Archive for the ‘Fire!’ Category

The Fighter

Tonight, Hephaestus team song was shown to be “The Fighter” by Gym Class Heroes. 

When I had found the song, I was doing what I always do… browsing through albums that have come out very recently and listening to every song, hoping that if I land on one, it’ll just so happen to be that artists next single. Well, when I had come to “The Paper Cut Chronicles: Volume II” a song title immediately jumped out at me…

I had already picked the themes out for each team. I had done a TON of research on Hephaestus (and concluded that even though each team possessed an element of their personality that I hold true to my heart, I related the most to the God of War & Fire) and was hoping I could find that song that fit the mold of what I felt not only being a part of Hulk represented, but also to fit the mold of what being on HEPHAESTUS represented. 

Again, one song titled INSTANTLY jumped out at me.

“The Fighter” is a song that the instant I heard the first verse, I knew it was it. I had a Unicorn with me, and she knew it too.

This song was the first song on my playlist when I ran my first 8k.

I was listening to this song (and Phil Collin’s “Take Me Home”) right before orientation.

I’ve been starting my cardio set every single morning with this song.

Hephaestus, when you looked in the mirror, I know it was tough. I wanted it to be tough. For it to be tough meant you were going through the emotions of being there. Anything worth anything carries the weight of nerves behind it… Even when you’re just getting the nerve to realize you’ re as awesome as you’d like to believe. So hold your head up high, remember that every time you fall it’s only makin’ your chin strong, and get ready to FIGHT HEPHAESTUS!!!

AhhhhhOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

– Hulk

 Just waking up in the morning and to be well…
Quite honest with ya, I ain’t really sleep well
You ever feel like your train of thoughts been derailed
That’s when you press on… Lee nails

Half the population’s just waitin’ to see me fail
Yeah right, you’re better off trying to freeze hell
Some of us do it for the females
And others do it for the retails

But I do it for the kids, life threw the towel in on
Every time you fall, it’s only making your chin strong
And I be in your corner like mick, baby
Til the end or when you hear the song from that big lady

Until the referee rings the bell
Until both your eyes start to swell
Until the crowd goes home
What we gonna do y’all?

[Ryan Tedder]
Give ’em hell, turn their heads
Gonna live life til we’re dead.
Give me scars, give me pain
Then they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me
There goes a fighter
There goes a fighter
Here comes a fighter
That’s what they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me
This one’s a fighter

And if I can last thirty rounds
There’s no reason you should ever have your head down
Six foot five, two hundred and twenty pounds
Hailing from rock bottom, loserville, nothing town

Text book version of the kid going nowhere fast
And now I’m yelling kiss my ass,
It’s gonna take a couple right hooks, a few left jabs
For you to recognize you really ain’t got it bad

Until the referee rings the bell
Until both your eyes start to swell
Until the crowd goes home
What we gonna do y’all?

[Ryan Tedder]
Give ’em hell, turn their heads
Gonna live life til we’re dead.
Give me scars, give me pain
Then they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me
There goes a fighter
There goes a fighter
Here comes a fighter
That’s what they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me
(Everybody put yo hands up)
This one’s a fighter

What we gonna do
What we gonna do
What we gonna do
What we gonna do y’all
What we gonna do
What we gonna do
What we gonna do y’all
What we gonna do

If you fall, pick yourself up off the floor (get up)
And when your bones can’t take no more (come up)
Just remember what you’re here for
Cuz I know, I’ma damn sure

[Ryan Tedder]
Give ’em hell, turn their heads
Gonna live life til we’re dead.
Give me scars, give me pain
Then they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me
There goes a fighter
There goes a fighter
Here comes a fighter
That’s what they’ll say to me, say to me, say to me
This one’s a fighter

Till the referee rings the bell
Till both ya eyes start to swell
Till the crowd goes home,
What we gonna do kid?


That is all.

A special message to everybody about to take part in this upcoming “Hulk vs. Hulk – Round VII”

– Hulk

Amanda Jane Martin’s Award Presentation – Overall Winner/ Best Mom

Kristina Lamb’s Award Presentation – Overall Inches Winner

Jessica LaVenter’s Award Presentation – MVP

Click Here for photo album #1 and Here for photo album #2 of the Hulk After Party!

The FINAL chant of Hulk – Round VI, Tye’s proposal video, Tye’s slideshow, The full length 20 minute slideshow, and a couple other juicy pieces of media will be posted. Stay tuned!

– Hulk

Jeff Martin, I figured I would like to let you know via here that I have found a spot on Hulk for you 🙂

The Family

Well team, we did it…

What is “it” you ask? “It” is proving to yourself you can stick with the gym before giving up LONGER than 2 weeks. “It” refers to completing a challenge that, on the outside, some deem “too intense for me” yet when you hear that you swell your chest with pride. “It” refers to love you’ve found not only for those who started out complete strangers, but more importantly yourself. What you 25 have done (Cheryl, I’m talking to you) is not only unrivaled, but unprecedented. Nobody is doing what you guys are doing around here. NOBODY. Want proof?

Here’s your proof (Click Here).

Want more proof? Well, you’re gonna have to wait because if I posted the proof I WANTED to show you all it would give away who won the categories of composition lost and inches lost. That wouldn’t be fair now would it 🙂

I will say this though… As a team you all have lost 192.4 inches and 124 lbs. I repeat:

Inches Lost: 192.4

Pounds Lost: 124

I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is the most dedicated team I have ever had (and lord knows I’ve had some dedicated teams!) and my heart couldn’t beat harder or faster for each and every one of you 25 individuals who finished this challenge out with your heads held high and your legs wobbly (yet still a smile).

Tomorrow, we party like we just endured 10 weeks of rigorous hell. I’m hesitant using the word “hell” however, seeing as how I’ve seen and experienced some of those most amazing things I have ever witnessed or been a part of in my short time here on Earth. The best part? It’s not done yet… We have MANY more surprises planned for tomorrow. If you think you know everything that’s going down tomorrow, you don’t. Tye and Bobbi, and I’m talking to you guys as well. Be prepared to let loose and shed some tears with some loved ones (VERY high probability) because you all earned it.

With all that, remember Monday is a new week. Don’t get sucked up into the fun that tomorrow is going to be. Enjoy the moment and leave it at that… Don’t let the “good times” steam roll into “crap, I lost it…” I’ve seen it happen far too many times for it to go unmentioned. Along with being the most dedicated team I’ve ever worked with, I think y’all are also the group that runs the LEAST risk of falling off. Remember, you are Hulk. You are part of something others WISH they could do. You are now a representative of Hulk via a positive outlook and healthy lifestyle!

I can’t wait to see you all tomorrow. If you get a moment, please click on “The Family” photo and listen to “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. For the moment, no truer words have been spoken.

– Hulk

PS just NOW got done with all the awards and certificates, and now I’m about to finish the slide show. I love when a plan comes together!!

Lightest wall sit I've EVER done! 😉

Click HERE for Train the Trainer Pictures! Videos coming shortly! Or longly… I haven’t decided yet…

Last night was FUN. No way around it, had a BLAST. Thank you to everyone who showed up (including my lovely girlfriend Taryn!) and I ESPECIALLY thank you for not making me do the 4 horsemen! I tried, you all know I tried! You all, tonight however, are not going to be so lucky…

I just want to say that tonight is going to be a very intense night. Physically and emotionally. It is a tough DAY for me in that sense because I NEVER want a challenge to end… Fortunately though, it allows us to make way for Hulk vs Hulk starting August 13th!

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you all to bring your A game tonight, because you’re gonna need it… Let’s make this last bootcamp one to remember, shall we?!

Cheryl Taylor, we miss the hell out of you.

Everyone, you’re doing Zumba after. Jessica support! AhhhOOOOO!!!!!

– Hulk

PS song is pretty self-explanatory given the weight of the situation… 😉

I'm ready to HURT!

Train the trainer is tonight baby birds and I couldn’t be more excited!!! Wanna know the most exciting part? The fact that tonight’s train the trainer is right before I get MY hands on YOU GUYS for one last time. If THAT’S not exciting, then I don’t know what is!

Seriously, you all better BRING IT tonight. I’m gonna keep this short since I’ll be updating with pictures and events of tonight’s butt kicking. When the smoke clears though I PROMISE I’ll still be standing! AhhhOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk

PS 3 days left…

Champion. Newly Certified

Goodness gracious, emotions keep overflowing now don’t they! I would like your eyes to avert upwards towards the newest personal trainer in the HULK family. Tyrone Rivera, through blood, sweat, tears, unrivaled determination, and a ferocity this side of the West Coast has never seen has lost over 152 lbs and quit his job at being the best guitar maker of his generation (not an exaggeration, more as an important indicator of how big of a deal this is) to become a PERSONAL TRAINER. The photo above is smilin’ Tye, complete in Hulk shirt (he said it was the reason he passed, I think it more fell on how awesome he is, but tomato/tomawto), after he passed his certification test through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). No more group leader for this man, he is now a certifiable threat!!!

I want to extend this post to the importance of the accomplishments this man has achieved, as well as…

Bobbi lost 90 lbs officially today!

I will NOT let it go unmentioned that today, Tyrone’s better half hit her OFFICIALLY 90 lbs down mark. Bobbi, you are just an inspirational, you just take a more quiet approach. The world needs all sorts of heroes, and whether you like it or not, you are one of mine.

AhhhhOOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk

Tye weighing in under 200 lbs for the first time since he was 10 years old.

The 2 on the bottom have lost more weight collectively than I weight total (200 lbs). AMAZING.

Bobbi, Tye's wife, is also the lowest she's weighed TODAY since being about a sophomore in High School. HELLLOOOOO Milestones!! Bobbi, I am SO proud of you. I will NOT let your accomplishments go unnoticed!

It was Cheryl Taylor's last Hulk workout before her surgery on Monday! We are gonna miss you these last two weeks scrumptious!

Punky swearing to Cheryl I'm going to visit the day of her surgery. See Cheryl, it's on my website, so it HAS to be true now!

Today was a PHENOMENAL day. We had our first outdoor bootcamp, but more importantly some milestones were hit. Bobbi Rivera is the lightest she’s been since a sophomore in High School, Her husband, Tye Rivera, weighs under 200 lbs for the first time since he was 10 years old. Art Villareal solidified his “under 200” spot today. All you future Hulksters, this is what you get to look forward to.

Teygan Mason, Hulkster (and awesome Zumba instructor) Jessica LaVenter’s boyfriend is joining TOUGH MUDDER BABY. So far “Team Hulk” has 32 members and growing. We have the second largest team registered for Sunday, September 18th at Squaw Valley, and we are going to DOMINATE. It is my goal to cause such a ruckus that Tough Mudder has NO CHOICE but to do a story on us. Notice the camera with the microphone on the top picture in this post? Big things poppin’ for Hulk y’all. Hop on the train or get left at the station!

Alas, it was filled with some bitterness as well. It was our very own Cheryl Taylor’s last Hulk workout of the challenge before going in for hip surgery on Monday. Chery, your infectious spirit, inspiration, and constant dirty comments are going to be missed to the fullest. You are a TRUE Hulkster, and you better believe you’re gonna be having some visitors coming your way very soon!

Also, Amanda Martin’s baby sitter was feeling under the weather today and she was not able to make it today either. Don’t worry Amanda, we will be going outdoors again for you for sure!

I’d write more, but I’m starving beyond starving. Shaleena and Cory, hope you guys are ready to Hulk out!

– Hulk

PS in honor of Michael Jackson (RIP MJ!), all songs of the day today (each picture has a different one) are Jackson classics.

“They Don’t Care About Us”

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, aggravation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Bang bang, shot dead
Everybody’s gone mad

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Beat me, hate me
You can never break me
Will me, thrill me
You can never kill me
chew me, sue me
Everybody do me
Kick me, kike me
Don’t you black or white me

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Tell me what has become of my life
I have a wife and two children who love me
I am the victim of police brutality, now
I’m tired of bein’ the victim of hate
You’re rapin’ me of my pride
Oh, for God’s sake
I look to heaven to fulfill its prophecy…
Set me free

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
trepidation, speculation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Black male, black mail
Throw your brother in jail

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Tell me what has become of my rights
Am I invisible because you ignore me?
Your proclamation promised me free liberty, now
I’m tired of bein’ the victim of shame
They’re throwing me in a class with a bad name
I can’t believe this is the land from which I came
You know I do really hate to say it
The government don’t wanna see
But if Roosevelt was livin’
He wouldn’t let this be, no, no

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, speculation
Everybody litigation
Beat me, bash me
You can never trash me
Hit me, kick me
You can never get me

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

Some things in life they just don’t wanna see
But if Martin Luther was livin’
He wouldn’t let this be

Skin head, dead head
Everybody gone bad
Situation, segregation
Everybody allegation
In the suite, on the news
Everybody dog food
Kick me, strike me
Don’t you wrong or right me

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us
All I wanna say is that
They don’t really care about us

 

My measurement day face!

This challenge

5 weeks – 23 people measured: 120.7 inches lost

 

Last challenge

10 weeks – 25 people measured: 197.5 inches lost

 

It’s safe to say (and I say this every time) that every challenge gets better and better. We lost 120.7 inches today, when we’re only 77.5 inches away from what we did TOTAL last time. I’m looking forward to setting a Hulk record this challenge with inches lost.

More importantly, today marked the day I was WAITING for (and why I “ranted” on Facebook about wanting people to be excited and stay for the commitment) because it showed you clear in the face how wrong that scale is. Yeah, we’ve got quite a few lbs lost so far, but I’m not posting that just yet INTENTIONALLY. Today showed EVERYONE that magic is happening. Sometimes, you just need the tangible kick in the pants to realize it. Seriously, I am SO proud of my team, I can’t even put it into words…

Good thing I have a blog I guess!

Also, I need to give props to Kristina Lamb for losing the most inches out of everybody! 11.5! In 5 weeks! What CANNOT be lost here is that these inches, these accomplishments, and this vigor and new-found mentality is all within a month and a week. We lost as a team 120.7 inches in a month and a week. What? Serious? YUP!

Hulk: Round VI Pictures! (Click here!) I added new pictures from today, and I’ve got new videos awaiting to be put up, including Tye kicking y’alls butts and Zumba Hulk style! Plus more Captain’s logs to come 😉

Song of the day? Chingys back!

– Hulk