2012 Motto

Jeremy has asked all of the coaches of CrossFit Central to come up with a motto for 2012. A phrase that sparks Initiative, Ambition, and Hunger. After lots of back and forth between several options, I decided this one fits best for what I am trying to accomplish in 2012:

"When there is nothing left to burn, YOU have to set yourself on FIRE!"

Source: dirjournal.com via Grace on Pinterest

The quote is the opening to a song from one of my favorite bands, STARS. As far as I am concerned (did the research), the quote was made up by the lead singer, Torquil Campbell.

The quote takes on several different meaning for me, and I will do my best to explain them. I sometimes find it difficult to translate the semi-organized chaos that is constantly running through my head.

A fire has been lit inside of me, and I am ready to blow-up. I want to take it to that next level, as a coach, an athlete and a person. I am here to take a stand for myself, my athletes and my team.

• Myself: I used to be the kind of person that would just sit back and wait for things to happen or come to me. If something seemed too difficult or out of reach, I'd would let it go and dismiss it. Never again. To be that person is such a waste of freakin' space. If I want something, I am going to fight like hell to get it. I will put in the time, energy, blood sweat and tears to create the life I've always wanted.

• My Athletes: It will be my mission to see that my athletes (clients) are living the life that they've always wanted. I am their #1 Fan, and I will make sure they know it EVERY time they step foot in the gym.

• My Team: I am honored and fortunate to be surrounded by the best coaches CrossFit has to offer. They are not just co-workers to me. They are family. As a team, we will continue to set the standards. "I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team. I defer to it and sacrifice for it because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion." - Mia Hamm

I've got nothing to lose, but everything to gain! Game on 2012.

Peace Out,

Jess

FIGHT!

Today would mark my Dad's 71st birthday....gosh that seems so old. In 2006, my dad passed away after a long battle with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

His birthday always falls around Thanksgiving which to me seems fitting. Since he has passed away, I have never really been angry or asked "why me" or "what did my family do to deserve this." Instead, I took a different approach. I am just incredibly THANKFUL that he was in my life, even it was for a short time. Being bitter and angry isn't going to bring him back; therefore; I choose to cherish the great times I had with him. He still very much alive inside of me.

If it weren't for my dad, I probably wouldn't have a lick of common sense. He taught me how to be independent and self sufficient. Most importantly, he taught me how to fight. Not the "Rocky", Kung-Fu, meet me outside and let's duke it out kind of fight, but to really fight...fight for your life and the things you care about.

It was not a short fight by any means...4 years to be exact. He relapsed 3 times and each time the doctors said it would be the last. Each relapse brought on a new set of complications, but he overcame them and went into remission. It wasn't over till he said it was gonna be over. My Dad told me that he was waiting for me to graduate from college. He wanted to be there in person to me see receive my diploma....no pressure there, right. :) I graduated from Texas State in December of 2005. He passed in January of 2006.

No one has ever fought that hard for me. I owe it to him to fight hard for my life and whatever I want out of it. There is no battle too big. If I fight hard enough, I will win! He will always be the voice in my head telling me 1 more rep, pick up the bar, and move! I am truly blessed and THANKFUL to have had 24 AMAZING years with him.

Peace Out,

Jess

Music Mondy

I Love this song. I Love this video.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J

What It Means To Be A CrossFit Central Coach

Before I started coaching for CrossFit Central, I was only doing in-home personal trainer. I had a pretty cush' lifestyle. I would train a few clients in the morning, come home watch TV or play on the internet, go workout, come home nap or watch more TV, then train a few more clients and usually home by 6:30 or 7. I had clients that traveled quite a bit or really hectic work schedule which allowed for even more free time to waste. It was great. I loved it. No complaints.

A few months ago I decided that I wanted to start coaching CrossFit. I met/interviewed with Jeremy, Lisa and Carey and got the go ahead to start my mentorship. It didn't take long for me to realize that this is exactly where I wanted to be. I took all the necessary steps in the mentorship program to ensure that I would make a successful coach. It also lead to a complete lifestyle change. I no longer had the relaxing down time that I had once had. Any downtime I had was spent at Central shadowing classes, coaches and elements. If I wasn't at the gym, I was home doing the required assignments to complete my mentorship in a timely manner. There were no more naps and very little TV time. In fact 90% of the time, the TV is just background noise. I have about 3 months worth of General Hospital on my DVR right now that probably won't get watched....that's how much I LOVE my job. Being a CrossFit Central coach is not just showing up for classes and meetings. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that demands a lot of our free time. I have not once dreaded any part of the process because it's all the little things add up that make us GREAT!

As many of you may know, the coaches at CrossFit Central are NEXT LEVEL coaches. You will not find such a dynamic group of badasses at any other CrossFit gym...i'd bet money. I quickly learned that if I wanted a spot here, I was going to have to step up my game BIG TIME. This is the big leagues and here your "A Game" is not good enough. You better bring your A+++ game to keep up with this crew. So, that's where I am right now. I am doing everything possible to earn my spot and make a name for myself. I have a lot to learn, and I have the BEST coaching/ teaching team in the world. Not to mention the most amazing clients in the world. They are the most important key to great coaching because without them...we have nothing.

Music Monday

It's here, the moment you've all been waiting for....Music Monday. This week pick is from the band M83 and the song is Midnight City.

It's pretty gloomy outside today, but this song is guaranteed to put a little skip in your step. Enjoy!

P.S. Their Pandora station is pretty legit as well!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J

Music Monday...better late than never

Put on your dancing shoes.

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday

This one is for the ladies. The best way to experience this song is ALONE....where you can blast the volume and dance like a mad woman (or spin around in circles). If you don't quite get what I mean, then take a look at this example...(FYI this is NOT the song)

It's pretty much like that...minus the pom poms. :) If I had a video of myself dancing to the following song, then maybe i'd post. It's probably a good thing I don't though.

Enjoy and dance your ass off!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J

Music Monday

The Naked and Famous is chosen for this weeks Music Monday because I will be seeing them Friday evening! Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Tribute to Blink 182

In honor of their latest album release, which is AMAZING, and getting back together, I'd like to give a shout out to one of my favorite bands of all time....BLINK 182. I have chosen one song from each of their albums (my favorite of course) to feature. I hope you enjoy!

Buddha (the first album) doens't get a song b/c all of the songs were later released on Cheshire Cat.

Cheshire Cat- "Carousel"

Dude Ranch- "Dammit" (first song I learned on the guitar)

Enema of the State- "Don't Leave Me"

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket- "First Date" (great video)

Blink 182- "Always" (I feel like this is the album where they took a more sophisticated, grown-up turn)

Neighborhoods- "Kaledoscope"

("Just play me something I can dance t0. I can dance to anything you wanna sing"...love it)

Hope you enjoyed that stroll down memory lane.

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday

Love this song. Love this video.

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy J

Shoutout to Zacky Pants

I would like to dedicate this blog post to the man who not only puts up with my shiz-nit on a regular basis, but is responsible for making me "Crazy Strong"...the one and only, Zacky Pants aka Zach Thiel.

I started Zach's olympic weight lifting class in May when I realized that in order for me to get stronger, I needed to work on technique. For those who may not know, the Olympic Lifts consist of the Snatch and Clean & Jerk (click on the lifts for a video demo). They are the most difficult and technical lifts in CrossFit (in my opinion), as well as the most fun.

Before joining oly lifting, my Clean and Jerk was non-existent. I had never performed the lift before, and my clean (the first part of the lift without the jerk overhead) was barley 125#. My Clean and Jerk max is now 145# (about 125% of my bodyweight). The snatch on the other hand was a lift that I was familiar with, but struggled with. Before 2011 South Central Regionals in June, my max was 95#. Last Wednesday, I crushed that with 110# PR (personal record) and in that same week on Friday I PR'd again with 120#.

So, Thank You Zack for being patient and believing in me. I have a long way to go to get where I want to be but it's only UP from here! You have helped me see my true potential in an area of CrossFit that I thought would be my weakness. I will no longer use my size as an excuse or a disadvantage when it comes to lifting heavy shit or competing.

Now let's go crush some Oly Lifting Competitions!

Music Monday

"There’s only one me in the galaxy. I am an endangered species. This kind of flower don’t grow on Earth. Just lettin’ you know for what it’s worth..."

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday

Do you ever a find a song that you love and put it on repeat 24/7? Well, this is currently my repeat song.

"I TURN THE MUSIC UP, I GOT MY RECORDS ON. I SHUT THE WORLD OUTSIDE UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON. MAYBE THE STREETS ALIGHT, MAYBE THE TREES ARE GONE.

I FEEL MY HEART START BEATING TO MY FAVOURITE SONG..."

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

YouTube Tuesday

I'd like to see what that bell looks like now! Awesome job guys.

Peace Out,

Big J

Check me out on Tumblr

http://jessicanestrada.tumblr.com/

Music Monday...on Tuesday b/c it was a Holiday!

"Like punching in a dream breathing life into my nightmare..."

I love that line! This week's pick, Punching In A Dream, is from The Naked and Famous. This song is currently my pre-workout jam. If you are not familiar with this band, you should be. I like to classify them as the upbeat version of The XX (another kick ass band you should know). Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Heartbeats

Same song. Totally different versions. Pretty cool! Which do you prefer?

Fun Fact...They're both from Sweden.

Peace Out,

Big J

Music Monday...it's late

"Time will continue without you. So in the end it's not about you. But what did you do? Who did you love besides you."

If you don't know Matisyahu, then you should. Brilliant!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday

My Soul Sista...ADELE. Enough said. Enjoy!

I'm on Tumblr

I will still post to this blog, but if you care to see other fun stuff I post (I think it's FUN), then check out my Tumblr page.

Music Monday

When I first heard this band at ACL, I wasn't impressed. They were good, but not worth buying on itunes. Then they kept coming up on several of my pandora stations. I would think to myself I really like this band. Who is it? Ahhh, The XX. Now I'm hooked. The more I listen, the more I Like! Please share my love.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday, YouTube Tuesday Collaboration

I love this song, and I love this video. Jorge and Alexa Narvaez cover 'Home' by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. I have also included the original song as well.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ jazzy Jess

Music Monday

The LOVE continues. This week's love song is from one of the best movies EVER....Juno.

Peace Out,

DJ J-LOVE

YouTube Tuesday

Here is a little instructional dance video for you! Next time I see you out dancing, this little number bet be in your bag of tricks!

Peace Out,

BIG j

Music Monday

I've decided that for the month of February, I will feature my favorite Love Songs. This first song needs no introduction. The song says it all.

For the one I love the most...

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

YouTube Thursday (funny or die)

Sorry it's late. Better late than never!

Here is the out take!

The Landlord from Will Ferrell

Peace Out,

J-Dogg

The Landlord Out Takes from Will Ferrell

Music Monday

I LOVE Mark Mothersbaugh (if you're interested, you can check out a previous blog about him). He is by far one of the greatest musicians/composers of all time. My dream job would be a movie composer. However, I was not blessed with an ear for writing/composing music. I can play the piano and the guitar, but it does not come naturally. Anyway, this in one of my absolute favorite songs. I've decided one of my goals this year will be to create a kickass video to this song. Be on the lookout!

ENJOY!

Peace Out,

Grand Master J

YouTube Tuesday (actually funny or die today)

Will Ferrell is one of the funniest people in the WORLD.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

J-Diggity

John C. Reilly & Will Ferrell's "Animal Choices" from FODPresents

Music Monday

This week's pick is by Say Hi (formerly known as Say Hi To Your Mom)...good decision on that one. Say Hi is actually just one guy, Eric Elbogen. You can catch him in Austin for SXSW.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Music Monday

"Turn that music up in the headphones" This weeks pick is a mash-up by DJ FMFC. The artists featured are Matt & Kim (in my top 5 fav bands of all time) and Jay-Z (a hip hop legend).

Enjoy!

If you like what you hear, there is more. The album is a free download. Click Here for more info!

" Music can change the world because it can change people." BONO

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

This is why I need to do "Landmark"

I feel like this is what's inside me, but there is something holding me back from expressing it...in public that is. I am this penguin. However, 98% people I see on a regular basis would never know this about me. I'm working on it though...I'll get there.

Peace Out,

J-Thug

YouTube Tuesday

I think this cats New Years Resolution should be to drop some LBs. It's pretty damn cute.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

J-Fizzle

Cat in a Box - watch more funny videos

Music Monday

The first Music Monday of 2011 is a good one. We Were Promised Jetpacks is currently my new favorite rock/alternative band. The album, These Four Walls, is a great listen all the way through.

Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jess-Mix-A-Lot