Blue Collar Athlete

Is the CrossFit Open for me?

The aftermath of CrossFit Open Workout 12.1 Why in the hell should I sign up for the 2016 CrossFit Open? That is a great question, and there are many, many different answers out there depending on whom you ask. For instance, if you look at the holy source of all things CrossFit, games.crossfit.com, then you will hear buzz words like “global community” and others aimed at trying to get you to…

240 420 I’m not sure if it was the powerlifting competition, or the fact that weightlifting has been taking its toll on my knees and wrist, but tonight I said fuck it and hit a deadlift with my lady. It was my first time deadlifting in about 18 months and her first time ever. I hit a 5 lb PR and she absolutely crushed 240. Best Valentine a man could ask for.   

I haven’t even submitted a query letter and I’m afraid of rejection. Hell, I haven’t even finished the novel and I’m already hesitant because I think I will get shut down. What is it about submitting your work to someone who is paid to criticize it that makes us all uneasy? Will I be afraid to submit it when the time comes? Absolutely not. I’m a clutch type of person who thrives in the heat of…

Writing for a living?

I had never even considered writing for a living up until about 3 months ago. I have always made my money with my hands, not my mind. What business have I making a living as a writer? I think my short stories have merit, and my little scribbles to my girlfriend are usually spot on, but who would want to read what I write? I’m just a welder with an ego. I’m an arrogant, know-it-all railcar…

https://videopress.com/embed/Jp9nY8sM?hd=0&autoPlay=0&permalink=0&loop=0 A lot of my posts lately have been about writing, and I think that is a good thing, but being an athlete is still one of my biggest passions. I’ve been struggling with some pretty obnoxious injuries the last few months, and they are all converging to create a decent amount of pain when I lift. Last night was one of those…

Some people accuse my writing of being dark. I get that. I have always considered myself as realistic with a possibility of light skepticism. During my day I am generally upbeat and encouraging to those around me. I want the best for most people in my immediate life and I try to help them achieve that whenever I can. Sometimes, though, my mind does wander off to a darker place. I prefer to think…

A couple of years ago I wrote a short story. My mother, who is obviously my biggest fan, told me that I should enter a Writer’s Digest short story competition. Around 90 minutes later, I had written my first piece of work. I had never written a short story before, and I haven’t written one since. I’m sure my story didn’t make it past the first round of judging, but it is still something I am…

Here’s to slowing down long enough to remember why we do the things that we do.

There are certain things in life that weigh on my mind that even the gym won’t cure. Sometimes the weight of the barbell doesn’t outweigh what’s already on my shoulders, and when those days come around, I try my best to write about it. This is an example of one of those days. I stop and turn around. Looking back I can see memories in the distance. I can see the recent hills and curves that have…

My name is Greg Colding. I am 32 years old, and have had dirt under my fingernails since I can remember. There is something romantic, to me, about the satisfaction of a hard day’s work. I believe that work ethic doesn’t stop when the whistle blows. I think that work ethic is something that follows us outside the door of our workplaces and into our daily lives. I am a welder by trade, but when I…