If you haven’t heard yet, October 13th marks the date of another strength and conditioning challenge here at Norcal!  If you came out for the one in the spring, you know how much fun it will be!  It’s a full day of people working together, cheering each other on and pushing themselves to a point they didn’t think they could…all while having a blast and getting to know one another better.

This last week some of us coaches were lucky enough to try out the workouts that will be rearing their ugly heads that fine October Saturday.  From my experience with the workouts, it’s going to be a step up from the competition in the spring.  Here is a bit more personal insight on what that day will bring.  I am so pumped about this challenge for several reasons!…

#1- I obviously am a fan of challenging yourself in a competitive atmosphere.  I think that friendly competition is incredibly healthy for us on many levels (physically, mentally, emotionally).  It will make most people push harder than they typically would on an average day at the gym, which often results in people achieving things they never thought possible.

#2- This challenge will be a bit different than the last one, because there will be NO SCALING.  This will show you were you are in relation to the rest of the participants.  Please don’t be intimidated by this…but keep in mind that safety is always the first concern here at Norcal, so if you’re unable to perform the movements we will ask you to sit this one out for your own safety.

#3- The programming for this challenge is going to be testing brute strength, flexibility, endurance and mental toughness.  A total package kind of day.

#4- It is going to be an inspiring/motivating day.  I’ve not once been to a competition where I didn’t come out more inspired/motivated than going in, whether there as a spectator, volunteer or participant.  This comp will show you what you can do, encourage you to do more and help you to set goals you never would have thought of.

For those of you planning on doing the comp, here are a few tips you may want to work on that could help prepare you for the events/movements that will be showing up October 13th!

- Wrist flexibility is good!

- Midline stability is key!

- Powerful rowing/paced running!

- Don’t be afraid of the prowler!

- Oh and I wouldn’t recommend just doing 1 or 2 metcons in the next few weeks…have a base coming in!

If you don’t plan to participate as a competitor, but want to still participate in the event, we will have sign-ups for volunteers in the gym early this week.  Please talk to one of the coaches if you have questions about this.  If you want to just come out that day and be a cheerleader/spectator/paleo pot-luck eater…doors are open and the competitors will appreciate it.  Come cheer your gym-mates on!

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Written by Jenny

Jenny LaBaw has been an athlete her entire life. As a 3-sport collegiate athlete, she competed in soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field. Post college she fulfilled her need for competition through endurance races ranging from 5K’s to marathons. Jenny’s athletic emphasis now is focused more on strength challenges, but she continues to be tempted by the occasional running race. Outside of competition, Jenny enjoys many outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, and camping with her boyfriend, Marcus and lab, Ziggy. With her love for sport and exercise, Jenny chose a career as a personal trainer so she could share her passion of health and fitness with others. Attending Cornell College, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education: Fitness and Wellness. Prior to Norcal, she has trained in gyms, private training studios, and coached soccer. Jenny has had an amazing opportunity to travel around the country coaching water skiers. Her 7+ years of coaching experience has allowed her to work directly with a wide variety of people; from children trying to discover their coordination to adults wanting to shed a few pounds to professional athletes looking to be the best in the world. No matter what walk of life you are coming from, Jenny’s mission is to help you realize your potential and get you there. She will prove to you that you can be stronger, more fit, and healthier than you think you can be. With her inspiration, motivation and dedication, she will challenge your body, encourage your mind, and help you to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Jenny will help you be your best!

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