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My First CrossFit Competition Slideshow and Blog

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I recently participated in my very first CrossFit competition and captured the experience through a blog post on one of my other sites here.

  To see a Slide Show recap of the event click below.

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CrossFit Motivation

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Jennifer Kirkum couldn’t get herself motivated to work out. She tried to get herself involved with gym after gym but she never felt like she had any reason to go back, no reason to really push herself. So, Kirkum and her husband would bounce from gym to gym with no lasting results to show for their troubles.

We’ve all heard this story; it’s a tale as as old as time, the modern day version of Beauty and the Beast. Luckily, just like it’s fairy tale forefather, this story has a happy ending. Jennifer found Jason Harasimowicz.

Harasimowicz has always had a thing for personal fitness. He grew up playing sports and was drawn to the world of personal training after he graduated from high school. He entered a program at Genessee Community College to earn his associate’s degree in fitness and recreation management. And then he put that degree to work, opening his own gym in Batavia. Jason chose his space carefully, he made sure it had an open, industrial feel and didn’t have any neighbors that would complain about the noise. Why would Jason do that? Because he was planning to open a CrossFit gym.

Jason had already earned his associate’s degree and had completed the coursework to be certified by both the Sports Science Association and USA Weightlifting but he wanted to find a simple, effective workout that could scale easily to the user’s fitness level without having a ton of equipment. CrossFit was perfect. With the CrossFit model, Harasimowicz could design daily workouts and make them as hard as it is to spell his last name without worrying about the user hurting themselves.

Unlike other workouts where the user has to lift heavy weights and use complex machines, CrossFit relies more on body weight exercises. Anyone entering the gym can do the same exercise routine but they get to push themselves to do it as hard or as lightly as they see fit. This eliminates a lot of the dangers associated with typical weight lifting programs. And thanks to the help of Jason, the community at his new gym pushes one another to fight for gains and maintain their workout schedules.

This last part is what really helped Jennfier Kirkum and her husband. When they joined, they found they had a team of friends and trainers who really cared about their consistency and growth. They started to have fun going to the gym and that kept them going. Since joining up with Harasimowicz, Jennifer and her husband have lost a collective 125 pounds and they feel better than ever. That’s a happy ending if I’ve ever heard one.

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The 6 Rules to Fuel a Rugby Player

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Know your protein goal

Athletes need to have in mind what their daily protein intake should be in order to develop and maintain muscle mass.  Too little and you might lose strength, too much and it might be wasteful. Many players shoot for 3 g of protein per kilo of body weight, applicable to each individual.

Snacking the right way

In the world today, athletes are surrounded by poor food options to snack on. Instead of eating some sugary, fatty snack in between meals, try natural foods like fruits, and protein like peanut butter. These provide a satiability to the athlete’s hunger as well as fuel for the rest of the day.

Four meal rule

High muscle mass required modern rugby yields a need for a high intake of calories. Four meals offers a plan to replenish calories lost during training or games and it allows muscles to feed. A rules of thumb that many athletes stick to, if it comes out of a wrapper, it probably isn’t good for you. Keep all meals to natural, unprocessed, quality consumption options.

Know when to eat carbs

Many diets call for the expulsion of carbohydrates in totality. This is not the case for the average rugby player as carbs are necessary to build muscle, and create energy for exertion. When faced with taxing physical demands, carbs can be used to “fill the tank”, and provide a storage of energy. When less demanding tasks are present, it would be appropriate to change carb intake to accommodate such tasks.

The most important meal of the day

Breakfast starts the day off for an athlete, it needs to have the right components. Based on the severity of activity for the day, a breakfast should reflect what will be asked of the body. High stress days call for high protein and carbohydrate intake, while lower stress days calls for leaner fats and fruits.

Developing the right habits

Habits are formed over time, and with that principle in mind it is not possible to completely change eating habits overnight. By altering behavior little by little, daily nutrition becomes part of life and lasts longer than radical changes similar to dieting trends.

For the original article see here.

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Tobacco Registration Increases in Zimbabwe

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According to a recent article in allafrica.com:

In Zimbabwe, increases are seen in registration to grow tobacco. Compared to last year, tobacco farming registrations are up nearly 10% to about 71,078 compared to last years numbers of about 64,784. Communal and A1 farmers make up the majority of the sector at 32,903 for the former, and 26,539 in the latter. The remainder of the market is taken up by A2 and small scale commercial farmers.

During the 2013/14 season, Zimbabwe was responsible for the production of 215 million kilogrammes (474 pounds), valuing at approximately $670 million. Prices from last season saw an average of $3.17 and is expected to increase in the coming year. The key buyer from Zimbabwe’s tobacco fields as of last season is Belgium, which had imported 20 million kg of the golden leaf as of September 27 to the tune of $100 million. China was the second most buyer from the region at 11 million kg, immediately followed up by South Africa having imported 10.3 million kg.

Currently, word from the farmers unions hints that planting of the crop is underway, with support of irrigation. This process is expected to continue through the end of the year.

Zimbabwe’s home grown tobacco is imported by 50 different countries annually, while mainly being used for blending purposes. The five top importers of tobacco from the region are rounded out by the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

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Tobacco Registration Increases in Zimbabwe

Barry Oberholzer's New Blog Post -

According to a recent article in allafrica.com:

In Zimbabwe, increases are seen in registration to grow tobacco. Compared to last year, tobacco farming registrations are up nearly 10% to about 71,078 compared to last years numbers of about 64,784. Communal and A1 farmers make up the majority of the sector at 32,903 for the former, and 26,539 in the latter. The remainder of the market is taken up by A2 and small scale commercial farmers.

During the 2013/14 season, Zimbabwe was responsible for the production of 215 million kilogrammes (474 pounds), valuing at approximately $670 million. Prices from last season saw an average of $3.17 and is expected to increase in the coming year. The key buyer from Zimbabwe’s tobacco fields as of last season is Belgium, which had imported 20 million kg of the golden leaf as of September 27 to the tune of $100 million. China was the second most buyer from the region at 11 million kg, immediately followed up by South Africa having imported 10.3 million kg.

Currently, word from the farmers unions hints that planting of the crop is underway, with support of irrigation. This process is expected to continue through the end of the year.

Zimbabwe’s home grown tobacco is imported by 50 different countries annually, while mainly being used for blending purposes. The five top importers of tobacco from the region are rounded out by the United Arab Emirates and Russia.

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Dennis Kimetto Shatters Marathon World Record

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Originally posted on Universal Sports | Year-Round Coverage of Olympic Sports & Athletes:

Dennis Kimetto of Kenya poses next to the timekeeping vehicle displaying his new world record (REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke)

BERLIN, Sept 28 (Reuters) – Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto smashed the marathon world record in Berlin on Sunday, winning the race in a time of two hours, two minutes and 57 seconds after setting a scintillating pace from the start to shave 26 seconds off the previous best.

Kimetto dazzled hundreds of thousands of spectators along the inner-city course with his quick and seemingly effortless running style that saw off any challenge during the race.

The 30-year-old pre-race favourite broke away in a seven-man group, including fellow Kenyans Emmanuel Mutai and Geoffrey Kamworor, after 20 kilometres on a sunny and cool Berlin morning.

With four km remaining, he pulled clear from Mutai after the pair had shaken off Kamworor a little earlier to become the first man to complete the race in less than two…

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Hard Fought Match

Adam Ashley-Cooper Scrambles Toward The Try Line, As Francois Hougaard Tackles Him.

Artistry Of The Athlete In Action, Mates!

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Imperial Tobacco Eyeing US Firms

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According to a recent article: Imperial Tobacco is currently eyeing US tobacco firms with thoughts of acquisition in the air for certain cigarette brands. Reynolds and Lorillard are the two companies that are the focal point of the purchasing discussion, with a possible 556 billion deal looming.

Imperial received almost a four point bump up when the rumors of the deal leaked to the markets, up to  £27.63.

The deal could potentially work as the two US brand would merge with Imperial waiting to buy the finished product. While Imperial already has great interest in the United States market, this would hasten their approach.

Currently, the Unites States market share is controlled by Altria, the producers of Marlboro. While the United States is the third largest consumer of cigarettes in the world, it has prime potential for revenue bumps in the future. This becomes more crucial since the recent decline in overall sales around the world over past years.

Should the deal go through, the added scale to Imperials business would benefit on a cost standpoint as well as a market share view. Imperial first broke into the united states in 2007 in an acquisition over Commonwealth Brands, then the fourth largest American tobacco firm.

Growth has been a point of emphasis within the company as it seeks to expand its hold on the American market. Alison Cooper, head of Imperial has outlined her plan to accelerate the growth process in the states and has proved to be adamant about it. Based in England, the firm has been able to increase market share in targeted states and that this was not by any accident. Growth was, and will be a concerted goal.

While the evaluation phase of the possible purchase is still ongoing, there is much to be optimistic for as an Imperial shareholder

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‘Too Big To Miss’ Rugby World Cup 2015 Ticketing Campaign launched today

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Already Ready

Originally posted on SA SPORTS BLOG:

Stirring team talks are synonymous with rugby success and today England Rugby 2015, Organising Committee for Rugby World Cup 2015, has launched ‘the ultimate team talk’ to kick-start the Tournament ticketing campaign.

A two minute film, directed by Peter Cattaneo (Director of the Full Monty), is led by actor Charles Dance, most recently credited for his role in Game of Thrones, and a big rugby fan. Dance finds himself in Twickenham’s changing room delivering his rallying cry to a team of current international rugby stars and legends, fans from across the country, referees, mascots, and a host of other characters who will play their part in the Tournament hosted in England and in Cardiff next year.

Rugby stars appearing in the film include Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley, Joe Launchbury and Tom Wood (England), George North, Adam Jones and Alun Wyn Jones (Wales), Ashley Johnson (South Africa), Jebb Sinclair (Canada), Halani…

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Tri's

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Jason Hobson to Retire From Rugby

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At the age of 31 years young, Jason Hobson has retired from the game he played so well. The Bristol prop made over 100 appearances with a short stint on the Wasps sprinkled in. Jason had the chance to represent england in 2008. The year he returned to play for Bristol, he proved to be a missed asset, his presence was welcomed by his teammates. A recipient of the Players Player of the Year in 2012, Hobson has been hobbled by a knee injury that will not relent. The example that he set for younger players is an intangible quality he brought to the club by showing how to operate on and off the field. His realization of his body’s inability to perform how he wanted it to prompted the decision. While retirement is never an easy decision, especially after committing so many years to the sport and club, the medical advice he was enough to force Hobson’s departure.

Jason recalls the reasons he played so viciously, noting the pride for the club, the friendships he made along the way and the respect the community shows to those who represent them. Hobson also mentions his plans to spend more time with his family in the coming years with a much safer future being over the horizon, away from the full contact battle he is leaving behind.

The game will miss jason who embodies what it takes to play rugby and play it well. a decade within the sport, Hobson can walk away with much to be proud of, including his six converted tries. He steps down from the game with these words: “My proudest moment is helping to establish Bristol in the top flight and to get capped whilst at the Club.”

To see the original article click here.

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Treasure Island CrossFit Competition, An Energetic Event

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In Northern California earlier this month, 300 CrossFitters took the stage to compete against one another for the title of fittest in North California. High intensity exercise pushes these athletes to their limits mentally and physically to see who can be the fittest of the fit.

Crossfit has a very up beat atmosphere to it where sportsmanship and encouragement are plentiful. This frame of mind shows itself at the NorCal CrossFit Summer Throwdown, with a DJ playing music while competitors attack their tasks. Off to the side of the work out area there was vendors selling all types of athletic tape and useful tools for body recovery and workout maintenance. There was even a paleo cookie vendor.

Since 2008, CrossFit gym have grown from 500 nationwide, to around 10,000 today. It has swept the nation as more and more people are joining these new gyms. CrossFit provides heavy concentration on technique so athletes will not injure themselves while performing the work out of the day (WOD), or competing.  Being a part of this community provides motivation for participants to eat better, work out and be healthy.

Many competitors showed up to support their fellow gym members at the competition earlier this month. Some people came just to show support and see these athletes perform amazing feats of strength and endurance.

CrossFit has grasped a large contingent and has truly been transformed into a way of life. Where and when the movement will slow, nobody is for certain, nor are they sure it will slow down at all. As gym members continue to see results in how they feel and look, they will continue to return to their work out of the day. This is then transferred to those who see the effectiveness from an outside perspective and try out CrossFit for themselves. Then the bug is caught and the CrossFit community grows.

For the original article see here.

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Illegal Cigarettes Found in the City of Manchester

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Will O’Reilly led a probe to oust counterfeit cigarette production and distribution in Manchester. Will is a retired Metropolitan Police detective chief with experience in the field. The probe consisted of approaching various shops across the city, and posing as customers to obtain the illegal cigarettes. Out of all the outlets approached, 32 illegal tobacco products were sold to investigators from 27 separate locations. These products came in 62 packets, one carton, rolling tobacco, and loose cut tobacco.

The health risks of buying and smoking these counterfeit tobacco products are numerous and startling. Deadly chemicals can be added to this variation of tobacco such as; rat poison, asbestos, and at some times, fecal matter. With no labeling required, anything can be added to the tobacco, making this into a revolving door of unhealthy possibilities.

The illegal tobacco industry is a burden on more than just tobacco business’s revenue and personal health. Those dealing these counterfeits will sell to children as well, without remorse. The smuggling ring behind the supply of the tobacco cost the taxpayers almost £3 billion in duty that could be used for public works.

Over the last 14 years the government has created an initiative dedicated to curbing the counterfeit cigarette trend. Their efforts have resulted in cutting the industry in half and seizing over 20 billion cigarettes and more than 2,700 tons of tobacco for hand rolling. On top of all the success in getting these illegal products off the streets, they have also prosecuted more than 3,300 criminals filed under tobacco offenses.

Looking at the bigger picture of the tobacco industry, the illegal market accounts for 9% of the cigarette market share in the UK, while hand rolling tobacco accounts for 36%. These numbers indicate a significant chunk of each market with hand rolling tobacco being over ⅓ of all sales.

For a look at the original article see here.

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South Africa’s Early Score Proves to be the Difference

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According to a Sydney Morning Herald article: South Africa Springboks took home a win against Argentina this past weekend in South America to notch their first win in the Rugby Championship. The game began in historic fashion with the Springboks scoring early in the match, reminding us of the 73-13 blow out from the year prior.

At the onset Pienaar, from the scrum, managed to flick the ball to Cornal Hendricks who then directed a beautiful ball back inside to the scrum-half for him to finish the play and score. Handre Pollard converted for the early lead. Closing out the scoring for the South Africans was Pollard and Morne Steyn with penalty conversions. For the Argentinians, Nicolas Sanchez cashed in on two of his own penalties.

The weather was very much a factor during the game as it started to fall with some muster, at times even hail fell from the sky. With mother nature making such an overt appearance, it resulted in the ball being completely saturated, very difficult to pitch and retain possession of. The sloppy play would define the entirety of the game.

The game came down to the wire as the South Americans made a few late pushes to potentially draw the match. Agustin Creevy bolted through and was only pulled down right in front of the South African try-line. Brilliant defensive plays ensued to keep the Argentinians at bay until they lost possession.

Soon after, the Sprigboks chased down their clearing kick, and so ensued one last chance to come back for the Argentinians. Marecelo Bosch would not have a dramatic ending has he knocked on, putting to bed a late chance.

No one could have guessed that the early try and conversion would have proved to be the difference in the defensive-ridden game. The Springboks will meet the Pumas again on Saturday, in Salta.

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Kettle bells

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