You should have seen Alan's face! Click on the picture to hear the song that soon overcame the situation and was all that could be heard as everyone in the room drifted away and all that was left was long standing eye contact between Alan and I, the music of our hearts, and a dimly lit room filled with the smell of sweat and difficult decisions...
This was Alan's face. For those wondering.
Hey Hulksters!
So, we’re almost at the halfway mark of this challenge, and I wanted to do something to commemorate that. I figured there was no better way to vamp up the excitement than to give you a little 1 minute teaser clip of the 25 – 30 minute slideshow to be presented at the Trinity Wrap Party on March 31st! We’re gonna bring in April Fools day with a Toga party Hulk style!
Hulksters, I look forward to sharing the rest of this slideshow with you in a month and a half :).
- Hulk
PS it was completely unintentional that the very last snippet you see on the slideshow is Alan and I sharing a broment. Unless you ask Freud probably.
It is now 12:10am on October 23rd and a very short time ago I completed Hulk vs. Hulk – Round VII. By “completed” I mean put the kabosh on the slideshow. You see, to me, the challenge isn’t over until the slideshow is completed.
Sure, I know who won. Sure, I know how many pounds and inches team hulk accumulated as a whole. Sure, I’ve completed the before and after certificates and matched them up with everyone’s personal recognition award. Sure the board is ready and the final workout is in the record books. Sure my car is packed with the shovels, markers, shirts, and various other goodies that are necessary to get down with the get down tomorrow…
But the slideshow… You see, I did it different this time. I USED to flood Facebook with photos so everyone could get a taste of what it is we all are blessed to be experienced! Now though, people know. It is understood Hulk is special… So I held back. I have about 5,000 photos. I have posted about 200 TOTAL the last 2 and a half months from this challenge. I am literally the only person on the planet who has seen these pictures…
Until sunday, at roughly 5pm. My baby will be unveiled to the world. I spent about an hour a minute on this slideshow. Not because it’s hard to string photos together (although let it be known I edit all the music, time all the photos, and splice the effects all myself), but because of the fact that I can think of nothing harder than to choose select few photos from THOUSANDS. Well, I did it. I told the story I wanted to tell, and you all lived it. Tomorrow, you get to see the last 2 and a half months replayed back to you on a 30 minute time span.
I find myself wanting to reveal planned events for the party so I am better off stopping while I’m ahead.
The champagne popped tonight was the sweetest I have ever tasted. The toast to a point in time that I feel is going on nowhere in the world but here was the finest toast I have ever clinked. I promise that everything you expect the final party to be, it will be.
I told you “hulk vs. hulk” was going to be life changing, after all, didn’t I?
So… my legs hurt. Just wanted to put that out there. Also, Tough Mudder is in 4 days. Wanted to toss that out as well. Moving on!
So last night was a pretty emotionally charged night. I had posted in Hulk – Team Black’s Facebook group that last night was going to be the toughest workout yet for any Hulkster (don’t worry Team Green, it applies to you too!). This opened up the flood gates of people on Team Black sending me messages of self doubt and fear. Going into halfway done with the challenge, I was hoping that everyone had overcome their biggest obstacle (themselves) and we could start tackling the work that most people never get the chance to tackle! This didn’t incite anything negative in me though. Quite the contrary, it showed me there was still work to be done! A twist needed to be implemented greater than just a “take-no-prisoners-good-to-the-last-sweat-drop” workout can offer. So, a couple hours beforehand, the curriculum changed…
Something Team Black doesn’t know is pretty much the EXACT same thing happened to Team Green a couple weeks prior. They got the same treatment… The song I chose for them was “Fix You” by Javier Colon. It had worked. For those that needed to receive the message, it was received. I watched it happen…
Last night was no different.
The song I chose for this spur of the moment occasion was “Who You Are” by Jessie J. Only, I had it done a little differently… With Team Green I had everyone circled as I explained what the true meaning of “Hulk” was after the lyrics to “Fix You” were soaked in. With Team Black however, you guys were in need of a little bit more personal flavor… So, personal flavor is what you got! I had Team black face the mirror and stare themselves in the eyes. “The windows of the soul” a great man told me today… Not everybody did it however, and I know why… Because it is HARD. When that self assurance is cracked and confidence is running on empty, it’s hard to be good and honest with yourself… I say dig. I say get the results people don’t get by doing the things people don’t do. Not physically… Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Most people never have the chance to face their demons because the fear of failure has them tied down to the point where self deprecation and “I’ll just try to stay out of everybody’s way…” is the best option. Well guess what? The Achilles heal of these said demons just so happens to be effort. As long as you try, you are NEVER a failure. You may not succeed right away all the time… but you WILL. As long as you hold that head up high then there isn’t a force, tangible or not, that can knock down your castle.
You are as beautiful on the outside as you feel on the inside. Until you learn to love yourself, you will always see “ugly” in the mirror.
SoI played the song “Who You Are” by Jessie J. With Team Green the lyrics to the Javier Colon song (originally Coldplay, in case Chris Martin is reading this. Love your new song! “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” is my jam!) took a moment to set in. With the Jessie J song however, the lyrics were felt immediately.
The rest of the moment of listening to the song will be for Team Black’s memory blanks in case they’d like to share :). I encourage everybody to watch the “Boombox Series” version of “Who You Are” I have posted below. I dare you not to feel SOMETHING.
Jessie J – Who You Are
“Who You Are”
I stare at my reflection in the mirror: “Why am I doing this to myself?” Losing my mind on a tiny error, I nearly left the real me on the shelf. No, no, no, no, no…
Don’t lose who you are in the blur of the stars! Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing, It’s okay not to be okay. Sometimes it’s hard to follow your heart. Tears don’t mean you’re losing, everybody’s bruising, There’s nothing wrong with who you are! (who you are [x11])
Brushing my hair, do I look perfect? I forgot what to do to fit the mold, yeah! The more I try the less it’s working, yeah ‘Cause everything inside me screams No, no, no, no, no…
Don’t lose who you are in the blur of the stars! Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing, It’s okay not to be okay. Sometimes it’s hard to follow your heart. But tears don’t mean you’re losing, everybody’s bruising, There’s nothing wrong with who you are!
Yes, no’s, egos, fake shows, like WHOA! Just go, and leave me alone! Real talk, real life, good love, goodnight, With a smile, that’s my home! That’s my home, no…
No, no, no, no, no… Don’t lose who you are in the blur of the stars! Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing, It’s okay not to be okay… Sometimes it’s hard to follow your heart. Tears don’t mean you’re losing, everybody’s bruising, Just be true to who you are! Yeah yeah yeah
Coldplay – Fix You
“Fix You”
When you try your best, but you don’t succeed When you get what you want, but not what you need When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep Stuck in reverse
And the tears come streaming down your face When you lose something you can’t replace When you love someone, but it goes to waste Could it be worse?
Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you
And high up above or down below When you’re too in love to let it go But if you never try you’ll never know Just what you’re worth
Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you
Tears stream down on your face When you lose something you cannot replace Tears stream down on your face And I…
Tears stream down on your face I promise you I will learn from my mistakes Tears stream down on your face And I…
Lights will guide you home And ignite your bones And I will try to fix you
Alright y’all, bring your calendars out, we’ve got some dates to mark!
8/30: Team Black’s Introduction to “The Shovel”/ Core Extravaganza
9/1:Team Green’s Introduction to “The Shovel”/ Core Extravaganza (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
9/3:Team Green/Black Upper Body Workout from Hell
9/6: Team Black “Back Alley Beatdown: Legs Edition”
9/8:Team Green “Back Alley Beatdown: Legs Edition” (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
9/10:1st Themed Workout! “Red,White, andBruised (blue)” themed core workout to honor the lives lost on September 11th. Regular meeting times apply for both teams on Saturday :).
9/13: Team Black “Head-to-Toe” meltdown. Be ready to WORK. Last week before the weigh in… We’re hitting it ALL!
9/15:Team Green “Head-to-Toe” meltdown. Be ready to WORK. Last week before the weigh in… We’re hitting it ALL! (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
9/17:Team Green/Black Measurements! No workout this day. Marks the half way point!
9/18:TOUGH MUDDER
9/20: Team Black Upper Body Jamboree
9/22:Team Green Upper Body Jamboree (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
9/24:Team Green/ Team Black SHOWDOWN. EVERY member of Team hulk (both teams) meets at the gym at 10:30am for an epic battle royale at the park where Team Green will face off against Team Black. Get pumped or get dumped!
9/27: Team Black “Black Light Special 3.0” – Core
9/29: Team Green “Black Light Special 3.0” – Core (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
10/1:Team Green/ Black Lower Body Blowout! Every muscle fiber must go!
10/4: Team Black Upper Body Blitz – 80’s Style. Come decked out in your best 80’s gear! Get ready for some awesome 80’s music and decor as we get down with the get down!
10/6: Team Green Upper Body Blitz – 80’s Style. Come decked out in your best 80’s gear! Get ready for some awesome 80’s music and decor as we get down with the get down! (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
10/8:Team Green/ Black “Core Meltdown”
10/11: Team Black Lower Body Manhandling (TWSS)
10/13: Team Green Lower Body Manhandling (TWSS) (Zumba at 7:10pm immediately after! That is for EVERYBODY!!!)
10/15:Team Green/ Black “Fit Test Workout”
10/ 18: Team Black “Final Push.” A test of what you’ve accomplished the past 9 weeks. Team Black your fit test will be on FRIDAY at 6:30pm.
10/20: Team Green “Final Push.” A test of what you accomplished the last 9 weeks. Team Green, you are going to be run a bit different. This workout is TWO HOURS. It starts with the fit test and leads RIGHT into a true test of what you’ve accomplished the last 9 weeks. Get after it! No Zumba after on this day 😦
10/21: Team Black Fit Test! Starts at 6:30pm. If not able to make it, contact me via “AllLevelsTraining.com” and we will work out additional arrangements. Please try your absolute besty best to make it here!
10/22: Last day! “After” picture taken, body fat % tested, blood pressure tested, circumference measurements done, and final weigh-in! No workout this day. Team Green, I will start measuring everyone at 9am until 11am. Show up no later than 10am (As soon as everything is done, you’re done!). Team Black, I will start measuring at 11:30am until 1:30pm. Show up no later than 12:30pm.
10/23: HULK vs w/ Hulk Party! Location to be announced. Be prepared to celebrate what you all have accomplished the last 2 and a half months. Before and After certificates will be handed out, as well as individual awards. The winning team, as well as winning individuals will be announced. The slideshow will be presented, as well as several other SURPRISES!! HULK!!!!
Set your calendar in stone, because you’re not gonna want to miss this…
– Hulk
PS Bobbi, I dedicate the song of the day to you. You’re my hero 🙂
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 🙂
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?
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!!
iamhulk 