21 Things That Make Life Awesome
1. Cold filtered water with fruit, vegetables, or mint.
Tastes delicious, like drinking liquid summer. Suggestions: orange, lemon, lime, strawberry, cucumber, spearmint, peppermint.
2. Riding bikes
I recently bought a single speed road bike, my first one since I was 12 years old. Now I only use my car for major errands like grocery shopping or for getting to anything that’s more than three miles away.
3. Eating copious amounts of carbs twice per week
I guess you could say I’m in a “muscle-building phase” but I’m really just enjoying the physique benefits of cycling my carbs.
I don’t measure how many grams or calories I take in. Instead, I just eat a ton of added carbs on Tuesdays and Saturdays (my hardest workout days) and stick to mostly meat and veggies every other day.
My favorite carb sources: pasta, thin-crust pizza, organic ice cream, and gourmet burgers.
4. Pina Colada protein shake
Tastes so good you almost want to add rum. (That's a good post-workout supplement, right?)
From the Gourmet Nutrition cookbook:
1/2 cup pineapple
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 scoops vanilla protein
1 cup chilled green tea
1/2 cup ice
5. The Superhero Workout
My friends Roman and Matt — lifelong comic book nerds — designed the perfect summer workout program. In the spirit of Captain America, Thor, and the Green Lantern, they came up with the Superhero Workout, 12 weeks of hard workouts to help build the “superhero” body.
Perfect to do after my Hero Workout or on its own. (No cape required.)
6. Watching crazy thunderstorms
Spectator sport or action sport? Well, it depends on what you want to do. As a kid in Texas I used to run out of my garage and try to pick up hail stones before I got knocked out. Now I prefer to watch storms from my window.
I even wrote a poem about it:
Raindrops the size of quarters. The smell of the wet air. Trees that look like broccoli florets blowing branches everywhere.
I hope I don't get hit by hail.
Thank you, thank you.
7. Incline treadmill sprints
On a recent trip to Toronto to hang out with the infamous John Berardi, he introduced me to his favorite version of “cardio".
Here’s the protocol we followed:
2 minute walk at a brisk pace
15 second sprint at 8 miles per hour and 12% incline
15 seconds rest (standing on the sides of the treadmill)
Repeat 10 times
2 minute walk at brisk pace as a cool-down
Be warned: the first few sprints feel very easy. But after number seven, you’ll be ready to give up or throw up. Whichever comes first.
8. Pappy Van Winkle bourbon
Smooth and sweet. The best bourbon I’ve tasted.
9. Concerts
This is the first summer where I’ve gone out of my way to see more live music. I love it. Here’s who I’ve seen so far:
The Head and the Heart. Iron and Wine. Ray LaMontagne.
Next up is Bon Iver and maybe a hip-hop show if I can find a decent one.
10. Meals with friends.
It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking or going out — hanging out with friends over a good meal is one of the biggest indicators of happiness levels worldwide. I try to meet up with everyone at least once per week.
11. Morgan Spurlock’s “30 Days” show on Netflix
The same guy who did “Supersize Me” created a show a few years back where people spend 30 days immersing themselves in a lifestyle with which they are unfamiliar (e.g. working for minimum wage, a Christian living as a Muslim, a straight guy living with a gay roommate, etc.) while discussing social issues.
It’s entertaining and informative with little twinges of second-hand embarrassment.
12. Precision Nutrition
It’s been roughly a year since I started working with Precision Nutrition and I can’t be happier. We reach thousands of people every day and help to change their bodies and lives.
This is the greatest group of people in the fitness industry, period.
13. The Devil in the White City and In the Garden of Beasts
Two phenomenal books written by author Erik Larson
14. Getting up at the same time every morning
Yep, even on the weekends.
15. My morning routine
Tea, stretch, breakfast, work for two hours before checking anything on the Internet.
16. Tom’s shoes
They look like ninja shoes but they’re damn comfortable. I own three pair.
17. Reading my little brother’s articles
He is the next great sportswriter. (Of course, I’m biased.) 20 years old and over 30 articles published. Damn, kid. Keep going.
18. Supporting my local shops
95% of my dollars go local grocery stores, farmers, breweries, restaurants, and clothing stores. I only go to Target or Amazon if I absolutely must.
19. Cooking dinner with my girlfriend
A glass of wine. A towel thrown over a shoulder. Great conversation and trying new recipes.
Who cares if we burn the chicken? There’s always next time.
20. Frisbee
Yes, frisbee. Cheap, portable, and with five minutes of practice, anyone can throw it level.
21. You guys
It’s been over 5 years since I was first published online, and I’m still amazed and grateful that people come to my blog and read what I have to say.
Thank you so much for being here. It means the world to me.
Your turn.
What things are making YOUR life awesome right now?
Comments for This Entry
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awsome post Nate, the simplicity of your blogs and personel insight makes for an interesting read as always, keep em coming!
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Another bad ass post bro! # 2 and #15 are AWESOME. I live in Long Beach NY, and youd have to be really lazy to not want to bike it around town. Especially with a 4.5 mile boardwalk on the beach, do that a few times in the sun. Nothing better. I actually got #15 from the handbook. It really helps with keeping my day in line. Great stuff dude.
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Late night bike rides, green tea and sun, afternoon workouts while everyone is at work, breezt summer evenings, waking up before the rest of the city...
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This post reads a lot like a Myspace profile. Thanks, Nate!
Is that a good thing? Because it doesn't sound like it. :)
Nate Green
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hey Nate -
enjoy the site & your attitude is awesome
here are a couple of things from an old dude...
riding my road bike on a real road (vs. all the hours I am stuck on an indoor trainer in my hooch on Iraq)
riding my road bike in my hooch until I can't go anymore
eating ice cream on Sundays
adrenaline - no matter how old you are it is still GOOD...
that first cold beer after not having a beer for 4 months (almost as good as the adrenaline) -
Three recent ones:
Artisana almond butter, pecan butter and macadamia-cashew butter. I'd like to say I use it in something cool but I mix a bunch of it together with coconut oil and eat it with a spoon.
The new albums from Seether and Sublime and my little Skullcandy ipod dock that is currently serving as my alarm clock.
My bicycle. It's rusted to oblivion, if you apply the brakes they lock down for about 400 yards and it has a blow out kit (not the kind for tires) strapped to the handlebars courtesy of one of the previous owners. But for some reason, it's just fun to weave in and out of stuff.
Something that's been on my mind lately, and that this post somewhat highlighted for me, is that some of the most powerful things we could do to impact the quality and length of our lives are also so close and simple that we barely think of them.
Dinners with friends, riding a bike around on a summer day, having a long conversation without checking your text messages and really enjoying a glass of bourbon are the sort of things that can actually be traced down to major benefits on longevity, well managed stress responses and healthy, low anxiety levels.
Follow the effect of that on one's health and, evidenced at least partially by glucocorticoid levels and HPA function, you'll see benefits manifested in everything from insulin sensitivity to neuroplasticity within the hippocampus.
People love how-to articles and divulging in all sorts of self improvement minutia. On some level though, most of us know that the really important stuff is also the most simple. But how many of us actually put conscious effort into getting better at, and appreciating, those simple things?
P.S. I'm confused by your anti-spam question because I don't know how big the rock is.How did you get so smart, Craig? Books? I need to read those books. Any recommendations?
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Hey Nate - Nice way to reduce the carbon footprint and support/buy local! We should all do it more!
2 Qs: How different is the "Super" vs "Original" flavor of the Hero workout (im only on 3rd month of the Hero? Does it repeat a lot of yours, or continue where yours leaves off after 4th month? Funny how you even inspire "Villains" to turn into "Heros"
Also - did you attend the big trainers conference in the LBC last month? Hoping one of your posts will share what you learned or who you met with!Hey Tom,
Long Beach hasn't happened yet -- I'll be at the Perform Better Summit in late August.
Also, the Superhero Workout was designed by Matt and Roman. So, its a stand-alone product. I just happen to think it works well for after the Hero Workout. -
Nate, I just love your e-book The Hero Handbook, need to read it again. I am also loving my new workout for the Xbox: UFC Trainer, keeping me on track.
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22 things. You forgot MOMS!
22. Having my mom comment on my blog posts.
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Great blog, great post, awesome taste in music....and I feel like a lot of the things on this list are summer related. With that being said, I think gardening should be added to the list.
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Nate
Awesome post man...awesome... -
-Growing my own herbs/tomatoes on a tiny balcony. It's so rewarding to look after them and watch them grow and when cooking go and cut off some herbs and cook with them. Can't get fresher than that.
-A good book.
-Being creative by taking photos with my iphone to counterbalance a completely uncreative mundane desk job.
-Getting caught in the rain while everyone else waits under cover ;) -
I'd have to say the Kindle ebook reader made my life pretty awesome.
However with the current heat wave, an air conditioner would be pretty awesome too lol -
Living within my planned budget,
Taking control of my investments,
Reading "UnMarketing" by Scott Stratten,
Reading "Reasonable Faith" by Dr. William Lane Craig,
Being available for my aging folks,
Enjoying the fantastic NH summer weather after a long Winter and miserable Spring,
Working hard for what I want and being thankful for what I have,
Protein pancakes on Sat morning with wild blueberries, peanut butter and raw honey.
. . . and of course the NGE. :-) -
1. The tap-water here in Leominster, MA.
It aint too bad. Actually, I think it tastes better than bottled water.
2. Being an ectomorph.
I eat copious amounts of food throughout the day everyday. The amount of calories that would make the average person fat are what I need just to maintain. Never-mind gain muscle mass.
3. Doing my conditioning by running sprints on the trails through the forests that I grew up playing in.
Makes me feel like a kid again.
4. Shaving my head.
Baldness is not an option, but bald is.
5. Ground beef.
My favorite thing to cook with because there's so many things you can do with it: meatloaf, meat-balls, chili ect. In the summertime I usually grill burgers outside. But I really want to try to make the wellington from Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. (have you tried that recipe?)
6. Wal-Mart...
Sorry. Most of my money goes to the evil and faceless corporation. One was built a-stone's-throw away from where I live and I just can't resist. Even after reading Nickel & Dimed by Barbara Erhenreich.
7. The Devil in the White City
That IS a great book with painstaking attention to detail. I'll have to check out In the Garden of Beasts.
8. Getting up at the same time every morning. Even on weekends.
Okay, honestly I don't do that. But, after reading this blog I'm going to try. What's the trick? Not going out on Saturday night?
9. Nate Green.
Built for Show was the best $20 I ever spent. I learned a lot during my year following that program (Fall 09' to Summer 10') and I'll continue to read this blog as long as you write it!I feel like getting up at the same time every morning keeps me in more of a "rhythm" and leads to restful sleep and no grogginess. It's not something I can do every week, but I do try most of the time. Then again, I'm not much of a party-all-night guy. I've been known to be in bed and reading by 11PM on Saturday night. Doesn't bother me, though. :)
Thanks for the compliments, too. I'm glad you liked BFS. -
Hey Nate,
Great post as usual. The reason why people are still coming to your site after 5 years of being online is that you give a lot. Your blog is informative, inspiring and uplifting, and that will never go out of style. Thanks a lot! -
Good job Nate re posted this for the people
STAY VIGOROUS!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS -
Being single and moving from the burbs to downtown Toronto...booyah
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Nate's Mom +1000
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Thanks Nate, great post as usual.
I just bought a 1989 Bianchi road bike and have been biking everywhere. Every once in a while I bike to work which takes 45 to an hour... totally worth it, I'm way more productive at work when I do. Totally agree with Tom's, greatest shoes I will wear, sometimes I wear them with a suit and see if anyone notices. You should check out his sunglasses. If you like bourbon you should check out Templeton Rye, Iowan whiskey. -
3 miles on a bike? I find that 6-7 miles one way is my range of commuting on a bicycle. Slacker! (In all seriousness keep up the good work. Bicycles are way cool.)
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Truth to tell? You are making my life awesome right now, Nate Green. And thanks.
You and a few other things:
- My wife, who's lost 20 pounds and is looking awesome. Thanks in large part to "Built for Show", a lot of hard work, and a virtually complete lifestyle readjustment.
- My daughter doing a grant funded research project at university this summer AS A FRAKKIN' FRESHMAN!!! Completely out geeking her geek parents.
- My daughter working her first table waiting restaurant job this summer.
- Kelly Traver's "The Program"
- Two shots of Aerobie Aeropress espresso of a morning. Cannot say enough about this piece of equipment.
- My dad who's a five year survivor of pancreatic cancer.
- My mom who deals with chronic pain every blinkin' day.
- My surrogate "daughter" who's visiting this evening.
- My friend Kim and her kids who visited this last weekend and I'm still rocked.
- My brother and his family, through whom I live a life of vicarious world travel.
- My friends who trust me to help them with their lives on any level from building a book case, moving a sofa, to helping them through life's little crises.
- Nate Green's "Hero Workout" and "Hero Handbook". Next to Kelly Traver and Tim Ferriss, one awesome life style coach.
- My wife getting her financial house in order so I can sleep consistently well for the first time in a decade.
- A job, a nice house, reliable cars, savings.Excellent list! Props to your wife for dropping the weight (and props to you for helping).
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Glad to hear your summer is rockin! It's as hot as mofo down here in North Carolina... although I enjoyed a nice cool weekend up in the Asheville, NC mountains. As far as live music I checked out an Alice In Chains and Nirvana tribute band. I knew the guitar player in AIC and they are pretty tight... the Nirvana band was tired as they drove from Chicago. Still great times though!
Keep at it Nate! -
Nate,
Thanks for the post. I've been meaning to get a bike in the near future and this might inspire me to do just that.
Things rocking my summer:
-Final Phase Fat Loss; I bought this program on your reccommendation. I am only three workouts in to it but I love the variety. Density training was today and it was by far the most exhausting so far, and I am excited for tomorrow's Strength training.
-Slow carb diet; I have been training consistently for about two years now, but still not satisfied with my rate of fat loss, I decided to try this diet from the 4 Hour Body. I am very happy with the results: I have dropped from 220 lbs/size 36/20% bodyfat to 193 lbs/size 32/16.5% bodyfat. The goal is to reach 10% bodyfat by the end of this summer: my weight is irrelevant as long as I reach this percentage.
-Cold showers; another idea inspired by Tim Ferriss to speed up fat loss. I start with hot water to rinse and wet hair/face, step out of range to soap/shampoo up, and then turn the water all the way to cold to rinse. The first one sucked, but now it is a somewhat refreshing wakeup call (especially after a tough workout!). Taking cold showers makes me feel like a badass.
-My girlfriend; as a former committment-phobe, my record relationship before this one was about 5 months. Now we have been together for a year and I will be proposing in the near future. She was also a used-to-be-committment phobe, and neither one of us thought of us as the "marriage type" before each other: funny how things work out, huh?
-Cheat days. For lunch last week on my cheat day I had a 7 inch steak sub, fries, a corn dog, a large oreo shake, nuts, and a Coke... then I napped hard for an hour and ate a similarly-huge dinner a few hours later. Love it.
-Super 8; best movie I have seen in at least a year. I had to go twice. -
--my brother's kids...they are the most interesting & hilarious people I know: the best show around...AND I get to give them back when they get cranky
--a true Olympic sized pool...those health club pools only let you get in 10 strokes at best before you gotta flip around and do it again, but I swim outdoors at the local college 50m pool and it let's you really stretch out and swim...plus there's a refreshing lack of teenagers cannonballing into my lap lane
--greek yogurt w/ fresh summer peaches...after my workout it's like a gift from Mt Olympus
--the ocean...it's worth the drive...every time
--outdoor movies...I'm lucky enough to have a real drive-in theater near my house...but these days most towns set up some kind of outdoor summer movies series...it doesn't even matter what's playing; I'll see "Daddy Day Care" as long as it's under the stars
--state parks...some one takes the time to clear those trails so we suburbanites and city folk can get "lost" in the woods without actually getting lost...I don't mind my tax dollars going to anything that encourages a walk (or run) in the woods
--my church...most people I know have strong agnostic or atheistic ideas, some have even been emotionally damaged by church folk, but philosophical arguments and bad apples aside...there is nowhere else I'd rather be on a Sunday morning...grace is the best thing going in the whole universe
--and I'll echo everyone else in saying a big thanks for your blog...it's helped keep me motivated and I appreciate your gift for writing about fitness in a winsome and down-to-earth way...all the best to you, Nate! -
Thanks Nate. awesome things ... small of a woman's back, hanging curve balls, high fiber, good scotch, the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas eve... long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days. o my'
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Its awesome that I passed all my level 2 fitness industry exams. soon enough I'll (finally) be a PT / SC coach!
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There are many of things that make life awesome. Lately some of those things include:
- The Hero Hanbook (this is not a buttkiss) I really enjoy this and I am trying to implement a number your ideas into my own life. Its full of great advise! Thank You.
- Paleolithic Diet - I have recently adopted a paleo type diet into my lifestyle. Books such as The Four Hour Body by Tim Ferriss and The Primal Blueprint by Mark Sisson have helped me develop different eating habits, which were not that bad to begin with, but have led to a change in the way I look at food, and many other things.
- Documentaries - I have been watching so many documentaries lately, its ridiculous. From a very broad range of subjects. Many of them are about food, sustainability of the planet, corporations and money. It a very long list, but to name a few: The Future of Food, Food Matters, Fresh, Vanishing of the Bees, Zeitgiest, and many others. I think everyone should watch documentaries like these. Not everyone will agree with them, but it is defiantly interesting stuff.
- Sweating - Its feels great to work hard. Lifting, Running, Biking, kicking the shit out of a heavy bag, whatever gets the heart pumping.
- Kiss my Face - This is a company who makes things like toothpaste, soap, shampoo and other things which are free of hash chemicals like those you mentioned in your last blog. Honestly, after reading that, and exploring other articles on the subject, I have completely changed almost everything I normally use on a daily bases.
- Reading - I have been trying to read so much lately. I am going to have to read a book on reading faster, just so I can fit in more reading. O.o
The list is endless really. You really do great work, I admire your opinions, and I look forward to reading your blogs.
Thank You. -
Nate,
Great post today. Always great to gather ideas on how others are spending thier time for fun.
As for me I have to say that travel and breaking comfort barriers has been two things new that have been making my summer awsome. I have made it a point that at least two weekends a month I go ahead and get out of dodge. Weather I see old teammates, see a girlfriend or just do a family trip I make sure I just leave and experience something new. Have a friend who rips on me for all my travels and in return I rip on him for all the useless crap he buys and is still miserable haha.
I have been making it a point that me and my buddies go and try something new on the weekends as well. I have forced them into trying new bars not in our city and have been having a great time. I also planned a trip to Put-n-Bay, OH that we all went on and had a blast. I also have to say that thanks to the Hero Workout I was the easily the most cut up and good looking of all my buddies at the pool and it payed off. THANKS!
P.S. My cousin purchased the hero workout a few months after me and he is starting to look great. However he hates the renegade push-ups. He calls them F U Nate push-ups haha.I hope that push-up name catches on...
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5 things that make my life awesome:
1. Knowing what I want from life (I have your hero handbook to thank for that)
2. Watching my body transform
3. Having "alone" time to read and pamper my inner geek
4. Being polite to people
5. Investing my best effort into my job -
Keith Jarrett, and more Keith Jarrett. Currently listening to the Sun Bear concerts, Staircase, My Song, and Vienna. The best musician to ever exist in humanity's history.
If you do not know this man, look at him on YouTube, the entire Osaka concert from sun bear is on there. He will change your life.I'm listening to Osaka Part 1 Section 1 right now. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Your mom's post made me laugh. :-)
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hey Nate,
try Wathens bourbon...you won't regret it!
http://www.wathens.com/ -
My precision Nutrition binder arrived today. Already impressed. Your blog is awesome btw.
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"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong in the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too but there will be no special hurry."
-- Ernest Hemingway -
as i was reminded this morning a good shit is also truly awesome, when my mind and body is constipated and backed up a good poop gives me clarity.
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Getting up at the crack of dawn to swim in a cold, relaxing pond.
I've really gotten into swimming because it's an excellent way to recover and leads to a strong foundation in cardiovascular endurance. The beauty of swimming is in learning all the technical nuances that lead to the effortless, powerful stroke. This means that there is always room for improvement and to overcome psychological barriers.
Oh and not to mention goofing around with friends by racing to different rocks. Just messing around without any distractions is what makes summer awesome :) -
Things I'm currently digging:
1. Home grown blackberries. Can't get any fresher than that. Chuck them with some Greek yoghurt, and I become a happy man.
2. Hill sprints. I luckily live a 10 minute jog from London's - and in my opinion England's - nicest park (Richmond park if any of you guys are curious), where I managed to find a comically steep hill. I'm currently doing hill sprints twice a week, and loving it.
3. Macklemore. Quite possibly one of the greatest rappers I've heard in a long time (which is saying something, considering I like to think myself as quite the hip hop connoisseur). I see you want to go to a hip hop gig this summer- definitly try to see this guy live. Check out this track by him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAg3uMlNyHA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvNQWQSwmow.
4. Hoegarden. Enough said. -
I love how aware I've been feeling after eating a breakfast of meat and nuts. In this capacity, my newly declared breakfast of champions has been rocking my world recently.
http://www.charlespoliquin.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/270/The_Meat_and_Nut_Breakfast.aspx
I've tried this in the past, but I finally decided to go two months consecutively now. And I absolutely love it--especially considering the non-stimulant awareness effect from elevated levels of acetylcholine and dopamine.
My personal favorite variations consist of either wild caught sardines (canned/packed in water) OR homeade buffalo meat patties along with a mixed blend of brazil, macadamias, cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts. -
Great post Nate. Just went to Amazon and got the cook book, looks great. My preferred shoe has to be the Merrell Trail Glove I just love them. I must agree cooking with my wife is wonderful.
Keep up the great work Nate. -
Cool post Nate. Where was there lifting weights in your top 21? Is that number 22??
PS Love my Toms!! -
For me, jiu-jitsu and/or crossfit. Part of my own hero training.
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For me it's: 1) Golf on Sunday's with a few friends, 2) Softball 2-3 times per week, 3) Ultimate Frisbee.
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Hi Nate, very good stuff btw, what is your moring stretch routine ? so i can incorperate it into my own morning ritual, Thanks =)
Hey Dean. I'm thinking of doing a short post on this in the near future. For now, I'll say I only focus on the "problem" areas for me, which are usually my hip external rotators, hamstrings, and hip flexors.
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1) Autumn. Between the weather and football, its' the best season.
2) Sundays. The best day - everything about it is awesome.
3) Driving with my windows down and music up.Thanks for stopping by, Jay. Always makes me smile when I see PN folk. Except for Paul. :)
Kidding, Paul. -
Nate have you checked out Theophilus London?
Checking it out right now. Awesome stuff.
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Nate,
Great post.
What's rocking my summer?
-A new local beer bar has opened up. Rotating taps, great selection, chill atmosphere, and an owner that's a beer freak and somehow manages to keep a sense of business. Totally awesome.
-A killer local concert series on the waterfront. I've seen some solid metal shows, Ray LaMontagne, there's been a bunch of big country shows that I didn't attend, Stone Temple Pilots are coming in an week, and I'm going to see George Thorogood this summer. Killer stuff.
-Like you, eating meals with family and friends. BBQ's, meals cooked inside, early and late breakfasts, it's all good. There's been a lot of awesome time spent with some of my favorite people this summer while breaking bread and relaxing and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Here's to the rest of a good summer, man.
Isaac -
1) My Girlfriend - Shit, who doesn't love having an awesome girlfriend, sharing interests, someone that finds you interesting and attractive. It's a feeling that is great and if you're lucky enough, it lasts.
2) iPad 2 - Love having it for going on bike rides for my GPS, stopping in coffee shops and not having to lug around a laptop.
3) Books - Currently reading Lord of the Rings, and The Club Dumas.
4) Movie Theaters - I definitely experience the magic of movies. I love my Netflix too, but there is something special about a theater that my couch can't provide me.
5) Beer / Food w Friends - Totally agree that this is a giant source of happiness.
6) Scooter / Motorcycle - Perfect way to travel in the summer heat with your GF! It's fun, super cheap for gas, can sneak into places you aren't supposed to and just down right fun.
7) Stand Up Comedy - Having one of the top clubs, Acme Comedy Club, I get to see some big names and experience and awesome free open-mic night on any Monday. -
1) My wife and son-The two people in my life that make me the happiest.
2) Strength training-if I didn't have no.1 then this would top the list.
3) Eating my homemade muesli.
4) Strength training-love it that much that it has to be in the list twice.
5) Living in Melbourne, Australia, we are the lucky country and I love that I can work in the fitness game and do what I love.
Darren -
Nice List Nate
I have just ONE big thing.
My one month trip to spain.
Its amazing to hang out at the beach, train at the beach and work with ppl who are doing great :)
See ya around,
Bjorn -
Surprised that only one person so far mentioned riding a motorcycle because that's a big part of my life.
I love discovering local backroads I've not been on before, while on my bike.
Then there's my bicycle for getting to work and back. And you don't need a car to go grocery shopping, Nate. I do it all by pedal power. Knapsack on my back then two bags of groceries hanging off from each handlebar end if I have to.
Going to motorcycle rallies, such as the Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid Ohio and getting to look at all the other bikes.
Then there's visiting a friend's place and getting there by my MZ Baghira motorcycle.
Finally, lifting weights is awesome when it does not cause me pain. I'll eventually nail that 225 lb benchpress, one of these days. -
I certainly agree with your number one: chilled water tasting like liquid summer. A variation I sometimes add in addition to thinly sliced citrus is some thinly sliced cucumber and some freshly grated ginger. I assemble this concoction the night before and allow it to steep in the fridge overnight. I enjoy it througout the next day.
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Awesome post! Also, I just saw your blog on PN - and have to admit, excellent work by yourself and JB @ NIKE!!!!!!!!! I'm sure that experience was unreal to be around some best athletes in the world.
I think just training at the Nike Facility would have made my day alone!!!!! I'm in the current S2B program and enjoy the work you've done at PN. I'm happy you're with the team. -
...payback for putting me onto Head and Heart and Ray LaMontagne. Shoes check out STUBBS & WOOTTON for fun time in the Southamptons, Nantucket, Boca or Miami.
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Things that come to my mind right away...
Losing myself in an evening workout while listening to any music that I feel like at that point in time.
Traveling with my friends or by myself and experiencing a new city, culture, food, or learning something new.
Good food with friends, exchanging stories, building memories.
Reading books by the lake.
Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations
An evening with my wife and a glass of red wine.
Waking up every day and creating my dream...
Luka -
Hey Nate for what you listed for numero uno on your list ... Are you just dropping this fruit or veggie in the water and drinking or is there more to it? haha
I'm just taking a couple frozen strawberries along with a few spearmint leaves and dropping them in a huge glass dispenser of filtered water I keep in my fridge.
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Re: Number 7, is that the same thing as an 8-minute mile pace?
No idea. I don't remember the last time I ran a mile.
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I started riding my bike for transportation, due to having no car. I bike all over the city of Cleveland, and the surrounding suburbs. I'm not gonna lie, the heat wave a couple of weeks ago really sucked biking through, but it gives me a sense of accomplishment and bragging rights. I don't know anyone else who bikes as much as I do.
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No mention of Beer? lol
~Barney Shannon
Everything Strength
IronBearFitness -
Crossfit has really set me up and helped me push harder than i have in a really long time. No pressure really powerful movements and i feel like i have more energy that in a very long time. i added this to the hero workout of your and i have got to tell you it is an ass kicking.
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Solid post Nate.
A girl recently got me into meditation, and I gotta say...it's definitely making my life more awesome (both the girl and the meditation). I know meditation can seem a little froofy to some, but I like to think of it as hypertrophy of the soul. Curious if you spend any time working on this sorta ninja mind training?
Keep on rockin' -
Just found this blog through Humblecock! Something that I love. Bur to add some favorite things for me.
Watching my daughter sleep, having her and my wife in bed on a Sunday morning
Getting up super early every other day to do some cardio, watch the news before I wake them at 6am
A nice glass of wine now and then.
Feeling amazing at my age and putting myself up on stage in a body building comp when many laughed at me! -
Hi Nate! I love Tim Ferris as well! Both you and him are great inspirations.
Here are some I'd add to the list of "What Makes Life Awesome"
1. Freedom to Pursue Health and Happiness as being an American
2. Read awesome blogs like yours!
3. Working out/Bodybuilding - The Bodybuilding Game - just found on itunes
Hey have you heard of the iphone app - The BodyBuilding Game ? I think you'd love it!
Best,
Joe -- You Rock! -
Hey Nate, discovered your blog taday and I really like your practical approach to training. I can really relate to you even though I'm a bit older at 36. I've gone through phases of wanting to be as hyooooge as possible and having to eat x grams of protien per day, avoiding fun activities because I need to be fresh for my workout, etc. Fortunatly for you, you matured out of that mindset younger than I did. What's the point in training so diligently if you can use the fitness you've gained to have fun.
I have to agree with the bike thing. About 6 years ago I got into mountainbiking, even did a few races. I also have a singlespeed road bike and mountainbike. Simple is best and it makes you feel like a kid again. Its so liberating to ride to the store; kind of makes you dislike people in cars.....lol. -
I love own personal your blogs are! Keep up the amazing writing :D
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Awesome things:
1. Being excited during your morning commute, to go to work
2. Brewing your own beer. Whether is food or alcohol, unless you really screwed up, if YOU made it's the best thing that you've ever tasted
3. Sunday night DVR "catch-up" with the wife. (DVR could have it's own as well, screw commercials) -
Wonderful journey and experience!
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great information you write it very clean. I am very lucky to get this tips from you.
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A very nice and useful information provided through this blog and like such blogs which always provides such educational information and it is nice to read it.
COMMENT RULES: Critical posts are fine, but if you're rude I'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your personal name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. But most of all, have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Tim Ferriss for the inspiration.)
ash 11:43am Jul 20, 2011