If you can get through doing things that you hate to do, on the other side is greatness.” ~David Goggins
I woke up this morning with the usual pain I endure on a regular basis. This time it was prominent in my foot, no doubt Plantar Fasciitis flaring up again, as my wife usually diagnosis me with. It’s Sunday, so I usually sleep-in until 0700hrs before I get after my workout. I knockout my traditional 4-mile run with some added body-weight training along the way to numb the inujuries that plague my body. I see a colleague of mine getting after it by pounding some pavement while I get ready for my next set of pull-ups. He throws me a head nod and we exchange pleasantries during his stride as I get ready to knock out my set before I start trekking again. Game respects game.
Church on Sunday for me is finding those moments that bring me closer to my spiritual and emotional well-being. The day starts with physical exertion, with a side of reflection, and then a heavy dose of togetherness with my family. There are a lot of critics in the world who cast different opinions on spiritual fitness and the need to be closer to higher powers of different denominations. My advice is to find a passion which pushes you to be your best self, helps you process experiences for a deeper understanding of your purpose, and find more moments with those you care for because time is the most important commodity we have and it’s not infinite.
Let Me Tell You a Story
After weeks of working continuously, my family and I finally had a chance to head out on a micro-excursion. We headed to Haguenau, France on Mar. 13. As usual, all of our plans were thrown out once we arrived at our hotel who informed us that kids were not allowed in their pool because it was a spa venue. We immediately cancelled our reservation and were fortunate enough to find a local water park not too far in the same town.
Upon arrival, we were faced with an unplanned cultural experience. The swim park was beautiful, the price for our family to go in was inexpensive, but what we did not foresee was the rules for attire. The patrons at the desk told us short were not allowed. Assuming she meant outdoor shorts, or gym shorts, we acknowledged and proceeded to the changing room.
All changed and ready to hit the kiddy pools and water slides, we were halted politely by a member of the maintenance team and she informed us our shorts were not in regulation. My wife, Claudia, purchased a set of authorized trunks from the front desk for my son, Dominic, and I and we were ready for our debut. Dominic rushed out into public with no hesitation looking like a young Nacho Libre, while I tip toed onto stage in a real-life standing in public in my underwear moment. I found my nerve and joined the party and will never wear another type of swim trunks again. I have been sold on the mankini, swim briefs, early Ultimate Fighting Championship Bad Boy fight shorts.
Our family field trip was highly productive. We had a great time at the water park, had an amazing meal in Rheinmunster, Germany, and found a hotel with bunk beds for the kids. Not a big deal to most, but for kids the ages of six and four, it’s huge. On the way back home we also stopped off at Strahlenburg Castle, a beautiful castle ground overlooking Schriesheim, Germany. A weekend like the one experienced was enough to recharge the senses, regenerate purpose, and inspire productivity once back in the office.
It’s hard work, man. Some days it’s so hard, but when you’re out at sea, and you’re miles from land, you’ve got a choice — you can stop swimming or keep swimming. If you stop, you know exactly where the journey will end. But if you keep going, things may just get better.” ~Professor Carlos Machado
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Sets and Reps
Winter months during a pandemic in restrictive social environment can be taxing, not only on adults, but especially children. The long road back to normalcy is paved with obstacles and road blocks along the way. To combat this affect on emotional and physical well-being, the approach we have used is to keep moving and growing a little bit at a time.
This past week we began a routine family fun run with the kids. To be completely honest, it’s anything but fun for the kids and I’d rather roll ten-rounds straight instead of walk in the door and yell get your shoes on kids it’s time to run. Please do not report me to the authorities, we run a half-mile at whatever pace Dominic has in his arsenal and my daughter, Brianna, being only four, rides her scooter. This exercise is done to help my family escape the couch monster. The couch monster is worse than the boogie man, because the couch monster is a long-term enemy filled with snacks my kids don’t need and laziness to which will follow them to adulthood.
In addition to our road work, I still continue to train my kids Brazilian Jiu-jitsu twice a week. Claudia has also returned to the mats at our gym, Vuong Doan BJJ, in Hofheim am Taunus, Germany. I am extremely proud of my wife for getting back on the mats. It’s one thing to go for a run after a long dry spell, but to return to an extremely high-intensity workout after being out for a while is hell on the body to say the least.
Claudia has had to be Supermom for the past few weeks due to my schedule. We are not complaining, and understand there are very horrible things going on in the world as well as significant events ongoing in the geopolitical stratosphere. Interesting fact, the Strahlenburg Castle had the Ukrainian flag raised on its tower in a show of solidarity with their Ukrainian neighbors. We continue to monitor the war ongoing in Ukraine and look for ways to show our support to Ukrainians. Thank you to everyone who continues to follow my journey. I often never know what the end product of these blogs will look like until I start typing. Until next time friends and family … One team, one family! ~Doc