Well, yesterday was the day. My Battling Ropes Level 2 certification with John Brookfield. All I can say is that it is quite possibly the most physically demanding thing I have ever done. It was also the most mentally challenging.
For example, I had to perform alternating velocity waves with a rope for 20 minutes. That was tough. I'd been practicing that fairly extensively but John's rope felt so much heavier than mine. But, I made it. Then came the fun part; pole pulls for 1 mile. This took an hour and twenty minutes. My body didn't feel like it was my own after that. This actually felt like torture. But with a lot of praying and some pulling I finally made it. I almost started crying but I was too dehydrated for the tears to flow. After that, John gave me one more 15 minute test involving towels. Last night when I got out of the shower and reached for the towel to dry off, I had a wicked flashback...
After all of that, John "showed me the ropes" with several more drills intended to forge a body of steel. John has an amazing wealth of knowledge for simple, effective, "functional" training. John's style of training doesn't just build the body though, it strengthens the mind. I think John truly believes the body will follow where the mind is capable of going and that the only limitations a person has is inside their own head. I am truly fortunate to be able to work with him and learn from him. I have learned a great deal about training from John, but I've also learned something about myself.
Oh yeah, right before I stepped outside to begin John's test I saw a box in his house that said "I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me." Reading it made me feel good, remembering it while I was struggling helped me push on. Or pull on... Anyway, I passed, but not from my own strength.
I can't wait to be able to use my arms again!
5 comments:
Tim, Way to go my man!!!!! You shuold be proud! And the way you wrote abpout your experience of it is very inspiring to us all! I hope everyone will read the details of what you wrote in your blog. There is alot of life lesson substance in there my friend! You speak wisely!
Now if you can just get me ready too! I'm gonna need ALL the help I can get for Level 2!!
WOW! Sounds awesome!!!!!!
If you thought it was brutal....it must have been very challenging!
God Bless!
Franz
Betsy, You'll be fine. If I can do it, you can do it.
Franz! It was an awesome experience. I can't say that i've ever done anything more physically demanding, but then, I don't get out much...
Way to go bro! Very proud of you! Any tips for me when I go this fall?
James, my only tip is train smart. You can do it. Oh, and ask John if gloves are allowed. Wish I had thought of that before...
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