Mastroj's Mission

Family Matters

2010-05-15T03:19:00.000-04:00

Yes I stole the name of my post! So what, sue me!

I just couldn’t help myself, it says it all. In every aspect of our lives, family matters. The relationships we build with those around us, at home, at play, and even at work; is what is most important. Embracing a relationship with someone enhances your life, through and through.

Having a child puts everything in perspective, and apparently having a second child does this twofold. With my first son, I wanted to do everything in my power to make his life as fulfilled as I could. Once my second son was born I realized that it is not about doing things or providing for your children that is important. It is enabling them to do these things on their own. Teaching my oldest son how to care for and show love to his new baby brother is such a joy, but watching this in action will melt the heart of any man. This organic relationship that grew right before my eyes leaves no doubt that this is what is important. It is not the toys, dollar bills, or number of acquaintances you have that it is important; it is the joy you share with those you love.

Over my two week hiatus I had the joy of welcoming my new beautiful son into the world, enjoying the company of close friends and family, rekindling a relationship with my sister, and welcoming to the family my sister’s fiancé. This compilation of family and friends was unbelievably peaceful and gratifying. Everything turned out perfectly and it truly issued a new chapter in my fulfilling future.

As the Birds Leave the Nest Another Comes Home to Flock

2010-04-24T00:54:00.003-04:00

My wife has been carrying our second child since the middle of August, and this weekend she will be induced, his name will be Evan Jacob. For both of us it feels like much longer than that, more so for her I am sure. Not long after our first child was born she was pregnant with child number two, which seems to blur together both pregnancies. This weekend will begin a new chapter in our life; by far the most interesting and exciting one yet. Our first son, Ian James, is truly amazing. There is no question that he is a spitting image of me and I could not be more proud of how quickly he is growing up. Much like when we had our first child, I cannot even begin to imagine what our second son will look like, how he will behave, and how he will interact with all of us especially Ian. Watching my son grow up, even though he is still very young is so remarkable. His confidence and independence is continually improving, while this is absolutely trying at times, I do my best to enable him.

Much like watching my small young family grow and enter into a new chapter, my second family, those I train will be leaving the nest for their first solo flight for the next two weeks. With each of them adapting to their new environment they have all changed much in the first few months. This environment I have created is hostile, aggravating, and at times on the verge of self destruction. However, just before the culmination of the foreseeable implosion it seems that the loyalty, community, and good ole brotherly love swoops in to save the day. When one of the athletes is struggling to achieve their final squat, sit up, or push up, from off in the distance a fellow athlete will cheer them on, to push forth and finish the final rep. Seeing this act of commeraderity as a coach is so inspiring for me as a father. Witnessing good blossom out of a society like this makes the upbringing of a young family that much more hopeful.

I am sure in my absence there will be trials and tribulations; however, I am positive that some will step up to lead the pack, cheering on their companions as they make it through the dog fight of the day, only to return the following day faster, stronger, and with more mental fortitude. I foresee the same success for both my family and my athletes as they enter into the next chapter of their existence.

Wish me luck!

Reluctant Fitness Training

2010-04-22T20:48:00.005-04:00

I have been nearly obsessed with overall fitness since I discovered how quickly I became old and decrepit with a sedentary lifestyle. Shortly after starting my desk job I saw an extra 45 pounds and a series of joint problems to go with it. I went to the traditional body building routine; where my upper body, mid-section, and lower body all resembled different people. With my new found "fitness" level, I had the urge to compete in some way, so I began attending an excellent local judo dojo. With in three months I had placed second in a tournament and dislocated my patella. The tournament was the hardest physical thing I had ever done in my life, this coupled with my knee injury (obviously from a dramatic physical imbalance) showed me how unbelievably out of shape I truly was. I began searching for a different method of training. I discovered it like many people do, with a simple search on functional fitness and viola, crossfit. I spent the next couple months researching, obsessing, and experimenting with everything crossfit. I didn't completely buy in to it until I tried a WOD (workout of the day).

Before this becomes an ode to crossfit, I will allow you all to fast forward to today. Almost 1 year later, 45 pounds lighter, and a whole lot stronger and faster, I am turning to my re-occuring true passion to teach. At work on my lunch hour I have gathered a group of initially reluctant co-workers to allow me to train them. This has been a struggle on occasion, but most importantly a blessing. I truly enjoy the impact 30 min a day can make on the lives of those who are willing to step out of their comfort zone. Of the group, those athletes that do the best are the ones who have a slightly competitive streak coupled with a team mentality. Those that havent bought into the ideas I teach are using it as a "better than nothing" and "only what I am comfortable with" way to approach looking better. Even the most reluctant cant help but see results. And the most inspiring occurance as of yet is seeing my students spread the word to other reluctant individuals. When I first began my journey of achieving fitness I spoke to the masses about this thing called crossfit, performed unfamiliar moves in a crowded company provided gym, and attempted to find someone to join me in my endeavor. All the while looking like an overly energetic and naive kid in the eyes of a workforce littered with tired, drained, and most dramatically stuborn individuals. To have built a small team of these people, who have left their sedentary and maybe slightly ignorant lifestyles behind, and are now focused on not only improving their level of fitness but also dragging their fellow teammates along with them truly gives me the feeling of empowerment. Having built a successful, yet small community, of fitness fanatics (all over the age of 45) has given me the motivation and morale to continue my quest to spread my knowledge of fitness to those interested in partaking. Which has led me to my latest venture, blogging.... something I never thought I would venture to do.

Welcome to my blog

2010-04-22T19:29:00.000-04:00

As a "young" adult who has entered into the corporate world, I have found myself wanting more out of life. My wonderful wife and young family in the making fulfills my desires in a way that many new parents understand. However, I believe there is more to the supposed mediocre rat race then most realize. The constant battle to stay afloat is truly a journey or mission that makes us who we are and how we will be remembered. While I continue my journey I would like to document and describe the cause and effects of the decisions I make throughout my life.

Thank you for visiting Mastroj's Mission