Marshall Ramsey

My cousin, who is a championship-caliber barefoot skier and owner of a boat with 320 horsepower, drug me, my kids, my wife, my other cousins and my brother-in-law around the lake on a raft.  Four rafts, to be exact.  And it wasn’t a nice and gentle cruise. As my son described it, “It’s EXTREME TUBING!”  Centrifugal force came into play.  My arms got the mother of all workouts and were super, super sore. But I don’t care — it was an absolute blast.  I can’t remember having that much fun in a long, long time.

I waterskied, too. I haven’t done that in 20 years but it was just like riding a bike. I popped up and zipped around on two skis.  My ankle took a beating on that.  So I didn’t run until yesterday.  I did 10 miles — and nearly dehydrated because of the humidity and a late start. I drank three quarts of water while I was out on the course. And probably sweated six.

SO this morning, my arms and legs were wiped out. Naturally, we did a heavy arm workout. First we had the weight room. Then a session with Coach Chaz where I got way to freaking familiar with a 45-lb. weight.  If sweat is fat crying, mine had a mental breakdown.

Clark made sure our core wasn’t neglected. While my form wasn’t exactly spot on, I held my own. I’ve come a long way in two years.

We then did the four-corner drill which was a lap around the track and on each corner you jumped rope, did burpees, bearcraweled ten yards and did jumping jacks while holding handweights.

To finish the day off, we did a deep stretch — which I REALLY needed.  I was very grateful as I was on the turf tugging on my sore legs.

There are three more weeks of training.  I’m in much better shape than when I started but have room to improve. But who doesn’t?  I’m sure the next three weeks will be tough. I’m on the road a lot and things are busy. But I’ll be up and on the field at 5 a.m.

Success’ secret ingredient is hard work.

Six stations. A version of duck duck goose (except I don’t remember doing push-ups in the middle of duck duck goose) that almost turned into a cluster duck (thankfully we caught on quickly.) We called it Next Next Level and Larry (retired Spiderman) seemed to always get called.  We then ran up and down the football bleachers (the full gauntlet). We also did close to 20 50-yard sprints while wearing a parachute (because I apparently have problems stopping), ladder drills, T-drills (while bear crawling!), gassers (across the football field four times and then core work). Did I mention we did six stations today?

It’s almost Independence Day. I am appreciative for my freedom from obesity and exhaustion.  I appreciate being able to have the energy and knowledge to make better life choices.  That’s the next level.  I wish all my line-mates a great Fourth (and everyone else who reads this blog).  I am in a great line with fantastic people who push me hard every morning.  That’s how you get better.  That’s how I was able to have a strong morning this morning.  I am very appreciative of my 5 o’clock friends.

Oh, and before I go, here are a few safety tips (sponsored by the Madison Police Department.)

1. Don’t drink and drive

2. Be careful handling fireworks (we want you to have all your digits).

3. Obey speed limits.

4. Don’t text and drive.

5. Practice grill safety (co-sponsored by the Madison Fire Department)

6. And of course, properly stop at stop signs.

Have a great fourth.

1..2..3.. Next Level.