Craigproductions, Home of the Emerald Cup and Washington Ironman | Craigproductions, Home of the Emerald Cup and Washington Ironman

02.01.2012 13:24:30

The rapper-turned-actor, Ice Cube, once said in one of his songs from back in the day, “Y’betta check yo’self before y’wreck yo’self…”. That’s my advice to many of you this coming Sunday – Super Bowl Sunday. For the majority of the world, Super Bowl Sunday is a day of eating, relaxation, trash-talking, eating, watching the game, entertaining, eating, yelling at the guys, yelling at the refs, yelling at (and gettin’ your head knocked off later) your wife…and let’s not forget the most important thing…eating!

Ahhh yes…Super Bowl Sunday…having the guys come over, throwing some steaks or burgers on the grill, opening up the bags of Lays Chips, Doritos, Cheetos, Fritos, and all the other O’s, along with nuts, dips, beer, coolers, wine, alcohol, and anything else your ethnicity adds in. For many, it’s the life – the day that’s bigger than Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Mom’s Day, and all the others combined. But for the competitor…nada…

Well…lemme rephrase…for the SERIOUS competitor – for the competitor who understands the task at hand and knows what he or she needs to do – for the competitor who has committed to achieving his or her all-time best look – for the competitor who understands sacrifice – for the competitor who has said over and over and over again, “This is MY show…”…nada - Super Bowl Sunday is just another day.

Personally, I’m gonna watch the game, but I’ll watch it at home all alone. I don’t mind. It doesn’t bother me. I haven’t watched a Super Bowl game with family or company in several years for a couple reasons. One, I like to WATCH AND LISTEN to the game. Do you guys know how hard that is with a room full of black people milling about? We are LOUD! Especially when we’re in a social environment! Don’t believe me? Just ask Elaine Craig or Tony Ruggiero what they thought the first time they came to one of The Dr’s house parties…they were like, “WTH…these people are CRAZY!” That’s how we roll. We have fun. And we’re loud. And because of that, I don’t want ‘em in my house when I wanna watch the game. I love my peoples but I like peace and quiet when watching the Super Bowl so I can hear everything, especially the commercials. I remember one year I had a bunch of people over. The noise level was so intense I went into my bedroom, closed the door, hooked the headphones up to the TV, and watched the rest of the game in there. That’s just me. I don’t need the social interaction to enjoy myself. If you can be kinda quiet and be into the game, you can come over. If you wanna talk the whole game, I’m not the guy for you.

Two, the Super Bowl is a complete and total food fest. Every time I either held a party or went to a Super Bowl party, it seemed to be more about the food than the game. With 11 weeks to go this Saturday, there’ll be some of you who definitely need to stay home! You know who you are. Don’t think you can go over to your partner’s/girlfriend’s house and not eat or drink anything and just watch the game like a good little boy or girl…yea…right…

You know you’ll be in that dip faster than a pig in space. It’s been my own personal experience and from talking with so many competitors that days like the Super Bowl are ‘traumatic’ to say the least, for many. I know I want to eat. I know I’m GOING to eat. That’s why it’s easier for me to stay home. Even when I took my own food I cheated. To me it was like Thanksgiving…there’s absolutely no way I was gonna be around all of that food and not touch one single bite. And once I started, I gave in to my Thanksgiving mantra, “I’m gonna eat ‘till I get sick…”. Now there’s a select few of you that can tolerate the food and not give in. Not me. And if you know you’re in that category as well, then my recommendation would be to stay home. It’s not worth it. Once you go into the pool you’re gonna end up in the deep end real quick!

All joking aside, Super Bowl Sunday is a great day for friendship, camaraderie, and peace of mind. We gather, we enjoy each other’s company, and we party. Nothing wrong with that. But know who you are. And know what you will and will not do. If your mental discipline is not that strong, my recommendation is to forego the fellowship and enjoy the game in the privacy of your own home. I’d hate to see someone ‘blow it’ this Sunday by pigging out thinking they’ve got enough time to dial in when they were sitting on the cusp to begin with. Don’t make your work any harder than it has to be. But if you do choose to party like a rock star and eat like Oprah Winfrey, then be ready for one of two things…harder work or a butt-kicking at the 30^th Anniversary Emerald Cup! You’ve been warned…peace…

The Dr.

David "Dr. Buff" Patterson, MPE, CSCS, CSTS

253-576-4859 - Mobile

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"Tell me you will...tell me you won't...don't tell me you can't!"

Julie

Got Obstacles?

01.19.2012 02:47:29

“Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.” ~Vince Lombardi

It’s no secret: I am NOT a fan of the snow. For various reasons but the top 2 would be: being trapped indoors with 4 children for several days and not being able to work. For people without children a snow day sounds blissful. Come hang out at my house for a day with my foursome and you’ll probably wish for rain to come and wash away the snow STAT!!

I will say that the snow has been a nice excuse to sleep in the last couple of days. I should qualify that I use the term “sleeping in” quite loosely. I have been up by 5:45am every day this week. But it sure beats my usual 4am wake up time. The roads and the gym have been empty and it’s actually been kind of nice.

Something I notice among clients and gym friends and people in general…when the daily routine is thrown off by something like a snow day, not only does the workout often get sacrificed, but almost more importantly, the nutrition goes by the wayside. If you are preparing to compete in the Emerald Cup in just over 13 weeks, now is not the time to allow yourself to be derailed by a little snow! It’s really important to stick to your nutrition plan, eat all your scheduled meals and don’t use the snow as an excuse to “junk out.” This week feels a lot like a holiday…but it’s not. It’s important to remind yourself of that, stay focused on your goals and stay on track.

Have you allowed the weather to impact the quantity and/or quality of your workouts? You shouldn’t. Where there is a will, there’s a way! You might need to find a ride to the gym, you might need to find a way to do your cardio at home. But trust me, if you really want it bad enough you WILL find a way to get it done. What’s stopping you and more importantly, WHY?

Use this time to rest, while still keeping your nutrition and training on track. The next 13 weeks will be grueling if you’re doing it right so take advantage of a little down-time to get some extra sleep, sneak in a nap or just get more prepared for the days, weeks and months ahead.

A goal that you are committed to achieving will not allow room for any EXCUSES!!! Stay focused and recommit yourself if you need to…and if you’re heart’s not in it, give yourself permission not to do it!

~Julie~

Fearless, with cape in hand…committed to the GOLD Tiara!!

www.juliemichaelsontraining.com,

Twitter: @IrieFitGirl

Jen B

The Dreamer Vs. The Fear

11.11.2011 00:28:21

Anyone else's mind do this to them? I know mine does, and I've been reading, and journaling to overcome it. I have always loved training my body, have put to much focus on that and not enough on my mind. Take a minute to think about your strength not physically but mentally. What do you do to defeat the naysayers of yourself and others?

Dreamer: Check it out, Emerald Cup 30th Anniversary!! Jen do you know what this means...You could finally make it to the stage and your first competition could be at the 30th anniversary of the Emerald Cup!! Its a coincidence, I'll be 30 next year in 2012...2012 is the year of 30!!! Ok, I need to start training now, I have a lot of work to do and need to take it slow. I just started the Isagenix 30 day system and am feeling GREAT! Were on the right track, now a coach!!

The Fear: Haha...right Jen. Here you go again, the thoughts overtake you with excitement and I will crush you! You have looked for coaches before, remember how expensive they are? How are you going to pay for that, supplements, suits, music, dance classes, choreography, plane tickets, you see the list doesn't end.

Dreamer: If I have not shaken this dream yet I will not let it go. The fight in me is more than I can explain I will do this I WILL!! Ok, lets find a coach...

The Fear: See I told you...your looking for coaches, nobody near here, nobody that is going to put the time into you and stay on your back every step of the way. And do you see those price tags...sorry Charlie just not gonna happen.

Dreamer: Ok, ways to come up with competition funds? *Thinking*...I will find a way, I have come to far to not find a way and will not let this stand in my way. I wonder if anyone would be willing to invest their time in me to see me succeed? To know where I'm coming from and help me blossom into what I am about to become? Prayer and passion can take a person a long way, and I am digging deep into both right now! Stay positive Jen, it will work out.

The Fear: Your hillarious...who is going to take the time to help you, nobody knows who you are, your not a known competitor. If they do know you its because you have tried to start with them and then your body shuts down and they see you quit. No way are they going to reach out and push you! Its not time Jen, its not time.

Dreamer: I am tired of hearing its not time. When is it time? So many things in life are never "in time". What I feel in my heart, in my soul, that is what is time. And I know I feel different now, I know I feel strong. My mind strength is growing and its carrying my body further as well! I am a strong woman with motivation and drive out of this world! Some can't believe at what I have done and will do to achieve a goal, to live a dream and inspire others along the way! This is the time! Patiently waiting for my green Emerald Cup bracelet to arrive, I will wear that puppy day in and day out! And one lucky audience member will catch it when I chuck that baby off the stage during my debut!! Check it fear, you are dead, I will catch you and tear you apart!

The Fear: Right...to be continued...

Jen B

Check me out on YouTube

11.11.2011 00:02:43

After working for hours trying to figure out how to embed a YouTube video into the blog here I have realized I cannot figure it out...or maybe my patience has just worn out! So here is a link to a YouTube video I did explaining a bit about where I'm at and where I am heading. Its a history of my journey thus far and a precursor of so much to come! Please check it out HERE. But be aware, I am a goofball and have a very dry sense of humor...hahaa ;)

Dr Buff

Nothing Great Comes Without Sacrifice!

05.02.2011 05:57:53

Jack Sandberg, a friend and fellow competitor who resides over in Spokane, posted a short motivational/inspirational video on FB on the bodybuilding mindset and lifestyle. You can watch the whole thing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-GBxpLQsek&feature=youtube_gdata_player. More than just watching the video and seeing the swollen bodies and listening to the music and getting all pumped up over the incredible physiques, I chose to listen to the words they’re saying. Is anything coming out of their mouths that make sense or is it just rambling gibberish. To be perfectly honest, this one was a good one.

If you’ve been a reader of my blog for any time now, you know that I’m into the psychological component more than anything else. Everything starts with your mind. We conceive in our minds. We believe in our minds. And then we go out and ACT on our thoughts in our mind. In the video, Kai Green spoke words of truth – truth that I’ve been saying for years and years. Truth that any athlete with the competitive mindset possesses. Truth that we hear a lot, read a lot, and possibly even quote a lot on FB these days. But speaking the truth and living the truth are two different things. Do you just speak the truth or do you live the truth?

After my last blog I received a text from Big Joe Derousie. I typically don’t get very many responses. My blogs aren’t designed for or written for responses. Many times I’ll even tell you I don’t want a response. I’m more of the ‘in your face’ person – I want you to think about what you’re doing, and even question why you’re doing it, even if it makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. I want you to dig deep within your soul and ask, “Is this what I really want? And am I truly ready to work…no…bust my BUTT for it?” I want you to ‘get it’ – to get the fact that this is not easy, and many times this is not necessarily fun, but the reward at the end is oh-so-sweet even if no other person gives you accolades or compliments you for a job well done. I want you to understand that “The challenge is from within, the opponent is yourself, the reward is private, and the victory is having met the challenge!”

Joe’s text read, “Hey Dave, its Joe DeRousie. Just read your last blog. “To be number one you have to train like you’re number 2.” Bro, first thing I thought of was losing to Roger [Baker] by 1 point at the 09 [Emerald] Cup. I looked great, but was still 2^nd. That loss was the best thing that could have happened to me. It pushed me to another level that allowed me to bring that dominant physique to the stage in 2010. I could have just tried to roll with the momentum I build in 09, but wanted to leave no doubt whose show it was last year! Everyone still wants to know what I did to make such a jump in a year. You said it perfect: hard work, discipline, determination, drive desire, focus, and commitment. Can’t beat that stack if you tried!” Well said, Joe!

Kai Green, who is, in my opinion one of the most creative bodybuilding posers out there, had some great lines. You could hear the feeling, the emotion, and the passion in every word he spoke. I listened to him several times and finally decided to transcribe his words and put them in this blog.

Kai’s first quote said, “You need to get to work in accomplishing your own dream – fulfill your own goals. There’s something to be said for the person that stands on the side of life watching other people live it vs. being the person that’s out there doing a damn thing.” Truer words could not have been spoken. You can put up all the quotes you want on FB, but if you’re not working, then you’re not doing. And if you’re not doing, then you’re wasting time! Are you TRULY doing everything you can to make yourself YOUR best? If you set the bar, then dang it, at the very least jump up to it. Better yet, jump OVER it and then reset it! That’s what Big Joe did. I have no doubt that Joe will be successful at the national level, and then the pro level. He doesn’t just talk – he acts!

Jay Cutler (at least I believe it was Jay as they didn’t show the person talking but showed a quick clip of Jay…) said, “There’s no secret to it. If you wanna get bigger, if you wanna get stronger, the only thing holding you back is yourself.” I’ve got a couple of signs in my gym that ties in to what Jay said. The first one is, “The greatest challenge you’ll ever face is your own mind.” The second one says, “The only obstacle preventing you from achieving your goal is the belief that you have obstacles.” Are you guys gettin’ this? I’m not trying to motivate you – I’m trying to get in your head – to get you to understand that you, and only you, are ultimately responsible for the physique that steps onstage. Your trainer is a tool, a resource, a means to an end, but if you put all your trust and faith in your trainer and don’t do your part…well…it’ll show onstage. This leads us to our third quote by Kai…

“You have to save your own life. Nobody’s gonna be your savior for you. So we have to do what we have to do no matter what it is!” Putting this on ‘paper’ just doesn’t have the same impact that viewing it does. That’s why I posted the link. When I watched it I found myself nodding in approval. When Jeff, my workout partner doesn’t show up, I still train. When life situations arise, I handle my business and then I train. Regardless of what happens, I train. I am the master of my destiny. You are the master of yours. Handle y’business!

Finally, Kai ends the talking part with the following quote, “Champions are an example of what happens when you aspire to leave the plane of average thinking…when you dare to dream and you dare to go after that dream and you make these thoughts and ideas become something more than a dream.” We all have to have that internal push, people – the drive, determination, discipline, desire, focus, sacrifice, and commitment. We all possess the power to dream…we must dig deep for the power to succeed! Peace…

The Dr.

David “Dr. Buff” Patterson

Personal Training Systems

“There Are No Shortcuts!”

www.personaltrainingsystems.net

www.facebook.com/drbuff

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Don't give me excuses...give me results!

Diane

Hang On - Finish Strong!

08.27.2009 04:40:06

Well, so far it has been an AMAZING day!!

I was able to sleep in till 7:00am today!! It sure felt great!! I woke up and headed straight to LA Fitness for some am cardio. I kicked butt on the elliptical :) I kept my intensity high and burned A LOT of calories! Whoo!! Let's just say I was drenched in sweat by the end. It feels so great to leave the gym knowing that I did the best that I possibly could. Then I headed home to get ready for work...I made my delicious egg whites!! I seriously STILL crave eggs!! I'm really hoping that this craving lasts all the way until the Ironman. I even stopped by the store on my way to my parent's house yesterday to buy a bunch of eggs...I wanted some sooo bad that I couldn't wait until I got home later that night to eat them. Silly I know...But whatever :)

So yesterday's workout was awesome. It was chest. We did a heart-pumping workout that consisted of 9 different chest exercises. We did three exercises together, back to back. We finished our last set up with 30 sec push up holds....Boy was I shaking!! It's tough to hold a push-up position for even 15 sec after doing all the different chest exercises that we did. Overall, it was GREAT! I was sweating and pushing myself as hard as I could...Can't get much better than that! I finished up with 20 min of interval training. While I LOVE listening to Christian music such as Third Day, Casting Crowns etc, I always listen to a couple specific Rage Against The Machine songs when doing intervals. It's weird since Rage is VERY different from my normal music, but it gets me moving fast for my intervals. It's funny how we all have certain music for different types of workouts. Overall, I'd have a very difficult time living without music.

After I got home from training I ate some more egg whites mixed with ground turkey breast...delicious.

Basically I'm right on track. I'm busting my butt every single day to make as much progress as possible. While I can't always SEE the progress I'm making, I know that I'm making it. It's such a great feeling to be completely confident that prep is going exactly how it is supposed to go! I'm rockin' it and cannot wait for the show! I'm excited to see all of my fellow competitors as well!! There are so many amazing girls that I have met through competitions and I thank the Lord for putting them into my life. They are all so inspiring and we all create a great support system. Thank You Lord!

Anyways, I better get back to work! I'm heading to the gym after work for back. Whoo! Then back home I go to prep my food for the rest of the week. Then I'll head to LA for a final cardio session today. I'm adding on another session at night. This will help me to burn that last bit of fat before the show.

**When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on so long in the first place** - Unknown.

It's too late to turn around now. For all of you Ironman competitors out there...We're ALMOST there. It's going to get tough pushing through this last month of prep, but keep in mind WHY you have decided to compete in the first place. This will keep you moving...Keep you lifting...Keep you running...When you REALLY don't want to. You've come this far...Finish Strong!

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Let the Lord's Light SHINE!

Diane

Tags: Washington Ironman | Bikini | focus | Chest | cardio

Dr Buff

Fear is an illusion...

08.06.2009 14:13:56

America, my legs HURT! Yesterday’s workout was intense, and the pain is definitely talkin’ to me, but I’m lovin’ it. Whoever said no pain, no gain got it right, especially when it comes to weight training. Heh, heh, heh...at my party, my friend – he likes to refer to himself as “Pretty Ricky” - was clowning the bodybuilders who were there. One of the things he said was, “Yea, boyyyy, I felt like working out the other day...I laid down until that feeling went away!” I’ve heard that joke many times before but the way Rick said it cracked us all up!

Yesterday I talked about the fear of failure. Today I’m gonna cover the fear of success. I know...I know...how can someone be afraid of success? Isn’t that what we’re all after – what we all strive for – to be successful? Well...yes and no. We think we want success until we start to realize or experience the cost of it. The cost of success in bodybuilding is sacrifice – and that’s something many people just aren’t willing to do. Oh, they’ll go to the gym and do their cardio...lemme rephrase that...they’ll get on the cardio machine and waste 30-60 minutes of their lives, or they’ll go in the weight room and do the same thing they’ve been doing for months or years and call it ‘training’, but that’s not the sacrifice I’m talking about. I’m referring to that intrinsic desire to achieve your best potential – that drive to be YOUR best, and hopefully THE best! Most people can’t dig that deep. They just scratch the surface, pawing at the ground like a dog looking for his buried bone. That’s why they fail.

I was in Costco a few months ago and had a cashier ask me if I was a personal trainer (I had on my Personal Training Systems (PTS) sweatshirt, so duuuhhh...). The conversation went something like this...

“So are you a personal trainer or what?”

“Yes I am.”

“So where do you train people at?”

“I’ve got my own facility.”

“So what do you charge?” (How come literally every time the first question a person asks about training is cost? Aren’t they interested in results???)

“$40-75 per session depending upon how many sessions you prepay for, but all sessions are use or lose. You either use them at your scheduled time or you lose them.”

“So do you give out a free session so I can see if I like it?”

“No.”

“C’mon man...can’t cha hook a brotha up?”

“First, I ain’t your brother, second, no!”

“So if I was to have you train me, how long would it take me to look like you?” (Deep breath on my part, cause I’m starting to get irritated...)

“How hard are you willing to work?”

“What do y’mean how hard am I willing to work? What do I have to do?”

“You gotta bust your butt. You willing to do that?”

“So what I gotta do? Lift all them heavy weights and eat that rabbit food ya’ll eat? How long will I have to do that?”

“You don’t have to do it at all! You can keep doing what you’re doing and continue to get fatter than you are right now!” Yes America...I actually said that – and for those of you that know me, stop laughing because you KNOW I'll say it to you again!

The conversation continued for a bit longer but I think you get my point. At the end I gave the guy my card – as expected I never heard from him – wasted a card. Even though this isn’t a true representation of the fear of success, the guy was looking for the easy way to accomplish a hard task. Ain’t gonna happen, America.

So what exactly IS the fear of success? In our world it’s simply the realization that once you reach your ideal look you’ll actually have to spend the rest of your life doing what got you there to keep it. That scares many people. They can’t fathom doing HARD cardio every single day (or 5-6 days at least) for 45-60 minutes for the rest of their lives. That scares them, so they decide to compromise their goals, or better yet, not do anything at all – just quit! They can’t see themselves lifting weights to hold onto their muscle years down the road – there’s gotta be an easier way. And finally, “You want me to eat for the most part the same type foods day in and day out for HOW long?” America, there’s a saying I been using for years - “If you continue to do what you’ve always done, you’ll continue to get what you’ve always gotten. You do nothing, you get nothing. You put in half-hearted effort, you get half-hearted results.

Michael Jordan, in his book “I Can’t Accept Not Trying” said, “I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things halfheartedly. Because I know if I do, then I can expect halfhearted results. That’s why I approached practices the same way I approached games. You can’t turn it on and off like a faucet. I couldn’t dog it during practice and then, when I needed that extra push late in the game, expect it to be there. But that’s how a lot of people approach things. And that’s why a lot of people fail. They sound like they’re committed to being the best they can be. They say all the right things, make all the proper appearances. But when it comes right down to it, they’re looking for [excuses] instead of [solutions]. Part of this commitment is taking responsibility. That’s not to say there aren’t obstacles or distractions. If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Now here’s something interesting...you know, America, that I’m not big on the word ‘motivation’. Even before I read Mike’s book I didn’t like the word. But after reading it I realized that he didn’t use the word either – not one single time did it appear! But he did use over and over words like discipline, determination, drive, focus, work ethic, hard work, and others. You want results? Quit being afraid, and if you are afraid, use it to your advantage. Attack your fears with better discipline, drive, focus, and determination. When you do that you’ll see that there really was nothing to be afraid of. I found that out.

I want to wrap up this blog with another excerpt from Michael’s book. You might remember me saying yesterday that the fear I experienced going into my first EC was in my own mind. Mike validates this in the chapter, Fear Is An Illusion. He said, “I never looked at the consequences of missing a big shot. Why? Because when you think about the consequences you always think of a negative result. If I’m going to jump into a pool of water, even though I can’t swim, I’m thinking about being able to swim at least enough to survive. I’m not jumping in thinking to myself, “I think I can swim, but maybe I’ll drown.” If I’m jumping into any situation, I’m thinking I’m going to be successful. I’m not thinking about what happens if I fail. But I can see how some people get frozen by that fear of failure. They get it from peers or from just thinking about the possibility of a negative [outcome]. They might be afraid of looking bad or being embarrassed. That’s not good enough for me. I realized that if I was going to achieve anything in life I had to be aggressive. I had to get out there and go for it. I don’t believe you can achieve anything by being passive. I know fear is an obstacle for some people, but it’s an illusion to me. Once I’m in [the game], I’m not thinking about anything except what I’m trying to accomplish. Any fear is an illusion. You think something is standing in your way, but nothing is really there. What IS there is an opportunity to do your best and gain some success.”

Not much to say in the way of working out today – another good, hard back workout. 24 brutal sets – 4 exercises of 6 sets each. I won’t bore you with the details – lemme just say that we were grabbin’ thighs when it was over. The fun for me actually starts about 4 weeks out when I’m in full-bore contest mode – diet, cardio, weights, and sleep are literally all that’s on my mind. Maybe then you’ll get something different. But for now...it’s all good America. Holla at’cha boi...

The Dr.
--
David ‘Dr. Buff’ Patterson
Personal Training Systems | “There Are No Shortcuts!”
http://www.personaltrainingsystems.net
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“If you’re scared to fail, you don’t deserve to be successful!”

Dr Buff

Training Partners - Love em or hate em...you need em!

07.25.2009 14:41:26

America, I'm pissed! No...not for anything personal (that ain't nunya biz anyway...). I'm pissed because I missed two days in a row due to this nagging arm injury. It's getting better but I decided to take today off as well so I'd be back for sure on Monday. "Make Haste Slowly" I always say. BTW, here's something I heard a while back that was pretty humorous. The first time you hear or read something and you repeat it, you give credit to whomever you heard/read it from - "As so-n-so says...". As you continue to use it, giving credit changes to "I heard..." or "I read...". In time you've said it so many times that it changes to "As I've always said...". I don't have a clue as to where or when I first heard "Make Haste Slowly", but I've been using it so long that it's mine now! Don't hate!

Tonight I wanna touch on training partners. Over the years I've been blessed to have a few not just good, but GREAT training partners. I actually wrote an article on the value of training partners years ago. It's posted on my website - www.personaltrainingsystems.net. Check it out! N-E-Whoo...my first great partner was my best friend down in Portland, OR back in the late 70's through mid 80's - Steve Moses. I wrote about Steve a couple of days ago - incredible physique! Steve and I hooked up shortly after I started working out at Oregon Athletic Club. He was always there the same time I was so we'd spot each other. The spots became pushes, and eventually we agreed to become training partners. We had one simple rule - I would never give him my phone number and he'd never give me his. Why? It made us even more committed and disciplined to working out. You know I'm not a big 'motivation' person, but I am a disciplined, focused, committed individual. In fact, my current workout partner, Steve Large, recently sent me a great saying that I've incorporated into one of my email signatures: "It's not the work that's hard, it's the discipline!" I love that! Says it all. Don't know where it came from, but it's mine now...lol!

Steve Moses and I had KILLA workouts. We pushed each other so hard it wasn't even funny. We were very close to each other in strength so there wasn't much changing of the weights between sets. We played the one-up, one-down game...as soon as he was done he'd jump up and I'd jump down to do my set. When I was done we'd switch. Rests were only long enough to change weights or get into position. I'm talkin' KILLA, America! Eventually we ended up competing against each other. I never beat Steve, but it was always good to take a solid second behind him.

My second great training partner was the one and only Kim "Kong" Farrison - the NW's premier MC. We trained together from the mid 80-s until he blew his shoulder out in the very early 90's. Didn't matter where we trained, we always had brutal workouts. Kim was significantly stronger than me, so it was always my challenge to not only keep up with his intensity, but work on catching him in strength (which I never did, but it was fun trying...). Kim was a clown - always crackin' stale jokes and lookin' at any pretty woman that walked by. He got easily distracted at times, usually when women were around, but when he was on, he was ON! He'd out-train just about anybody who wanted to go up against him. Kim hated to lose at anything, whether it was a contest, wrestling (he actually had a shot at making the Olympics until he blew out his knee), training...you name it, Kim was ultra-competitive in it. We'd travel to all the different dungeon gyms from Olympia to North Seattle taking on all-comers. It also gave Kim an opportunity to scope out his competition. One of the things I learned from Kim was to always stay covered up during contest season. No one needed to see his physique, he'd always say. The only thing that's important is what the judges say the day of the show. I still live by that creed.

My third great training partner was, and still is, my chiropractor, Jeff Kahrs. I met Jeff while I was in graduate school. He found me through some advertising I'd done back in the late 80's. I worked with him and gave him some pointers on bodybuilding stuff he didn't know. Obviously he knew the human body as a chiropractor, but he wanted more bodybuilding knowledge to tie it all together. When I opened my facility in 1994, Jeff was the first person in, helping me move in the equipment. When I closed the doors in 2007 Jeff was the last person out, helping me move it to my new location. That's a true friend! Anyway, shortly after opening Personal Training Systems, (PTS) Jeff joined the facility. Shortly after that we became workout partners. Now I gotta give you a visual on Jeff - he's 6' tall weighing in at about 240. Needless to say, it was like working out with Kim all over again. I gave Jeff the nickname "Sherm", short for Sherman Tank, cause that man is STRONG! Two words are not in his vocabulary - light and easy! It eventually reached the point to where Jeff and I would be working out together but he'd be doing his thing and I'd be doing mine - I just wasn't in his league. But we worked hard and we worked consistently. Jeff was with me when I achieved my "yellow trunks" look - my all-time best condition back in 95. We literally destroyed ourselves during that training cycle, but it paid off. I still look at those photos and wonder how I was able to achieve that look. Jeff and I trained together up until the time I closed PTS.

My fourth great training partner is my current partner, Steve Large. Steve was a client back at PTS in the mid-90's through about 2005 or 06. He was one of the most consistent people I knew - hardly ever missed a day of training. Steve trained by himself most of the time, but I'd spot him every now and then. If Jeff couldn't make it for whatever reason I might hold off and train with either Steve or another client. Steve blew his shoulder out and had to leave for surgery. During that time PTS closed. When I reopened the new gym here at my home (I've got over 1000 sq. ft. of kick-butt equipment, including ellipticals and a 42-inch flat-screen) after my hip replacement I sent out a global email to all my old clients. Steve responded. He came back fat, deconditioned, and totally outta shape (sorry buddy, but you know I speak the truth...). A couple of months into his training I lost my 'partner'. I asked Steve if he wanted to workout together. Best move I made! We started training together in October of 08. We've only missed 3 scheduled workouts. Steve is a great partner - like Steve Moses we're close to each other in strength, so I'm always trying to stay ahead of him in exercises in which I'm stronger while he's always trying to catch me, and if he's stronger, then I'm trying to catch him while he shoots to stay ahead of me. Makes for killa workouts!

Oh, BTW...since Steve came back he's dropped over 40 lbs of bodyfat, gained back his lost muscle, got his weight back down to 185, and he's getting ready for the Ironman as well...there y'go Steve, I put it out for the world to see - you can't back out now...

I've had many other training partners over the years as well, but these are my 'Big 4". They're the best of the best - far ahead of the rest! I could always count on them to show up and give their best push, which helped me give my best push. I truly believe a great partner can make you, whereas a crappy partner can break you. So if you've got a crappy partner (and you know if you do...), dump him or her and find someone that will be more committed, disciplined, focused, and determined. You'll be glad you did!

Well America, today's Friday - I gots two days of rest comin'. Many projects around the house as I prepare for my 55th Surprise Birthday Party! Hey, ya'll are invited if you wanna show up and surprise me! Hit me at my email on the signature and I'll send you the link with all the pertinents. I'm out!

The Dr.
--
David ‘Dr. Buff’ Patterson
Personal Training Systems | “There Are No Shortcuts!”
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