Our annual fundraiser for Friend2Friend is this Friday… Jani-Ro! And if you peruse this website and our social media enough, you most likely have a pretty good idea about who inspired this event, and where your (our) donation goes. But do you know the origins of the story?… and the beginning of this journey?
Our first fundraiser was not solely for F2F… in fact the catalyst was Barbells for Boobs, which was a CrossFit inspired fundraiser where athletes/affiliates donated money to perform the benchmark workout "Grace" (which is 30 clean & jerks for time). We were one of the gyms participating in this worldwide event… but I wanted to get a clear answer on how my affiliate's donation was going to help the women in my community. The money was going somewhere in Arizona… and I was told it would get distributed according to where it was needed most. That made me feel philanthropic… but didn't sit well in my belly, knowing that I had women in my own gym, and my own town struggling with this disease. So I searched for a local forum and found Sussex County Women's Forum (aka F2F). I called Mare Galeos, explained who I was and what we were doing, and the rest is history, as they say!
So, 30 clean & jerks for time?? That didn't sit well in my belly either… why would I invite 100 people to my gym to perform a workout like that?? So, we came up with 3 movements that were safe, easily modified and would be more than challenging when combined as a 10:00 AMRAP. This was about us, doing what was best for us… and doing the right thing in our community… Jani-Ro was born!
How do I segway to the topic of inspiration, motivation and purpose?
Chances are you know someone close to you who has dealt with cancer in some way. I watched my mother fight this battle… she fought like a champion, but eventually lost her life to cancer. Unless you yourself are diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, I think it's unfair to try to simulate what that must feel like… but witnessing the fight can be inspiring… it can solicit motivation… and provide us a clearer vision of personal purpose. The topic of inspiration and motivation are not for everyone! As a coach, I have clients and athletes that don't respond to either… or do they?
The power of presence is an amazing thing. As a high school football player & college rugby player, I had my best performances when my Dad was at my games. I had no idea if he actually watched every play, but I was inspired by his presence and motivated to perform at my best to make my father proud. He worked on weekends, so when he got to see me play… it provided a clear vision of purpose for me. It's something I clearly remember, even to this day… my mother would simply say, "Dad will be at your game this weekend"…and the fire was lit!
I can tell you that on Jani-Ro day, the presence of Janice and Ro elevate the room. There's a lot of love and gratitude there… it's inspiring to some, motivating to others… but the purpose is clear… LOVE makes a difference!!
You know… what are we doing, really? Some burpees, some wall balls, some kettlebell swings… does the sweat and hard work really matter?
Yes… Yes it does
Just being present matters… it matters a whole hell of a lot!!
And if you cannot be physically present, be present by your actions by donating to Friend2Friend
It's been 7 years… let's make this one the best year yet!
Thanks for listening
cpj
LOVE!
It was a wonderful event. Really nice that you get the kids involved too. it was fun to do a workout for such a worthy cause with them and for them to see the place I go every morning and meet the great group of people/coaches I train with everyday.