Remembering Katie

Preamble:

December 12th (the day prior to this beatdown) would have been my sister’s 32nd birthday. She was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus which meant she was paralyzed from the waist down and had many complications during her time here on earth. After close to 300 surgeries during her lifetime, she passed away peacefully in March of 2016 at 25 years old.

Regardless of Katie’s complications and pain she experienced, she was always in a great mood. Her happiness and laughter was contagious and I always admired and respected her positive attitude. To this day, I still think of her when I have a rough day or experience a bad situation. Her constant positivity, despite her unusual circumstance, reminds me to adjust my attitude and perception of my situation accordingly.

Warm-O-Rama:

SSH, Hillbillies and Weed Pickers in the big parking lot

The Thang:

Since Katie was born on 12/12 and she would have been 32 this year, we focused on reps of 12 an 32

On the field we partnered up, starting on the goal line, one person would carry the other 20 yards down the field

• start on goal line
• carry partner to 20 yard line and both PAX do 12 burpies collectively
• carry partner to 40 yard line and both PAX do 12 burpies collectively
• carry partner to opposite side 40 yard line and both PAX do 12 burpies collectively
• carry partner to opposite side 20 yard line and both PAX do 12 burpies collectively
• carry partner to opposite side goal line and both PAX do 12 burpies collectively

next

• start on goal line
• carry partner to 20 yard line and both PAX do 32 lunges collectively
• carry partner to 40 yard line and both PAX do 32 lunges collectively
• carry partner to opposite side 40 yard line and both PAX do 32 lunges collectively
• carry partner to opposite side 20 yard line and both PAX do 32 lunges collectively
• carry partner to opposite side goal line and both PAX do 32 lunges collectively

then, mosey on back to the flag to complete the following (no partners for this round):

• 32 flutter kicks
• 12 lunges (alpha count)
• 12 big boy situps
• 32 dips
• 12 merkins
• 12 jump squats
• run to the bottom of the hill/parking lot
• repeat till out of time (most PAX got 4-5 laps)

COT:

When we circled up and counted off, Stu (who was immediately to my left so was #1) initiated saying “Katie” prior to his number. The entire group of PAX proceeded to follow suit and said her name prior to saying their number. This was very moving to me and got me a bit choked up. These men never met my sister – but they were all so respectful of her it meant the world to me.

Naked-Man Moleskin:

Definitely an honor to lead this great group of guys – every time – however, this was even more special for me. Thank you fellas!