIE one day.  What is important is how you live, the relationships you make, the people you touch, the path you carved.  I do know he was a great dad who was proud of his kids and loved his life.  I know he accepted me all those years back when my wife and I first got together, he never judged, and he knew if my wife was happy, that was what mattered.

I trained today because I had to clear my head, and I knew I would have a long week of taking care of my wife and her family.  My job here is simple, to be a rock.  To be the foundation that can be shook but will never crumble.  To be the person that keeps his cool, keeps his head, and helps out all I can.  That is why I trained.

-Cambered Bar box squats: 625x1 PR, missed 675 twice.

-Sumo deadlifts: 475 x5

-Rack pulls: 4 quadrupled mini bands, 315 bar weight + bands x1, 365 + bands x2, 405 + bands x miss.  This was a HOUSE in my hands.

-Glute-hams: bodyweight x10, x10, x10, x10

-Standing abs: 120 x10, x10, x10

-Standing side bends: bar off loaded on back, x8, x8, x8

Done.

Go with God my friend.  Rest in Peace, and we will see you soon...

-Rick 

Comments

[Nick McKinless]

My deepest condolences for your wife's loss and to all in your family Rick. Very, very sad news.

Nick

[Theo Burrggraaff]

My condolences to you and your family.. You can't take anything for granted, that is for sure..

Theo

[Shaf]

Crap. That's awful.

My deepest sympathies for your wife and the rest of her family.

[BJones]

My condolences to your family Rick and Amy's family - This is why I find joy in every day - I'm just not going to go out sad.