Apollo: The Believers

We Believe

Tonight, Apollo’s team song was shown to be “The Believer” by Common.

If you read my write up on Hephaestus’ team song, then you’ll see that I have a process when I search for the team song. Well, I had done m diligent research on Apollo and had an idea of the style of song I was looking for. I also wanted to pick a song that would do Apollo justice. Apollo; The God of light, truth, music, and healing. Apollo; The strongest Titan Mt. Olympus had ever seen amongst the Titans. To be made up of so much good and be MIGHTY… Isn’t that what Hulk is all about?

Apollo is almost ENTIRELY comprised of Hulksters who have been fighting the good fight with me for YEARS. The handful of newer people (1st or second challenge) are so game set and ready that I knew I needed something a little different for this team. Apollo, before the challenge, I knew was going to have a personality all its own, and boy was I right…

When I was browsing through upcoming albums, my eyes shot immediately to Common’s name. I’m a huge fan of Common, and given that little tidbit I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I had noticed the album was title “The Dream, The Believer.”  I think I had decided that I was going to find Apollo’s team song on here at this very moment. Before I had listened to a single song. Hell, before I had even looked at the track listing!

Once I had the album, my eyes AGAIN instantly darted to “The Believer.” How could I listen to another song? Why am I not listening to it already?

I got 4 lines in and I knew I had found Apollo’s song. Apollo; Light and truth. The Believer.

This song, as important as the verses are (VERY open to interpretation!) and as impacting as the chorus is. I chose this song for the FEELING it gives you. Go back to my post about Poseidon’s song… Read up on the vagus nerve. That very nerve gets struck when I listen to this song the same way it does when I listen to “Shake It Out.” This song represents everything I feel about Hulk to me.

I believe in the light that shines and will never die. I believe the fire burns, we’ll stay alive. They will talk about us, like they talked about the kings before us.

They will talk about us.

AhhhhOOOOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk

[Hook : John Legend]
I believe in the light that shines and will never die
Oh I believe the fire burns, we stay alive
They will talk about us
Like they talked about the kings before us
They will talk about us

[1^st Verse : Common]
These are the words of a believer, achiever, leader of the globe
Feeding souls of those in need
I bleed the blood of the struggle
Walking over troubled puddles
Hustles in my chest, no hustle no progress
Extremities of life and it’s process
Birth of a son, death of another
With love I can rest both mothers
And told ‘em, who’s in control is the one that’s above us
I walk where money talks and love stutters
Body language of a nation going through changes
The young become dangerous, pain gets spent into anger
Anger gets sent through the chamber
It’s tough when your own look like strangers
We are the sons of gangsters and stone rangers
If he could how would Ernie Barnes paint us
Look at the picture, hard not to blame us
But time forgives and the Chi where the young die often
Do they end up in a coffin because we haven’t taught them?
Is it what we talking we really ain’t walking
Dudes, hustlers pay, how much did it cost ‘em?
Find myself on the same corner that we lost ‘em
Real talking, in they ear like a walkman
Thoughts spin around the corner to the World
When I see them, I see my baby girl
Believe

[Hook : John Legend]
I believe in the light that shines and will never die
Oh I believe the fire burns, we stay alive
They will talk about us
Like they talked about the kings before us
They will talk about us

[2^nd Verse : Common]
The lord lives among us
The young uns hunger become a means to get it
By any means necessary, under pressure
Children feeling lesser, with the steel up on the dresser
Killin’ will aggressors, destiny’s children
Survivors, soldiers, in front of buildings they eyes look older
Hard to see blessings in the violent culture
Face against weapons, sirens, holsters
That ain’t the way that Langston Hughes wrote us
Soul controllers on the shoulders of Moses and Noah
We go from being oppressors to Oprah
Cultivated to overcome ever since we came overseas
Today and the way that you can see we determined
Solar keeps burning, shawty’s know to keep learning
Lessons in our life, but life stripes that we earning
Took raps advice that Christ is returning
Like a thief in the night, I write the beacons of light
For those of us in dark alleys and parched valleys
Street kids spark rallies of the conscience conquerors of a contest
That seems beyond us, even through the unseen, I know that God watches
From one King’s dream he was able to Barack us
The prophets, nothing can stop us
Believe

[Hook : John Legend]
I believe in the light that shines and will never die
Oh I believe the fire burns, we stay alive
They will talk about us
Like they talked about the kings before us
They will talk about us

I know I know I know our dreams won’t turn to dust
They will talk about us
I know I know I know our dreams won’t turn to dust
They will talk about us
I know I know I know our dreams won’t turn to dust
They will talk about us

Poseidon: The Earth Shakers

The Earth Shaker

Tonight, Poseidon’s team song was shown to be “Shake It Out” by Florence and the Machine.

This was the song that I had chosen first out of the 3 songs. It was something I battled with back and forth for a long time, because I used this song in a big way during “Holiday Hulk.” I like to make things new.. exciting… I don’t like feeling like I’m short changing anyone or rehashing old stuff because I’ve got nothing left better to say…

I was on the elliptical one early-in-December morning, listening to it on repeat and trying to weigh how I felt about making this the team song for Poseidon like I had done the last several mornings when out of NOWHERE, a realization punched me square in the jaw, sent a wavelength to my heart, and all was clear:

“This song isn’t rehashed… IT’S PERFECT”

Once I realized I was trying to talk myself OUT of something that shouldn’t be talked out of, I was able to focus on WHY it was so perfect. It’s a statement. It’s a cry for help. It’s a warrior scream. It’s a proclamation that you’re not going to let ANYTHING, let alone the devil, jump on your back and stop you from dancing. Poseidon is known as the Earth Shaker, causer of Earthquakes when his temper flares. When that devil hops on your back and clutches on to your shoulders tightly… SHAKE IT OFF. You are POSEIDON. You are HULK. YOU SHAKE THE EARTH WHEN YOU’RE ANGRY!

This song, to me, is something that takes me to a place of elevation when I hear it. Everyone has something called “The Vagus Nerve” (which, if you’ve seen the movie “I Am” by Tom Shadyac, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. If not, look for a post on the movie in the VERY near future… It was nothing short of a life changer for me for many reasons that many of you will be sure to relate to!). This nerve is the longest of the cranial nerves and wraps around and through your neck, thorax, and abominal organs. It is what is responsible for when you witness something touching and you get a sudden seize in your throat muscles, your arms tingle up, your stomach slightly tightens, your face gets tingly, and your eyes well up. It’s the feeling of elevation in your chest that all happens in a millisecond. That is the Vagus nerve. There are different levels of intensity in which the Vagus nerve is triggered, but we’ve all got it and barring a genetic anomaly it all works on us (some people are triggered differently than others).

For example, here is a video of a cat trying to resuscitate another cat unsuccessfully:

 

Odds are, your Vagus nerve went off.

That Vagus nerve, only in an inspirational sense, is what gets triggered in me every time I listen to “Shake It Out.” It signifies to me, like I hope it does to you, that I alone control how I feel because I alone am in charge of the power I give to OTHERS to “control” me. It’s a song that provides not a only a daily reminder, but sometimes an hourly reminder. A 10 minute reminder. A song that as Hulk we have the power to breathe in with our lungs and project out with our hearts.

So veteran Hulksters, be ready to experience this song in a whole new way. New Hulkamaniacs, get ready to live ;).

AhhhhhhOOOOOOOO!!!!

– Hulk

Regrets collect like old friends
Here to relive your darkest moments
I can see no way, I can see no way
And all of the ghouls come out to play

And every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues drawn
It’s always darkest before the dawn

And I’ve been a fool and I’ve been blind
I can never leave the past behind
I can see no way, I can see no way
I’m always dragging that horse around

All of his questions, such a mournful sound
Tonight I’m gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues drawn
But it’s always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

I am done with my graceless heart
So tonight I’m gonna cut it out and then restart
Cause I like to keep my issues drawn
It’s always darkest before the dawn

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

And given half the chance would I take any of it back
It’s a final mess but it’s left me so empty
It’s always darkest before the dawn

Oh woah, oh woah… 

And I’m damned if I do and I’m damned if I don’t
So here’s to drinks in the dark at the end of my road
And I’m ready to suffer and I’m ready to hope
It’s a shot in the dark and right at my throat
Cause looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Looking for heaven, for the devil in me
Well what the hell I’m gonna let it happen to me

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah
Shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, shake it out, ooh woaaah

And it’s hard to dance with a devil on your back
So shake him off, oh woah

1st week jitters… Gone!

Oh boy, what do I say… 

It’s hard to think of the perfect words to describe how I feel about what’s happening. That’s a pretty fantastic feat seeing as how I pride myself on being somewhat linguistically clever. Clever has nothing to do though with my lack of ability to find a description for the magic that all you possess, yet only some of you know that and many of you don’t. I don’t mean that negatively, more so along that lines that sometimes the “overwhelming” factor needs to die down a bit before the full impact hits you. I have gotten message after message after glorious message of “I get it, I get what this is about now” and “I’m not scared and excited and nervous anymore, I’m just excited!” and “I can’t wait till the next workout! If I can walk to it…” right on down to “I love my team and I don’t even know half their names yet…”

Which brings me to a quick point… I don’t introduce you all with a cutesy name game on purpose. Because we’re adults. This isn’t a kindergarten circle :). I fully expect, as part of getting out of your comfort zone, to FIND OUT the names of your teammates! Ever wonder why I use everyone’s name so often? It’s a chance to look up and see who I’m talking about… To get familiar with hearing that name so often that you want to find out who they are. For every person that’s new to you, you’re new to them, so put bashfulness aside and embrace a hulkster!

So what I was saying before telling you you’re an adult was that I LOVE when the first workout is over and done with. It’s like the first time you’re learning to ride a bike, take the training wheels off, get your push off, and find out that you CAN steer the bike and stay upright! It’s like a weight is lifted off of your shoulders and what’s left is beautiful hope and a desire to rid yourself of that demonic little voice that is so good at convincing you that you’re going to fail anyway so why try? By now, I hope you can see that trying is what we do. Battling till you stand atop your insecurities and self proclaimed “inabilities” is what courses through the veins of a hulkster.

Something NO ONE can take from you is your choice to give up.  In that moment of angst, fatigue, and ache where you are firmly convinced that if there were a gun to your head you TRULY could NOT go on, it’s up to you whether you believe that or not. Don’t get me wrong, “going on” isn’t referencing perfection… Quite the contrary! “Going on” means refusing to give less than everything you’ve got. “Going on” pertains to that instance when you KNOW that if you go for one more push up, you’re going to collapse… yet you go for it anyway. At this point, you have 2 scenarios. You either really DO collapse, or you squeeze out another. If you manage one more push up when you thought it impossible… Well then there you go, you’re defying the odds and proving your self doubt completely wrong and the tangibility of the human spirit completely right. You might be saying “Well then you’re put right back into the same scenario, which means eventually, you collapse!” Yup. Bingo. What do you do when you collapse? You take that deep breathe, remember what you’re there for, take a quick glance at that shovel, and go for it again. And again. And again. Until the end comes. The end of the exercise always comes. The end is inevitable, you’re guaranteed failure is not. 

What the short story turned long really is… is that I’m proud of you. Most importantly, YOU should be proud of you. Already you have tackled something that has caused some of you some restless nights and so many butterflies you could open your own butterfly conservatory. You did it. Remind yourself of that. It gets not only better, but easier from here. It gets more rewarding than this, I mean it! That’s really saying something, because I know several of you who already know you have your hands on something magical here.

It’s up to you to let it go…

As for you Veteran Hulkamaniacs who have been traveling this road with me for a long time now? Don’t worry, I’ve got some major tricks up my sleeve this challenge ;). No Hulk left behind! This is going to be new for EVERYONE! 

I’ll leave you with a little tidbit of what you all have done so far. For those of you doing Hulk, it’s an opportunity to relive something you’re going to want to remember. It’s the little things, after all… For those of you who AREN’T doing Hulk, I want you to think of this as a window into room you can only see 1/100th of it’s actual space, capacity, and draw. These videos were taken during Poseidon’s first workout. I will be posting videos periodically of the different teams so everyone can get a glimpse in on what the House of Hulk really does :).

In this video I took the opportunity to remind Adam (a packer fan) that my 49ers are still securely in the superbowl runnings:

Then Tammey said something, and I decided to say hello:

Then Denise (owner of Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa Ave where all the magic happens) decided that smack dab in the middle of gearing up Poseidon for their first chant was the best time to take an important phone call into the back office. Luckily the other gym owner, her husband John, got it all on video:
 

Finally, I’m able to address (only an excerpt) what the chant is REALLY all about before we get to the real thing:

The finished product:

Love,
Hulk 

Take me home.

This is home.

 

Sometimes, sitting in the corner of your room on your computer, listening to Phil Collins on repeat IS as glorious as it DOESN’T seem.

There is not a strand of words in ANY language, let alone SENTENCES that could describe the butterflies and iron weights bouncing around in my stomach due to the excitement I’ve got for tomorrow (by the time you read this; today).  

But hey, I’m all about trying… right?

Tomorrow marks another step in the greatest thing I’ve ever done. Tomorrow, anyone present will lay witness to the greatest day of my life. No pressure or anything… Tomorrow represents everything I was ever told I couldn’t do, everything I was told would not make a difference, and everything I swore I’d never be again by showcasing the beauty of the universal desire for a better life in the form of all you wonderful Hulksters, Hulkster friends, and Hulkster family members alike.

There was a day 10 years ago that I said “I will never be stepped on ever again.” I don’t remember the exact date, but I remember the DAY itself vividly as a play being re-enacted in front of me. It was sunny, yet I FELT cloudy, which was typical of those days. I was wearing my standard XXXL sweatshirt (O’neill, forest green for anyone keeping score) and a pare of Etnies with red laces that I thought could make me walk on water. I had PE first block this day, I remember that. A boy in PE (for privacy sake, we’ll call him E.D.) kept giving me funny looks and talking to his friends all class. We were practicing basketball drills (the school year was fresh, we hadn’t yet gotten to playing ACTUAL basketball yet) and it was hard to concentrate. I mean, come on… I was self conscious as is, now he’s making it noticeable? To everyone? Blatantly? So, I asked him…

“What do you keep laughing at?”

“Aw you could tell?”

“It was hard not to…”

“Ha, sorry man… but you just run so funny. Like a fat raptor. Your body shakes like a bag of water, and you look like you’re going to cry when you run. It’s just funny bro. You know?”

I didn’t know, but that’s ok. I’ve run into E.D. recently. Let’s just say if I had the same sense of humor he did, he’s “hilarious” right now. Anyways…

I thank him for that. I have no idea why that kick started my engine, but it kick started it hard. To this day I’m thankful that I was able to have such a realization at such a young age. You see, it wasn’t just a “I’ll show him!” that trickled into immaturity… It was a spark that grew to a forest fire IMMEDIATELY. That fire got me in trouble from time to time, but at least I was ready for the pain.

I’ve never told that to anyone before. Thank you for listening.

What I realized that it wasn’t necessarily about morphing everyone’s perceptions of me to be different… it was up to ME to be different. Once my adolescent brain stumbled upon that little nugget planted into my cerebral nether-regions, it was like this weight was literally and metaphorically lifted off my shoulders. In my head, I was HOPING for a 9-5 job in a cubicle that would allow me to collect a modest paycheck and not get in anybodies way. I wanted to shirk through life and try to make the pain stop by doing as little as possible. At least, that’s what I thought…

After that day, I decided that I was going to be the person I wanted to be. It’s been a 10 year shaping process that is still well in its early developmental stages, but I’d love if we could go through this journey together? Which brings me to tomorrow…

There are 75 people signed up for this challenge. I have invited EVERYONE I possibly could. I have requested you bring your friends and family if you’d like, because they’re gonna want to see this! I’ve put it out to the world that we’ve got a big event tomorrow, and it for sure will be! There could be 140 people that show up, there could be 50… Either way, that’s ok. Because tomorrow is going to be huge. Whether high or low numbers, the ENERGY is going to be tangible. You could cut it with a green Hulk knife, you just watch… Basically I just want to thank everyone for being a part of something that is so huge to me. This is more than a job. More than a means to pay the bills. This is my life, and you all trust me enough with it to take my hand and help ME go through this journey as I help YOU all with all the things I’ve come to learn in my short time on Earth thus far.

“So, what makes it different than just a regular boot camp?” you either have gotten asked a lot or will get asked a lot. There is a quote from Jessica LaVenter given to HER by a brother from her fraternity (yes, fraternity, I put that correctly) that I’ve always felt sums up Hulk perfectly;

“From the outside looking in, it’s impossible to understand… From the inside looking out, it’s impossible to explain.” 

You either know exactly why that quote is so perfect, or you’re going to find out tomorrow at 12pm…

Where it all began... Not bad for being told my methods wouldn't work 🙂

 

Hulk Helping Hearts & Scentsy – Teaming Up for Jon Michael Martin!

Love you Jon Michael!

 

Hey everyone! So, I wanted to give a day of absorption for the orientation announcement before throwing this little tidbit your way… 

Fantastic Scentsy consultant and fellow Hulkster Jodi Curry has decided to throw a fundraiser of her own for Jon Michael Martin (Click on the little guy’s name to be directed to the Jon Michael Martin Foundation website) the day of the orientation! She will grace Anytime Fitness off Santa Rosa Ave. with her presence starting at 10am and will be there AFTER the orientation as well! What is “Scentsy” you ask? Click HERE to find out!

For good measure, here are Jodi’s own words on the matter;

“Hey Hulksters!!! I want to take this opportunity to 1) Welcome all of you to Hulk. For those of you that I have Hulked with before and to those of you that are first time Hulksters ….. let’s get after this!!! and 2) as all of you know Saturday is the Hulk orientation. On the same day, I will be having a Scentsy fundraiser for the Jon Michael Martin Foundation. For those of you that don’t know, Jon Michael is a 10 month old baby Hulkster who was born with a heart defect. Jon Michael has already successfully battled 2 surgeries and has at least one more to go. As you know, medical bills are outrageous and Jon Michael’s amazing mother has had to quit her job to be a full time caregiver to her son. As a Scentsy consultant I am going to donate 100% of my earnings from this fundraiser on Saturday to the JMM Foundation. If you are already a Scentsy fan, please be ready to stock up on your Scentsy. Also, think about buying for birthdays, housewarmings, anniversary’s, valentines, or a just because gift. For those of you that don’t know, Scentsy is a wickless/flamess fragrance system. It is an awesome product for those of you that like your homes, work, car, locker smelling good. I know I personally don’t go to the gym with money in my pocket but I am asking that this Saturday, you come with a check, cash, or credit card so we can help this amazing little man and his family. I will be there at 10 for those that want to come early to look and smell and I will also be there post the orientation for those of you that have been moved to help this family. Also, if we are lucky, we may even have the chance to see this little Hulkster. He has been known to make an appearance on occasion at Anytime Fitness 🙂 Thanks in advance for your contribution to this most worthy cause.”

For good measure, here’s the slideshow of the Zumbathon put on a few months ago that through Hulk Helping Hearts and our very own Jessica LaVenter, Bobbi Rivera, Kima Lovold, Tye Rivera, Kristie Clay, and several other key helpy helpers that raised roughly $10,000. We ARE making a difference!

– Hulk

Hulk: Trinity – Round IX Official Teams

There are a few names not on these lists because I am unsure of the day structure that works for that individual. If your name is not on here, e-mail me at “Alllevelstraining@gmail.com” and let’s get that corrected!

Without further adieu…

Team Hephaestus (Every Tuesday at 6:30pm and every Friday at 6:30pm):

The Forge and Hammer - God of War and Fire, but firm believer in peace. Giver of tools.

1. Tony Giraldi
2. Bud Hull
3. Cliff Crocker
4. Liz Rait
5. Hilary Buckley
6. Kaylyn Garrison
7. Karen Donahue
8. Kevin John
9. Kim Yoxall
10. Kristie Clay
11. Kristina Tovani
12. Lori Demarco
13. Lorna Kennedy Klein
14. Megan Gill
15. Nicole Eaton
16. Sam Enos
17. Taylor Hull
18. Terri Baker
19. T-Bones Nicolas
20. Shaleena Gibson
21. Cory Lacey
22. Samantha French
23. Chenoa Busic
24. Dezi Reeves
25. Laree Barrow
26. Austin Patrick Finch
    
27. Danielle Dizebba
28. Melissa Collins
    

Team Apollo (Every Thursday at 6pm and every Saturday at 11:30am):

The Laurel Wreath. God of Music and Healing. Purveyor of light and truth. One of the mightiest Titans Mt. Olympus has ever fathered.

1. Alisa Tocchini
2. Amy Tocchini
3. Jason Esquibel
4. Kristie Lamb
5. Jodi Curry
6. Art Villareal
7. Carlo Piscatello
8. Chris Keys
9. Sara Keys
10. Gina Sarpy
11. Karin Bowhall
12. Kathi Tyler
13. Maggie Shuck
14. Sander Seymour
15. Shannon Mills
16. Ruben Martinez
17. Nikhil Ayer
    
18. Shreya Ayer
    
19. Alyx J. Livingston
20. Jisaela Tenney
    

Team Poseidon (Every Wednesday at 6:30pm and every Saturday at 10am):

The Trident. God of the sea and creator of horses. Second most powerful next to Zeus himself. Known as "The Earth Shaker" due to Earthquakes being direct results of his anger.

1. Adam Gray
2. Alan Brogdon
3. Bobbi Rivera
4. Caitlyn Ioli
5. Cara Jones
6. Cheryl Taylor
7. David Moody
8. Kelly Moody
9. Jamie Bywater
10. Jessica LaVenter
11. Kelly Dawson
12. Rachel Brogdon
13. Rick Dawson
14. Tammey Clark
15. Devin Booth
16. Tami Larsen
17. Randy Larsen
18. Tanisha Larsen
19. Tracie Caven-Larcom
20. Shawn Fitzgerald
21. Kima Lovold
22. Paul Marcheschi
    
23. Krista Kemp

The FULL OFFICIAL schedule of the ENTIRE challenge will be posted next week. Could be Monday, could be Friday. For now, start getting so amped up you cramp up because this challenge is going to keep the Mayan prediction of the end of the world in 2012 at bay… We’re going to kick start the world with one big, giant, fibrillated SMASH.

Sound off…

– Hulk

Gameday.

Fair warning… This post is all about me. Yup, like you don’t get enough of me… This post is to help you understand the psyche I carry behind Hulk. My mentality before every workout that started the “train leaving the station” saying way back when no one really knew what Hulk was…

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You see, I approach every single Hulk workout like it’s the Superbowl. Yes, that intensely. Not because I’m so high on myself that I’ve lost all sense of reality, but because… well, why shouldn’t I? To me, Hulk is my baby. I’ve been kicking, screaming, and raising this little guy since he was entered into this world 3 years ago. I fed him, washed him, taught him the tools necessary to be as great as he can possibly be, and gave him enough love for 3 back-to-back lifetimes that to know anything BUT would be an impossibility… That’s when he grew. Hulk grew up into a beautiful monster. A Frankenstein unlike anything the world has ever seen, nor will it again at the rate Hulk is consuming everything it gets its hands on…

Enter: Gameday. I spend all day thinking about Hulk. Every minute it is on my mind in some capacity. From who said they aren’t going to be there to the people I know need to be there the most. From the workout I’ve got designed for the evening to the approach in which I want to make it. From special “audibles” that need to be called from time to time to the faces I can’t wait to see contorted in beauty.

Every Hulk workout is an opportunity to say “I’ll be damned, I really AM amazing!” or “I had no idea I was capable of this kind of hard work…” right on down to “I’ve worked out, but never like THIS.” Not all, but to many, this is a game changer. This is a life changer. When I say “this” I’m not referring to my challenge, I’m referencing the moment when you’re on the ground doing a plank or in the thick of the most push-ups you’ve ever done in your life and a small whisper creeps up behind you saying “I know this is hard, but you can do this” and ending in a primal internal scream bellowing at the top of your souls lungs saying “I AM DOING IT.” It’s that very instance in which you can subconsciously grasp on to that one moment when you thought you were a loser, and you were the greatest you’ve ever been. Your brain will NEVER forget that. Nor will your heart… What are the two things success listens to the most? See where I’m going with this?

I reference how life is one big Hulk workout, and I’ll stand by that forever. Life is not pretty, and life is anything but easy, but when you are hit with that moment of “I can’t handle this…” you do. You handle it. You have to. You have no other choice. Do you want to lay down and “settle” or do you want to rise up and battle? I want to battle…

My intensity is born through years of being meek. My screams are the voice of many, and everything from the lighting to the music needs to be perfect. In the House of Hulk, in that very moment, I am king. You are king. We are all kings. Why should the championship game be reserved for sports stars? In the House of Hulk, we’re a team taking on insecurities, vulnerabilities, low expectations and the paralyzing vision of failure constantly dancing on our retinas. We are the underdogs with the bookies stacking all the numbers they know against us. We are the Rudy’s. We are the Rocky’s. We are the Bad News Bears. We are a rag tag assortment of individuals that come together under the lights and will stop at nothing to grab that championship shovel, hoist it high above our heads, and let the look in our eyes say it all… We won.

Wanna know why I’m so intense? Because every single day is the Superbowl. That’s why.

PS I swear on all that is holy I have never seen this video in my life. I created the Hulk chant on my own, sitting in my room. I think Drew Brees knew a good thing when he saw it…

It feels like the first time…

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So, I gotta say… I’m excited. I’m excited like this is the first challenge I’ve ever done. I’m excited like a 5th grader who just got the powder blue schwinn he’s been aching so badly for for Christmas, only instead of some sweet new wheels I’ve got some awesome new people who are going to be entering into my life just as much as I’m entering their’s. I’m not S***ting around here people, I’m so amped up I cramped up!

I’m so stoked I could float!

I’m so jacked up I’m cracked up!

Get pumped or get dumped!

You get it… The point is, I’m ready if you are. I know you all signed a commitment contract. You know this as well. I also know you’ve heard about the magic that Hulk brings to the table, but it’s not an individual effort made by me, it’s a TEAM effort. It’s a “I’m gonna get out of my comfort zone because my comfort zone no longer works for me” kind of effort. It’s a “be who you WANT to be, not who you’re comfortable being” kind of effort. You’ll see…

I lose my voice every single workout. I have permanently scarred my vocal chords from Hulk. The kicker is it makes me want to scream louder, harder, more passionately… Because I care. This is my baby. This is my everything. This is my world. I live for Hulk. I live for you. I dare you to take part for a week and tell me you doubt me. I have crafted something so special, it’s been described as “a movement.” You know what? I’m ok with that… Because you can’t have a movement out of necessity. You can’t have the NEED for a movement with being backed into a wall and having no other option. For many of you, this is Custer’s last stand… Only we’re winning. Undoubtedly. Confidently.

“In the end, the hilltop was probably too small to accommodate the survivors and wounded. Fire from the southeast made it impossible for Custer’s men to secure a defensive position all around Last Stand Hill. On Last Stand Hill, the soldiers put up their most dogged defense. According to native accounts, far more Indian casualties occurred in the attack on Last Stand Hill than anywhere else. The extent of the soldiers’ resistance indicated they had few doubts about their prospects for survival. According to Cheyenne and Sioux testimony, the command structure rapidly broke down, although smaller “last stands” were apparently made by several groups. Custer’s remaining companies (E, F, and half of C,) were soon eradicated.” (credit)

So you see, we are Custer’s crew… So backed into a corner that what OTHER prospect is there? Fight for life, or take death as it comes… It’s up to you, but I promise that if you join me in the battle cry, that we will beat down these demons and insecurities that have taken over.

If you’re just in it for the workout and don’t need any mental stimulation to go with it, don’t worry, I proudly run one of the toughest boot camps in Sonoma County. Remember though, if you are in it for the “getting in shape” aspect and nothing more, fake it for me… You never know if you’re the person who someone is looking up to…

– Hulk

More Slideshows Than You Can Shake a Stick At!

Here are the slideshows depicting “Hulk vs. Hulk – Round VII”… Enjoy!

– Hulk

Tough Mudder: The Best Weekend of My Life

We came, we saw... We SMASHED

I’ve been sitting here for some time now trying to muster up a way to start the most emotionally charged post I have ever sat down to write. I guess I should just come out with it… Sunday was the greatest day of my life. Point, blank, period. For SO MANY reasons.

Tyrone Rivera. Bobbi Rivera. Cara Jones Tocchini. Tammey L. Clark. Carlo Piscitello. Maggie Schuck. Whitney Lindsay. Chad Eickel. Shaleena Gibson. Cory Lacey. John Stave. Denise Stave. Brandon Rooney. Tara Rooney. Tami Larsen. Randy Paul Larsen. Tanisha Larsen. Kathi Tyler. Pete Macias. Steven Kelling. Michael Kelling. Ian Effin’ Nickles. Amanda Vallee. Kim Yoxall. Diane Levine. Jamie Flynn. Kim Marincik. Chris Marincik. Teygan Mason. Jessica LaVenter.

Those are just a few of the BEST reasons…

There are about 10-12 people not pictured here that were BEHIND the camera. Big family style feast to load up that energy for the insanity ahead!

So we get to Truckee, which is about 15-20 minutes away from Squaw Valley, and immediately you can feel the energy as tangible as if you were standing in the middle of a rainstorm of anticipation. I have to let it be known that Bobbi Rivera is a SAINT. Everyone, thank that woman for such a glorious team dinner that we got the pleasure to embark upon, because if it wasn’t for her we would have been at a restaurant getting a sub par meal in… Bobbi, from the bottom of my Hulk heart, I love you.

So, we start to figure out where we are going to TRY to get some sleep… and we have bunk beds! So much room for activities! So, I’m rockin’ my Hulk shirt and overseeing the awesome taking place in front of my very eyes. People start to show up with bags in their hands and smiles on their faces, ready to rock this SOB like it stole from our family. Our HULK family. Not gonna happen…

On the menu is rice pasta, turkey meatballs, a HUGE green salad, gluten-free muffins, and bread rolls. Dinner of Hulksters. Fuel for champions. The two are synonymous. Hulkster = Champion.

With a 5am wake up call and alarms set, we were ready…

I think I'm not the only who agrees that an ICE JACUZZI in the middle of Squaw was probably one of the toughest obstacles all day...

So let’s just get down to it… Tough Mudder was everything we thought it was going to be. I know that not one person got a “good night’s sleep.” More like everyone got to stare wide-eyed at the ceiling as their blood pumped gallons of adrenaline through all of our veins. Better than that ICE pictured above!!!

When we arrived, there was a chill in the air that had nothing to do with temperature. The anticipation of what was about to go down was only superseded by the love you could feel everyone had for one another. Once registered, we headed for the start line…

About to stretch after Chernobyl.

If you watch the show “Criminal Minds” then I have the pleasure of telling you that Shemar Moore (Derek Morgan) rocked that business right there with us! I KNOW he heard us do our chant! We did the old school chant as the starting smoke got shot out. Let me tell you… It was the LOUDEST chant I have ever had the pleasure to lead. That was the start of our team dominance ;).

Most unifying challenge of the day, by far...

The Braveheart run was more of a walk really with everyone so packed together, but it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. With the smoke in the air, the elevation giving our lungs hell, it was a wake up call within the first 30 seconds. Totally fine though, we knew it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. It was gonna be a walk through Hulk infested mud baby!!!

I did what I said I was going to do... Murder that mountain and make sure no Hulk was left behind.

I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that I saw DIGGING this weekend. I have NEVER seen a group of people push themselves as hard as I saw our Team push themselves. It was far beyond physical. It was far beyond even emotional. Words do NOT do justice the feelings I have for each and every one of you who I had the honor of running that mountain with. No Hulk left behind, and we accomplished that to the fullest… I saw fears conquered, dreams realized, lifetime bonds and friendships that will never be broken (including my own), blood, sweat, tears, and inspiration oozing out of every pore. I saw support from miles around us as the heart of Hulk “life marched” that mountain until it bowed its powerful head. I saw the most raw, absolute beauty and determination I have ever seen in my life. Pulled groins, strained tendons, tested will, achy joints, extreme fatigue, self-doubt, scraped forearms, bruised egos, harsh cold… NOTHING stopped this Hulk freight train… I will forever be indebted to the amount of never-ending inspiration pool I get to draw from for the rest of my life…

Tye and I carried the memory of Gregory, Gina, and Alan Sarpy's father, who died very recently, on our back. I'd like to think the watchful eye helped.

Along those same lines, I feel the need to express how important this was to ME. I have NEVER done anything like this. I was too fat… or “couldn’t do it…”, or barely conditioned to do the elliptical let alone a 13 mile hell ride through the unrelenting gorgeousness that is Tahoe… But I DID IT. I FUCKING DID IT. Not only did I do it, I did it the way a Hulk should… No Hulkster left behind. I told everyone I was going to bring up the rear because that’s what I feel a good leader SHOULD do. To finish last and see everyone pass the finish line with tears in their eyes, a smile on their face, and a thirst for the best beer they have ever tasted was better than if I were to finish with the best time out of every single competitor. I set out to make sure that no one felt left behind, and I did it. I FUCKING DID IT. I know what I’m capable of, but fireman carrying Kathi Tyler on my shoulder for the last downhill stretches when we’ve gone through 12 miles of insanity was something even I didn’t know existed in my physical being at that moment… but I did it. I FUCKING DID IT. But the fact that I did what I set out to do from day one isn’t what excited me…

Amanda Vallee wasn't s****ing aroung!

The fact that everyone responded. Rose to the challenge. Pushed themselves. Rallied. Grouped. Sounded off. Everyone did everything for the team, and I couldn’t be more humbled by everyone trusting me enough to follow me the way they did. Teygan, Cory, and Tye were integral in making sure we stuck, and they CANNOT go unnamed or unnoticed. Everyone else, thank you for rising to the occasion. You all, through sheer actions and determination, are the best leaders that I could possibly be led by.

One of the baddest, toughest, strongest, unstoppable chicks I know. She NEVER S***ts around! Cara, it is VERY important that you click on your picture when you have privacy to watch the lyrics and listen to the song that I URGE you to apply this to that voice that doubts yourself. This is your anthem to your self doubt. This is you.

Bobbi Rivera, Cara Tocchini, Tammey L. Clark, Shaleena Gibson, Taryn Casalino, Jamie Flynn, Kim Marincik… I cannot thank you enough. For the support, food, foil, hugs, cheers… Everything. In essence, I don’t know if a lot of us could have done it without you. I wish with everything I’ve got that we could get you all orange headbands, because you all are some TOUGH MUDDERS. You all are HULK. You all, are angels on Earth (cue Belinda Carlisle!).

The best beer I have EVER had. Only thing better are those sweet mugs right next to me. We came as a team, we conquered as a team, and thousands now know HULK

I love you all. That is an understatement. Thank you, everyone who was a part of this glorious experience, for making this the greatest weekend of my life.

– Hulk

PS We’re doing Tough Mudder in Socal February 26th (Sunday) in 2012. THIS COMING FEBRUARY. You want in on a the experience of a lifetime? E-mail AllLevelsTraining@gmail.com or comment on this post. There is ALWAYS room for a Hulkster! Hulk doesn’t die, we multiply :).

PPS each picture has a song that I associate emotionally with it. Click on and learn a little bit more about me :).