The year’s not quite over yet, but while I’m still at home for the holidays, I thought I’d use this downtime to think about 2009.

I’ve heard from a lot of folks that 2009 sucked for them… I don’t know that I want to paint a whole year in a bad light.  I can certainly say that the last few weeks have tested more than just physical ability for me; they’ve tested emotions, caused stress, and forced me to take a hard look at what I’m doing with myself and my role in the various situations and scenarios that have played out in the latter part of this year.  More on that later.

For now, I want to focus on the positive, some highlights of 2009:

• In the athletic realm, I’ve gotten stronger and faster, posting PRs in several events around CrossFit, duathlon, triathlon, and running.  I really feel that the CrossFit prescription is something that allows an athlete to progress, have fun, and create something lasting.  I’m not bored, and even when I get burnt out, I miss the community and the fun.
• I’ve messed around with various diet techniques and found that eating well really isn’t that hard, and eating crap sucks a lot more than it used to.  I look better, feel better, and perform better than I ever have.  Just like the physical realm, I think this is something that can be sustained, and there’s nothing but good things that come of it.
• In my 9-5 (lol!) job, I’ve worked in a tough environment that’s not only affected by the poor economy, but also a few people who must also think that 2009 sucked, because they’ve created a negative place to be.  More on that later, too.  But I think my team at work has matured and is continuing to do so… we’re more efficient, more effective, we make better decisions and we’ve made huge improvements to our product.
• In my other jobs, I’ve grown leaps and bounds as a coach.  I got my CrossFit Endurance, Nutrition (from Robb Wolf, phew), and Level 1 certifications.  I wrapped up over 3 years of teaching cycling at 24 Hour Fitness and I’m taking on new roles at both CrossFit Central and Pure Austin.  Starting in the new year, I am teaching one track workout a week for CrossFit Central, and two PIT classes at Pure Austin! I’m grateful to Jeremy and Beto for their trust that I can work with our athletes.
• In my personal life, I’m really just trying to hold steady.  Some relationships came and went, and while I know I’ve got a hand in everything that happened, I also know that right now, I’m better by myself.  Although that kind of stuff can change at any moment

And now… to the More On That Later section.

Over the last few months I’ve experienced a number of negative situations that were so negative they caused me to act out in ways that I’m not proud of.  My close friends throughout my life know that I’ve got anger issues from time to time, but since I’ve been CrossFitting, racing, and eating better, I thought I had all of that under control.  Guess not.  I am certainly not completely innocent in any of the negative events — both personal and professional — that went down.  It takes at least two to tango, and I danced along.

I would love to chalk some of this up to bad diet and crappy cortisol/dopamine/hormone/whatever levels.  But unfortunately those affected by my actions don’t have an instant blood panel to say “oh, he’s a chemical mess right now… leave him alone.”  Nor should they.

So… I’m always game to figure out how to get better at things that are important to me.  If there’s a problem I’ve caused, I want to fix it.  Over my vacation I read “How Full is Your Bucket?” And it gave me a great analogy to work with.  Throughout my life, people can add to my bucket with positive interactions, or they can take from my buckets with negative interactions.  The last few months, I’ve had more negative than positive, and I need to turn that around by being a positive force in the lives of those around me.  I also need to surround myself with more positive environments.  Both of these things are goals for me to fix over the course of 2010.

What can I do now?  Right now, I can calm my shit down (slow my roll, as they say).  I’m always moving, I know I need to plan time to think, sleep, reflect, and organize.  I’m taking steps to do that by freeing up blocks at odd times in my schedule.  Trying to work toward a 4-hour workweek style of living, where I can move freely and still get everything done.  I know it’s possible, I think I’m heading in the right direction, and only time will tell if I’m successful.

You’ve gotten this far… now onto the fun stuff.

Eric’s 2009 MVPs

I want to point out some people who have simply made 2009 work for me.  These people are inspirational, influential, or otherwise just good people to be around in some way or another.  There is no order here; if you’re on the list, you’re important to me.  It’s not a long list.

• Rich.  You’re first because I just got off the phone with you.  For only meeting you in like August, you’ve been a fixture of my life since then.  You’ve given me a ton of confidence in my abilities as a coach and an athlete, and you’re a great friend and confidant.  You’re also the only person who calls or texts me with no particular agenda, which has taken some getting used to, but now I’m happy to see it.
• TLSP.  Team TLSP… the group of you, the individuals, the synergy (that’s right, I said synergy).  We created something fun and important at the end of the year with The Label Says Paleo.  We’ve helped each other improve our lives collectively, we’ve helped a few other people.  Let’s keep that going.  I look forward to growing together as a group, and getting to know y’all better individually.
• Lance, Jeremy, Big Mike.  The three CrossFit Central coaches who have collectively changed my life.  Whether it’s through pushing me to do things I’ve never done before in the gym, giving me feedback that improves my overall sense of being, or just being great/crazy people to hang around, thanks for adding some substance to my life.
• Ryon and Andy.  The two of you push me to new heights all the time.  Ryon, I hate that you started beating me at WODs, but I’m glad you’re around to add a dose of reality (well-researched, at that) to an otherwise hyper world.  Andy, I practically threw my empty bucket at you, and for that I’m sorry.  But before that… you’ve always pushed me to do better than I thought I could in more than just CrossFit, you’re a great coach and a much better person; thanks for that.
• Sridhar.  Without you I would not be in my 9-5 job.  There’s no way.  You provide sanity and insight into what seems like a black box.  Here’s to a successful 2009 with TSPM, and here’s to success in the future.
• Stephen.  A lot of people can probably say this about you, and they all probably mean it; you’re like the brother I never had.  I’m glad you’re back in USA, I’m proud of not only your accomplishments in the Army over the last almost 4 years, but also your constant work to define your own path.  I hope your path brings you to Austin for longer than just a vacation.
• Aaron.  Jesus this post is getting long.  I need to get my ass back to 6:15 classes, because I miss Torchy’s.  It’s been awesome watching you progress over the last year, and I couldn’t have picked a better person to visit San Diego and get a Level 1 cert with.  You’re hands-down one of the most honest, genuine people I know, and you’re an asset to have on any team.
• Mandy. Didn’t think you were gonna make it up here, did you?    You’ve always been there for me, even though you’ve been dealt a shitty hand of late.  I can see the stronger, better, faster Mandy beginning to emerge.  I want to be there when she does, and I want to do what I can to help you get there.

Thanks to those on this list for being in my life, let’s make 2010 better.  For those not on this list, every interaction has affected me in some way; the bulk of them improve me in ways most people don’t know.

Looking back 2009, rocked.  2010 will too.  We just need to find ways to keep our buckets full!

I’ve also decided to stop twittering my food log.  I know, you’re stoked.  Sorry about that… that was dumb.  I have no idea where it’s going just yet, so I’ll just do it on here for now.

Daily log

7AM CrossFit @ RunTex: 10 swings @ 60lb (35+25db), 1 burpee; …; 10 swings, 10 burpees. 10:58. burpees are slow for me.

breakfast: 3 egg omelette with chicken, bruschetta, and pesto. mixed berries. black coffee. 9 fish pills.