Hanging out with BFL Champions

A rose between two thorns: Ken Young, Julie Whitt, and John Lesko 

One of the highlights of my most recent BFL challenge -- funny how we begin to measure time in 12-week increments -- was enjoying a tour of the White House.

One of the coolest things about the BFL community is the bond that exists between those who've signed up and committed themselves to finishing a challenge. And then when you get the chance to just 'hang out' with a couple of champions ... well this too is pretty cool.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has obstacles to overcome. And I honestly believe that just about anyone can find it in themselves, the strength needed to live a healthier lifestyle. Funny thing is ... There are folks out there willing to help if you just accept the fact that it's so, so much easier to start and finish a challenge with their help. Reciprosity, thank God, is a two-way street.

Happy Easter!

Looking forward to a special meal tomorrow ... Easter will allow for me to enjoy a FREE MEAL of roasted lamb, braised veggies, salad, and some red wine ... I won't be going overboard tomorrow for Easter is also Day 84 of my 9th BFL Challenge.

Intend to enjoy an 'active rest' between challenges ... Will start another on April 4th ... I have learned a lot about myself over the past couple of years while living a much improved lifestyle ... I started my first challenge soon after my old college roommate, Greg Kogut, first introduced me to Bill Phillips' book ... It is only fitting that he and I will enter this next challenge together as virtual workout buddies.

Change of subject ...

Today I took and passed my 2nd kyu test in aikido. This is a key 'landmark' along the way to earning that black belt. During one's 2nd kyu test you must demonstrate a mastery of ten techniques, show that you can disarm an armed attacker, and conclude your test in randori (a multiple man attack) ... Today was a good day!

There's still much study and practice ahead.
Happy Easter!

Place your 'bets' on BFL

There's an old saying that states ...

What comes around goes around.

Well I don't know the origin of this saying ... Could be a gambling term from Las Vegas ... Who knows? ... But I'm not so certain we should enter into any situation first giving to others and then expecting that wheel to turn and stop the next time on our winning number.

So what's my point? ...

I don't know about you, but I believe there's a paradox to the BFL program which deals with two kinds of strength. One is inwardly focused and the other is outwardly focused.

Former bodybuilder and current California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger has said that, "Strength does not come from winning.  Your struggles develop your strengths.  When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength."

It seems to me that the thinking of this athlete, actor, and public servant has evolved over time. And it also seems to me that this program we're all involved with is an honest game. Lifting weights and getting in come cardio while keeping our self-promises and helping others ... Hmmmm ... That's a winning combination!

Wishing all a great weekend and happy Easter,

John Lesko

C9D82

PS: Tomorrow's an aikido test day ... Hope to be promoted to the next 'kyu' ... Time to 'chop wood and carry water.'

On owning your habits & doing just a little more ...

Met Bill Phillips a little over a year ago.  

A little more than a year ago I met Bill Phillips and had him autograph my copy of Body for Life and Eating for Life. Until then I had sea-sawed up and down on the scale trying one diet after another. I pretty much lived on that sea-saw ... Occasionally reaching a performance plateau but then slipping backward and/or falling back into unhealthy habits.

I believe it was Vince Lombardi who suggested that we "Own your habits." I didn't really have an appreciation for that quote until I read/studied the BFL program and later met Bill Phillips. There was new information in his book. And I began to think back when I was my fittest. In high school and college -- i.e., when my mother was in charge of the menu and then when I was a cadet eating foods prepared in the cadet mess (and monitored by a nutritionist) -- I was active and fit. Then I moved about the Army. Started a family. Got lazy. I was suffering from being owned by my habits versus the other way around.

Today I'm ten pounds lighter. I don't have the double chin. I'm definitely leaner, stronger, faster, and have more energy. I can honestly say that I own most of my habits. (As an aside, there are a few bad habits that I'm working to break. But I believe I've at least identified these and their days are numbered.)

I'm hoping to hold steady at my new weight for awhile. Call this a short period of 'active rest.' I'd like to enjoy the new view from this healthful plateau. And then I'll work to drop even more fat in the next challenge. Yes, I'm committed for the long term to reach my old fighting weight.

I've been discussing with a few friends of mine why it is we finally commit to change. For some it's being 'sick and tired of being sick and tired.' For others it's a traumatic event -- an illness, the loss of a job, or hitting rock bottom for whatever reason. For still others it's the cumulative effect of many, many small disappointments or shortcomings.

I don't know what was that 'last straw' for me. I honestly don't know. I could have been being asked to play Santa Claus a few Christmas seasons ago. It might have been seeing my wife re-bound -- thank God -- from her latest surgery, cancer scare, and post-operative complications. It might have been attending the Health Fair at the local church. I honestly don't know.

But I'm certain of this. Resolving to keep ones daily self-promises and helping others along the way sure makes me feel one hell-a-va lot better than not doing so. When you 'walk the talk' you somehow walk a little taller than you did before.

So I intend to stand tall ... LiveSTRONG ... And never slip backwards again ... Don't know if it's a purpose-driven life or the example of champions that have made the difference. Or maybe it's just that I've realized that the difference between those who are champions and those who aren't isn't a very large difference after all. Champions stay the course and do just 'that much more' to pay for their habits and thus own them.

Perhaps Their Magic Will Rub Off on Me ...

I've decided to seek out the advice of champions where ever I can and when ever I can.

This means not only will I seek out opportunites to talk and learn from BFL fitness champs but also from leaders in other fields as well.

Now I don't mean to be selfish nor do I intend to be a pest or 'groupie.'

But perhaps some of what they know might 'rub off' and I can then benefit from their insight and knowledge.

After all -- as the saying goes -- "why re-invent the wheel?"

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A special thank you to two BFL champions: Julie Whitt and Ken Young. Meeting Julie and her husband Matt this pass weekend was a real treat. Her story is inspiring, yes. But it pales in comparison to the genuine friendship she shares with all who meet her. And by the way, Matt's love for her and his sense of humor are inspiring as well. Now as for Ken Young he's a wonderful tour guide. As a special treat he arranged for a tour of the White House. For this I and my wife are most grateful. And should Ken read this blog, two things: (1) Glad you brought along your friend Christie (a nice lady) -and- (2) Can't wait until we can workout again at Quantico or at my home dojo.

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I've discovered that you can learn quite a bit from champions -- official and unofficial -- if only you seek them out and stay alert to their kindness.

RANGERs lead the way!

Twenty-five years ago I was that fellow circled in yellow.
Click on the picture and it will get a little larger.  

... Yes, that's me in the lower right corner in the second row, roughly the fourth fellow in from the edge of the saw-dust pit. This was the graduation picture of RANGER Class 3-80. I was lucky enough to be one of the honor graduates of one of the Army's premier 'commando schools'. Then I was a lean, mean fighting machine. Don't be fooled by the glasses. I was in the best shape of my life.

... And then I spent five years in Germany. Drank a lot of bier (beer) and had a ton of fun. Went on to other assignments. Met my future wife. Lived it up. Got married. Started a family. Went to graduate school, etc., etc. You know the story. You settle down and you get fat.

... I'll be 48 years old in May and I can honestly say I'm almost in the best shape of my life. Conditioning takes a little longer now. By 50 I hope to be back to my old 'fighting weight.' I hope to have earned a black belt in aikido. And who knows, maybe I'll win the BFL equivalent to becoming a RANGER school honor grad?!?! My wardrobe has improved since early 1980. I wear better glasses and clothes that aren't all OD-green. Wouldn't it be cool to win one of them EAS/BFL champion's jackets?!?!

... It could happen. It's worth a try.

... RANGERs lead the way!

Too funny not to post ...

Like evolution, weight gain is a slow process. But one day, our circumstances give us a hint that it's time to change.
(Source: A special thanks to Yan Tougas, BFLer from Connecticut)
 

Here I am ...

... somewhere on the path to self-mastery.