Strength Coach Dan John has a great line that he often shares.
It is something that was passed on to him from one of his mentors many years ago on the football field.
When talking about fellow gridiron warriors, they would comment: “Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.”
This is a great way to sum up the strong versus tough discussion.
There are lots of muscle-bound men and women striding around the local gyms and beaches.
They are physically beautiful and a joy to look at!
There are also tons of men and women tossing around ridiculous amounts of iron in the weight room.
Last week, a good friend somewhat casually deadlifted an Olympic bar with four 45LB plates on each side...for multiple reps.
That’s 405 pounds - more than double his body weight!
And those numbers are pedestrian when compared to the true power and Olympic lifters that train for years and compete at the highest levels.
But are they tough?
Can they withstand adverse conditions?
Are they mentally and physically able to endure hardship or discomfort for extended periods of time?
Maybe.
This winter the Mighty Oak gym had a visit from longtime friend John.
John was in the final stages of Navy SEAL training - which he recently graduated from this May - CONGRATULATIONS ON EARNING THE TRIDENT!
Since he was 13 years old, John had talked about how he was going to become a Navy SEAL.
His parents, a successful doctor and business woman, insisted he complete college before joining the Navy.
While this was not John’s plan, he summoned the mental toughness required to complete a bachelors degree at a top state college - in four years! - and honor his parents request.
After graduation, John immediately enlisted in the United States Navy.
He overcame the counterintuitive challenges of being an older, successful, established young man and was able to humble himself and start at the bottom.
John always started with the end in mind and continued to work towards his goal of becoming a Navy SEAL.
Countless obstacles popped up and tried to deter him from accomplishing the mission.
Many other SEAL candidates let the dream go because they lacked the mental and physical fortitude to to persevere when situations were far from ideal, or the pain and suffering became too much to bare.
Not John.
He kept moving forward.
John kept making progress.
John remained strong and tough even when he wanted to quit, and never rang the bell.
This toughness was on display when John came to work out at Mighty Oak Athletic.
It was a brutally cold day in the suburbs of Chicago.
Maybe 5-10 degrees without the infamous wind chill.
Mighty Oak training is done in an open, unheated garage gym, as well as outside in the elements.
John came ready to go in a simple pair of boots, Levi’s, gloves, hat, and a Carhart jacket.
No long underwear.
No multiple layers.
And certainly no electric hand, foot, or coat warmers!
John went through numerous rounds of pull ups, push ups, barbell squats, deadlifts, kettlebell swings, farmers walks, and med ball tosses.
He never once showed any signs of discomfort or displeasure.
He simply did the work, shared stories from BUDs, and enjoyed the training.
It was impressive to watch John handle the day.
There is a reason he is a Navy SEAL.
It’s not because he is bigger, faster, or stronger than the rest of the candidates making their way through BUDs.
Actually, the opposite is probably true!
What John has, however, is toughness.
When tasks become challenging; when situations are FUBAR; when the pain is unbearable; John gets the job done.
No complaining.
No excuses.
Just hard work until the mission is complete.
It’s knowing that guys like John are out there keeping watch that allows the mere mortals to sleep soundly at night.
Thank you to John and all of the service men and women that have sacrificed to keep America safe and secure.
This Memorial Day, before the beers and BBQ, take some time to endure discomfort and toughen up as a way to show appreciation for those that serve this country.
Train outdoors in the elements.
Push past the point where it feels like time to quit - do one more rep.
Run an extra 1/4 mile.
Finish a task that feels unbearable.
Toughen up.
That’s what John would do!
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