I believe in the iron. The front squat. The power clean and the push jerk.
I believe that you should back squat in both the high bar and the low bar positions to achieve different goals.
I believe that the writing of most fitness magazines is oversold, unproven, self-indulgent crap.
I believe in no gloves, some chalk, and triple extension as the only path to salvation on the platform. I believe that a full squat clean is a thing of beauty. I believe that yelling in the gym is not only a good thing, but that everyone should do it — in triumph as well as defeat: It’s proof that we’re alive.
I believe in good bars, tight collars, and lowering the bar to the ground in a deadlift, not dropping it from the waist.
I believe in CrossFit. I believe in me. And I believe in you.
(Text by Lisbeth Darsh/www.crossfitwatertown.com, with gratitude to “Bull Durham” for the inspiration.)















October 22nd, 2009 at 8:42 am
I believe in CFW
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 am
Oh and I also think Lis believes in taking pictures of your PR bar BEFORE you lift. Now that’s confidence!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:50 am
That was the cleaned up version by Crash Darsh
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
I believe that K must be in class this morning.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
I believe that David must be working.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 am
I believe that Jen is working too.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:13 am
I believe that two of those three people are not wearing underwear.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I believe that Chris is sleeping because he stayed up until 5am playing some kind of game on the Internet.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:14 am
I don’t know about his underwear.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
I believe Jill is probably near a big pool of water.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
I believe Rockstar is saying: “What???? No photo of me on the blog again?”
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
really?
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
I believe this is my 9th post.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 am
Drats! Foiled again!
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:17 am
I believe I have to now assume my role in Driving Miss Daisy. Later!
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:20 am
I believe there may be some yelling at the barbell tonight…
Love the post! Needed some good inspiration!
Anyone know of any good bars in the goshen, litchfield, torrington area?
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
Becky – when Lis said “I believe in good bars…” I don’t think she was talking about those types of bars. Or maybe she was?
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:37 am
Love it, Lis!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:38 am
I am working.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
Good stuff. I check in now and again after the cert. Always inspiring. Lis, did you ever post the pics from the Level 1? Hope all is well
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:20 am
Becky, there are no good bars in Torrington.
AJs steak and pizza is a decent bar in Goshen, and their food is pretty good.
Litchfield has a couple supposedly, “@ the green” and maybe bohemian pizza?
Torrington is basically left with Cambridge brew pub (overly crowded and often obnoxious), Bogey’s, and P. Sams, conveniently located within a 2 min walk from my current residence.
Of course, I rarely go.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:24 am
It’s a liittle out of the way, but the G.W. Tavern in Washington Depot is worth checking out.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
Words to live by…although the bar gave me quite a beating this morning…you guys are gonna LOVE todays WOD!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
oh and in an unrelated topic…made some paleo pumpkin muffins…can’t stop eating them they are soooo good!
1 1/2 C almond flour
3/4 C canned pumpkin
3 eggs
1tsp B Powder
1tsp B Soda
1/2tsp cinnamon
1 1/2tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 C maple syrup
1/8tsp salt
350 for 25-30 min
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:36 am
5k trail run in Norwalk on Nov. 15.
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1757984&assetId=5C906637-58E8-4FFB-AB69-2D74D6BB5540
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
I believe in your article. I believe that is simple applicable to our fellow physical fitness health and activity. I truly believe what you believed.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:45 am
In no particular order:
1.) The photos (hopefully) will be uploaded soon. Nate and I are installing (okay, Nate) a new image loader on the blog (and building a new website) and hopefully we get that going within the next week. (Thanks, Nate!)
2.) @The Green in Litchfield is pretty good. Like the bar better than the dining room.
3.) I was talking about Oly bars, but I like the way Becky thinks! I believe we might have to expand this “I Believe” game into a drinking topic.
4.) I believe Matt knows far more about beer than he lets on.
October 22nd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I believe in CF
I believe I love the iron and platform
I believe in me & you.
I believe in too much coffee!!!
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I believe that beer is paleo.
I believe that Becky should check out 3W in Litchfield.
I believe most things happen for a reason. I also believe there are things out of my control. I believe I can be too hard on myself. I believe that CF has made me stronger and in better shape than I’ve ever been. I believe we have GREAT coaches at CFW. I believe we have a GREAT community at CFW.
October 22nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I believe I was working this morning lol
I believe I’m not wearing underwear,
I believe my I must get to VT to see my lil man off to SC….
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I believe beer is a truthteller. If you’re full of love, the hops will reveal. So too if your heart is dark.
I believe that Sue is reading this and thinking of what she believes, but might never tell us.
I believe that an ice cold Miller Lite isn’t as bad of a beer as everybody makes it out to be.
I believe that you can spare the rod without spoiling the child.
I believe that you cannot ever put your Lululemon pants in the dryer or they will lose their magic powers.
I believe that if you’re a CrossFit hater and you’re spending your time reading my blog, then you really need to get a life, give up the porn, and move out of your mother’s basement.
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I believe that the chicken kabob I had for lunch should’ve been a lot tastier than it was
I believe that if I don’t find a consistent way to get to cfw I am going to be a miserable being (and that my ass wont fit through the door)
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I believe that its never too late to be who you might have been.
I believe that we totally underestimate how important physical strength is.
I believe in love…i just can’t seem to find it. Where the hell is it hiding???
I bleieve that the clean and jerk and the snatch are the two most intelligent lifts out there.
I believe that I have to keep challenging myself physically and mentally. That’s why I keep signing up for 5k’s and such.
I believe that teaching is the greatest gig on the planet.
I believe that the word family doesn’t mean only those related to us by blood.
I believe that James Frey is the best writer out there today.
I believe that Becky and Barry are the funniest couple that I’ve ever met.
I believe that we got totally ripped off this summer…TOO MUCH RAIN!
I believe that my music, although uncharacteristic for me, makes for a better workout.
I believe that some day soon I will be able to bang out pull-ups. Real pull-ups.
I believe that its better to be an optimist than a pessimist.
I believe that Lis Darsh is an incredible woman and a great friend.
I bleieve that I’ve taken up enough space and I need to shut up now.
I bleieve I’ll see you all later tonight!
I believe I’m done!
October 22nd, 2009 at 2:51 pm
I believe that I have an outstanding partner, who makes me feel loved and drives me F*^&* nuts!
I Believe that moving here was a great move, this town needs a little taste of Jen Conlin!
I believe that Crossfit has changed me in deeper ways then being fit.
I believe that Crossfit Saved my life, that if I had been weak when I got sick this past year my chances at making it through were much, much less.
I believe that I miss my friends back in DC but that I have made friends here that I love very much!
I believe that I have traveled a not so easy road at some points in my life but that by believing in myself has gotten me passed the bad shit.
I believe the being naked is crazy fun and drinking makes it even more fun!
I believe in laughing at myself and laughing at people who make fun of other people.
I believe in flipping people off and calling them Ding dongs!
I believe that acting like a kid keeps me real!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I believe in everything that’s been already written.
I believe that one day I will move to the OBX and open a pet wash for all dogs to leave their ’stank at the bank’.
Thank you CFW for making me stronger both physically and mentally!
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I have a few to add.
I believe in the cliche “If I can do it, anyone can.” Subjectivity is a fascinating thing sometimes.
I believe that the human body is more capable and adaptable than most Americans could ever imagine. People should put down the Crestor and pick up the barbell if they want their health problems to go away.
I believe that a person’s EQ is more important than their IQ.
I truly believe that good things come to those who wait.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I believe in all of you…
I believe that Lis was right in her thoughts about me..
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I believe….
… that crossfit isn’t for everyone
…that perserverence pays off
…that 100% effort in a DFL is one of life’s greatest inspirations
…that nothing is impossible
…that if you are not willing to trust (LISTEN TO) your coach, QUIT
…that ripped palms are sexy
….in penalizing yourself
….that it is easier to do crossfit than it is to explain it
….what you put in your body shows in your workouts
….you get out of crossfit what you put into it
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I believe that some days just suck until you read the CFW blog or go to CFW. Many bad moods and problems have been lifted from my shoulder while lifting weight and sucking wind next to you fine people.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Hey Lis, you should send your post to “This I believe”
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
I believe I better get to be so I can be ready for the 6 am tomorrow. That means I wake up early enough to grab an XL DD coffee on the way.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
The new look is live! Fancy!
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I believe I love Nate for making our new sexy blog. Thank you, Nate.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
And I believe I am up way too late to make it to the 6am tomorrow. Sorry guys!
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:43 am
New site looks great N8 and Lis
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:55 am
WOW!!! I believe the new site is fantastic
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:18 am
I believe Cross Fit is here to stay & globo gyms will have to go.
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I believe human potential is limitless.
I believe we can always be better.
I believe the institution comes before the individual.
I believe in the power of the written word.
I believe wealth is the byproduct of passion.
I believe every problem is a test.
I believe in personal responsibility.
I believe in intensity.
I believe character can be taught.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Thanks, Jon.