Workout of the Day:
Good Mornings
5-5-5
(Thanks as always to our friends at Catalyst Athletics for the great instructional videos.)
and then,
For time:
10 Power Cleans (155/105 lbs.)
50 Anchored Sit-Ups
8 Power Cleans
40 Anchored Sit-Ups
6 Power Cleans
30 Anchored Sit-Ups
4 Power Cleans
20 Anchored Sit-Ups
2 Power Cleans
10 Anchored Sit-Ups
Snax to Jax
Written by Nick “Snax” Hawkes – with editor’s note by C.J. Martin
I left San Diego this morning to drive across the country and pursue a new adventure – owning an affiliate of my own in Jacksonville, Florida. The circumstances and events that led to this decision are incredible to say the least. The old saying “right place, right time” definitely applies here. I am still in awe of the luck that led me to this opportunity. If you would like a more in depth time explanation drop me an email, I will be happy to share.
The gym I am buying is The Field House Gym, also known as Crossfit West Jax, located just outside the front gates of Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The previous owner Tom is an extremely nice guy who is passionate about the gym and Crossfit, but even more so about its members. The biggest concern Tom had during negotiations was making sure all his clients were taken care of, and that they would continue to receive the same quality training that they have become accustomed to. I am honored to know that I passed. : )
I would be remiss if I did not give some specific thanks to C.J., my fellow coaches and my self-appointed honorary coaches. Thank you for your support on this endeavor I am about to embark on. Besides the one attempt to hog tie me to the pull up bars (M needs to work on her rope tying skills - http://www.realknots.com/index.htm), there has been nothing but encouragement and love. You guys are the best!
During the last year Invictus has developed into so much more than a gym, in fact its more than even your average CF gym. Invictus has become to me, like so many others, a second home, a place to train, learn, grow, and a place to foster relationships. Every day I am amazed at the quality people I get to interact with, people with solid character and a genuine concern for everyone’s well being around them. The impact this community has had on me is profound. To say that you will be missed, would be a huge understatement.
Thank you all for your support.
Editor’s Note – I never imagined Invictus without Snax, but opportunities like this come up once in a lifetime. Anybody who has met Snax knows that he has an infectious enthusiasm and a genuine care for others. I have never seen a coach will someone into success quite like Snax can. His influence on all of our coaches has been simple and profound – have fun and celebrate client successes. Watching him coach always reminds me why I do this, because I love it. Snax let’s that shine through every moment, he simply doesn’t have an off-day or a down moment. I’ll miss that, but am glad he shared it with all of us while he was here.
Snax, you know that you will always be family. The learning curve for new business owners is steep and the hours of an affiliate owner are long, but you will never grow more as a person and feel more fulfilled, and you’ll never have to do it alone. You will always have my ear to bend about new ideas or simple questions. Your Invictus family has no doubt that The Field House Gym is in good hands and that you will be a huge success. On behalf of the entire Invictus community, we will miss you, but couldn’t be more proud or excited to celebrate your future success.
Effin’ A Cotton, effin A. Wish i had gotten to know you better Nick. thanks for everything and you’ll be missed. best of luck to you at your new box. arrive safe and keep in touch.
Snax, I am so excited for your new path. We all know that you will make your new box into a second home and special place for each and every one of your members.
I will always remember meeting you at CFSD just two short years ago, you welcomed me in as a newbie, taught me with the patience of a saint, and became a great friend.
I wish you all the best and leave you with one of my favorite quotes, I treasure it as a business owner and think that others should do the same.
“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Snax,
Best of luck to you brother. You will infect CFJax instantly with your positivity and genuine care for people.
Cynthia…. I saw and I’m telling!!!
Snax-
Fair winds Brother! I look forward to stopping by unannounced and looking in on CF Snax…
Nick – Good luck bro. Always keep the body guessin’! I consider myself a lucky person to have met and be coached by you. We will all miss you.
Snax,
I am so excited for your new endeavors but know that you will be missed!! I can’t wait to hear about your new gym and the incredible impact you will have with all your new members. Boy, are they lucky to have scored a guy like you to take over their gym. You are already missed!!
Nick, like I said before, you’re my brother. I know you will kick but out there, no doubt! I now have a new travel destination to go to and I can sleep well knowing you’re out there making sure things are copacetic. Make sure you find all the best gator BBQ joints so we can grub like whoa after some good training. Call us whenever you need anything!
Nick, congratulations on a great opportunity! I’ve always enjoyed your enthusiasm to coaching. They are lucky to have you out there, you will definitely be missed
Nicky, we miss you very much already. Thanks so much for all of your help and coaching, but most of all thanks for just being a great lovable goofball. You are so much fun to be around and always brighten up my day. You are going to do great out there in Jax! Believe in yourself and be confident that you have all the tools to be successful.
POS, shhhhhhhhhh! Shut your piehole, mister!
Cynthia.. Piehole is shut… I don’t need to be messing with you
Nick: Congratulations!!! I had no idea and didn’t get to say, BYE! You were the first trainer I worked with and I can still remember how patient you were with my inability to squat!!!!!
More than that, your infectious energy got me excited about Crossfit! I know that’s what you’ll take to YOUR gym in Jax!!! You’ll do great!!!! But you’ll also be missed….
Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?!
Didn’t you just get back to Invictus!?!
What a amazing opportunity: will miss your enthusiasm, but wishes of good fortune and happiness go out with you.
-Take care.
Nick – congrats on the new gig. Continue to strive for excellence and everything else will fall into place. It was great to meet you and I hope we will cross paths again in the future.
Snax,
Good luck with your new endeavor. CF West Jax is lucky to have an older gentleman as distinguished as yourself. What will we do without you? CJ isn’t nearly old enough yet.
good luck to you! It was great knowing you and having you push us so early in the morning!! You’ll be great and the members there are lucky to have you.
Good Luck Nick. I am sure you will have Great Success as you are an awesome coach with a special way of teaching. Take Care and the best of luck to you…
Hey Snax, I’ll miss you bro but just like training, you gotta push the envelope in order to grow. Routine is the killer. You crack me up to no end and you have pushed my performances to higher levels. Be yourself and others will hop on your bus. Seeya when you come back home.
WOD 5:32
welcome to the family ( i hope..invitation extended
…looking forward to meeting you
Impressive time POS.
Good Luck Snax……you possess such a positive soul which seems to infect everyone you meet! Best wishes always
Taush
Awesome Nick! Congratulations and best wishes to you.
Your the shit snax. Congrats on your affiliate. I know it will do great things. You are an awesome coach and an even better person. Good luck with everything. I look forward to seeing you in Aromas.
-Josh E.
Keep your head up gangster, see you around…
Nick,
Wow! This is happening so fast. I know your passion for Crossfit and your ability as a trainer will ensure your success in Florida. This is your dream coming true. How many people actually get to go to work every day doing something they love?
Thank you for your great example- for paying for me to go to the nutrition cert class and helping me stay motivated to eat right and exercise. I have lost the 50 lbs I put on since I found out I had Parkinson’s. I wouldn’t and couldn’t have done it without you.
Even though it’s clear across the country from Salt Lake City and I will probably not get to see you as often, I hope to hear of your successes and challenges on a regular basis. Keep in touch- Mom’s need to know what’s going on so they can brag to their friends and family.
I love you and am one proud mom!
Love,
Mama Snax