Physical Subculture

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In this newsletter:
Diatribe
News
Workshops
Animal Corner
Music Corner

Diatribe:

Blood Sweat and Tears in Tahoe

I’m high.  Literally.  I’m looking down on the infamous Lake Tahoe from over 1000 feet above it, and if I turn too quickly, I may spiral down a massive cliff into someone’s living room equally as far down in Gardenerville directly on the other side of this ridge.  If I stood up and reached as high as I can, my hands would know what 8,000 foot elevation feels like.  There is no air up here.  They hand out oxygen tanks to every car at 7000 feet so people can continue the drive up into the sky.  I feel not unlike Icarus, just a little too close to the sun, and the Iron Maiden song ‘Where Eagles Dare’ keeps playing in my head. But sun is only the occasional concern since we’re sharing the sky with chaotic wet clouds that, although beautiful, randomly coat a mountain peak with some form of water-based goodness.  Mostly rain, but the occasional snow burp.

In truth, the whacky weather creates a skyscape unlike anything I’ve seen before, and I’m no stranger to this lake.  Looking DOWN onto rainbows is as common today as the frequent gasps for air this sea-level body keeps requesting.  Therefore the beauty is often usurped by the little fitness surprise I’ve been dealt.  I used to LIVE just a few feet below this altitude.  And by ‘live’ I mean wake at 6am, grab some planks, and Nordic ski for an hour before work.  Then repeat said skiing during lunch, sometimes even ending the day with it.

Now my lungs act as if I’ve never been higher than the 10th floor of Renaissance Plaza downtown.  Even in the full spectrum of our training, we are limited by geography.  Humbling, to be sure, and a great kick in the head, forcing me to realize that there is always more; more options, more possibilities, more discoveries, more experiences.

Now the squeamish among us might consider the concept of ‘more’ as an excuse to not even begin, or to give up early, believing that the endless options creates a situation of hopelessness.  It is too easy to be overwhelmed, to fear the vastness as a potential lifetime of perpetual struggle, the obligation of having to always do more. Why even bother getting started if I’ll always have to do more, More, MORE.

Don’t be scared.  This big world of possibility simply means there is more to chose from.  My current lesson came packaged in the clouds and mountains, strutting their stuff to my wonder, enticing me back to their playground.  There will be training in my future to ensure maximum fun upon my return to their open arms, and I embrace this training as playtime with purpose, not the dreaded albatross of obligation.

What’s on your list for this coming winter?  How are you going to train for it (or, are you going to train for it?)? As always, let us know if we can help.

News:

Trainer Allyson and I were lucky enough to be featured on the Capitol Public Radio show Insight.  I tripped my way through this interview, forgetting everything I actually wanted to talk about.  You can here the silliness here, through their podcast:

http://www.capradio.org/programs/insight/default.aspx?showid=3707

By the way, our video channel on YouTube features over 20 short videos featuring our workouts.  So if you ever wonder how we crate program designs, here’s a small sample:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Bodytribe1

Workshops and classes:

October will see the return of the Wednesday night Tune Ups, and November will begin a new series of workshops on the first Saturday of every month, cultivating into a Winter Strength Camp in February.  The details will be posted soon on the website.

There is one permanent Bodytribe class, taught by trainers Camilo and Israel.  It has been a steady feature for months, and will grow throughout the rest of the year.  Every Saturday morning at 9 am, they run a conditioning class featuring a whole bunch of butt-whipping.  Throughout the summer the class has been down the street at the park on 21st and C, and will stay there until the sky leaks all over us.  Every week is a little different, using a huge collection of techniques and exercises.  They have no fear as trainers to learn all that is available, and are able to present their ideas to you in well-produced packages of creative intensity. There will be more about it on the website soon.  Meanwhile, if you have any questions, call Camilo at 916 599 5877.

Animal Corner:

Here in Sacramento, we’ve been a bit surprised by how quickly the temperature dropped recently.  So will any animals who spend time outside. If you’re anything like me (bummer), you might come across neighborhood beasts that don’t quite have a real home.  I have one in my apartment complex who we’ve come to call Squeeky, due to her welcoming meow that peaks in the treble end of the sound spectrum.  Thankfully my neighbors share my bleeding heart, and Squeeky is supported by our little village.  She seems to pick which neighbor gets the honor of having her as a bedmate, and so we are assured that she will always have a warm sleep quarters.

Lulu, our Bodytribe canine mascot, started her life on the streets as a stray (at only 7 weeks old) before Allyson gave her a home. But many strays are not as lucky as Squeeky or Lulu.  So our request for this new season is to help the animals.  Strays only exist through human neglect, so it will only be through human kindness that we can reduce the problem.  Simply contacting the SPCA or some local animal lovers may be enough to get the ball rolling to find food and shelter for a stray in your area.  Heck, if you’re in Sacramento, contact us.  We can at least give you information to get started.

Music Corner:

For fans of the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, the Sacramento show is coming up.  Details here:  http://www.hedwiginsac.com/

Thanks for reading.

Chip “Buy My Book” Conrad
www.bodytribe.com