trainermerle's blog

Memorial Day wod and the reason we celebrate this day

Submitted by trainermerle on Sun, 05/30/2010 - 12:52

This Memorial Day we will be open from 8 am until 9 am only (at CrossFit Relentless only). Tha'ts right...1 big class,both CrossFit USA and CrossFit Relentless hitting it together at CrossFit
Relentless. I would love to see 100 people hitting this wod at the same time. Want to feel a little less guilty about the hotdog your going to stuff your face with...come and get some some!

Also,this was passed on by to me by Dave Hill who is serving in Iraq.

All,

Shortly after the Civil War, an organization called the Grand Army of the Republic was formed. Its purpose was to serve as an advocate for veterans of the Civil War, and is the forerunner of today’s veterans organizations such as the American Legion, the VFW, DAV, etc. General John Logan was the first commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and on 5 May 1868, issued General Order Number 11 which served as the beginning of Memorial Day as we know it today. An excerpt from that General Order reads:

“The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.”

Memorial Day has evolved into many things, but let’s remember its original purpose: to remember all those who have fallen in service to our country and who “now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

In accordance with Memorial Day protocols, the camp flag will be lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Monday, 31 May, in honor of those whom we remember on that day. The flag is then raised to full-staff staff at noon to symbolize our country’s ability to move forward because of their sacrifice.

So when you see the flag at half-staff on Monday, please take a moment to remember the men and women who “gave their lives that (our) nation might live,” and who “gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.” (Abraham Lincoln, November, 1868).

Iwo Jima Picture

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Team USA getting ready for battle

Submitted by trainermerle on Sat, 05/29/2010 - 18:45

Last weekend we managed to earn a spot at the CrossFit Games for the affliate cup competition. We did this on raw athletic talent alone with our team actually doing very little team training together. Well,we are taking things a bit more seriously now. This Saturday was the first team workout since the Northeast Regionals and while we have a lot of work to do in a short time I feel much better about how we are preparing this time around. Our team is focused,dedicated and working hard. Glenn and I are taking an active roll in setting up the wods to get our team to improve their fitness on all levels and Team USA is doing what they do well...crushing the wods and setting p.r's . Here are some pictures from this mornings team training session.

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Car Wash on June 12th and CCMC fundraiser on June 19th

Submitted by trainermerle on Fri, 05/28/2010 - 07:52

Saturday June 12th from 9 am until noon we will holding a car wash fundraiser at CrossFit USA .We are trying help our team raise some money to and get our team to the 2010 CrossFit Games . Janeil,Becky,Jen and hopefully a few of the boys will be here to get your car squeaky clean. We will also most likely end up doing some grilling so hang around and have some fun!

The following Saturday we will host of first annual "Miles for Smiles" fundraiser to benefit the Connecticut Childrens Medical Center. This will be held at CrossFit Relentless in West Hartford from noon until 4 pm . You and everyone you know are welcomed and encourage to come down and do something to helps some kids who could really use it. A minimum donation of $25 per person is requested and if you have the ability and the spirit strikes you please don't hesitate to give more.

This Monday (Memorial DAY) CrossFit USA will be closed and we will be having one big wod at 8 am at CrossFit Relentless. This wod is open to every athlete from both boxes. We want every single one of you to show up and have some fun before your cookouts!

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Crossfit Dodge Ball Warm Up

Submitted by trainermerle on Thu, 05/27/2010 - 14:40

So,when is the last time you played dodgeball? I think the general consensus among most people at the morning classes here at Crossfit USA was "a long time ago" !!! I think I may have even heard "elementary school"! We decided to have a little fun here at Crossfit USA this morning by working in a short game of Crossfit Dodgeball. Most of us know the general rules to dodgeball but, obviously, with Crossfit Dodgeball we spice things up a bit!! We use different color balls and assign a certain exercise to that color ball. If you are hit by the ball or, if a ball that you have thrown is caught, you must go perform that exercise and then get right back in the game. Today we went with Kettlebell Swings and Lateral Jump Burpess!! And let's not forget,there is always a Burpee penalty for head shots! I think a fun time was had by all as you can see by a few of the pictures below. Bet your not doing this at your local globo gym!!

Chrissy In Motion!

AGILITY!! Chrissy avoiding some Kettlebell Swings while Lou and Gary are on guard!!

Jeff on the follow through. Notice his smile,I think this is because he took out Christine with this shot !!!!

Pretty big smile from the one who said she didn't want to play!!!!

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CrossFit Class at lululemon athletica of West Hatford

Submitted by trainermerle on Wed, 05/26/2010 - 14:07

This Saturday we will be moving our CrossFit USA class outdoors to lululemon athletica of West Hartford on Lasalle rd. This means for obvious reasons there will not be a 9:30 am class at CrossFit USA. You are all welcome and encouraged to come take the class at lululemons. The time for this class will be 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Please get there early to park and get signed in. If you do not wish to attend this class you can always go to Crossfit Relentless and take either the 8 am or 9 am class. CrossFit Relentless members are also encouraged of course to come to lululemons for the 10:30 class. See me in the box or email me if you have any questions. See you there!