Monday, June 11th, 2012

I just want to say how lucky we are as NextGen athletes to have Eric as our trainer and gym owner. Although I'm sure we're all aware of many reasons why that's true, a couple were glaringly apparent this weekend.

1. Eric is willing to push himself to limits of his physical capacity to get the job done. This was no more obvious than on the final chipper WOD. We all know Eric is extremely strong, so his high finishes in the first two workouts were no surprise, but we also know that with that amount of muscle comes difficulty in doing long chippers. Eric LAID IT DOWN in the chipper, and both Mark and I can tell you that the look on his face was one of pure suffering and nothing in his body wanted to pick up the kettlebell or do another thruster or drop down for another burpee, and his mental tenacity took over and he worked as hard as anyone I've ever seen. This was inspiring not only to see an athlete work so hard, but because I know that as my trainer Eric will never ask me to work harder than he does, and holy crap he works hard!!

2. I think we get used to the athletes we see around us, watching them do the moves day after day. It isn't until you go watch athletes from other gyms that you realize the quality of your own gym's training. Eric exemplified quality movement standards throughout the competition--actually there was no comparison. There was 'This is how a squat snatch is done' (Eric) and 'this is how you hurt your back, knees, shoulders and elbows' (other athletes). So all that nagging and critiquing of our form comes from a trainer who has worked and worked on his own form and skills. As I told him and Mark yesterday, I hope my movements were good enough that people there were able to say, "It's obvious that Eric is her trainer."

Way to go, Brother. Would have loved to have seen your display of awesomeness.

Well put, Sarah. I met Eric almost 22 years ago. He started inspiring me then as my workout partner and he still inspires me today as a Crossfitter.

Keep it up, Barber.

Congratulations to Eric & Sarah on a job well done! We are all so proud of our athletes!!!

Great job both of you!

Back Squat
285(5)-315(3)-365(2)-405(1)PR

WOD 12:05 with 135lb

18:26 w/ 115lb

WOW.
Thanks for all the kind words Sarah. I really tried to "bring it" on Saturday.
I also have so much respect for you after this weekend and last year's GoRuck weekend as well. You're amazing!

Kevin - I miss you man! We need to get together somehow and train like in the ol' days.

Today's WOD:

Back Squat, (butt to ball) - 275(5), 275(5), 275(5)

WOD:
13:26 rx'd (bumped weight up to 135)

Back Squat
285(5) / 315(4) / 315(4)

WOD 15:58 (135lbs)

My FIRST post.
Box Jumps worked on stringing them together, got 20 on 12inch box.
WOD: 13:14 63lb

WOD: 11:44 rxd

Eric- you are awesome!! When I tell people I have done Crossfit for almost 1 year they say- "wow I know a lot of people who get hurt"- my response- "not at next generation" (unless of course they play basketball- sorry dubs) "Eric Barber- owner and trainer makes it his mission to teach proper form and technique so that you can cross fit for life" after 11 months I feel stronger and better than ever. Can't wait until I have 2-3 years under my belt. Sarah you give me something to work towards!! Eric- I know you don't like sass or a lot of fuss but you are great!!

14:14 scaled to 43lbs
63lb back squat
I've got a ways to go but at least I'm headed in the right direction!

Back squat 3x5@145#
Wod 11:16 rx'd

Back squat 3x5@165lbs
WOD 13:56 w/65lbs

Great job Eric & Sarah!!!
Run 3 miles + Power Yoga