It’s not you…it’s me.

December 19th, 2009, by

I'm sitting in the lobby of the Fort typing this blog post with a very heavy heart. We got a phone call today from Super Dave....the worst kind of phone call that Bill and I can receive: Super Dave will not be returning to the Fort.

Here at the Fort we realize that life sometimes pulls us in different directions, and you need to make tough decisions. It was very noble of Dave to call Bill and explain his reasons for not returning; he was under no obligation to do so. While we always hope that health and fitness will maintain the highest priority in your life, we understand that sometimes you need to go in a different direction.

Dave, we at the Fort want you to know that you are irreplaceable. Your positive attitude, contagious smile and encouragement will be missed ferociously. We have watched you grow as an athlete, and it has been nothing short of inspirational. You came to us a filthy grain eating "guy who worked out", and you're leaving a true fire breather; one of the Fort's biggest accomplishments.

Of all the athletes that we have coached over the last two years, we are proud to watch you stand on that platform and say "that's one of OUR athletes". Your hard work and dedication to CrossFit and the paleo lifestyle is what propelled you to the next level of athletic performance, and we are eternally proud for how whole-heartedly you accepted the changes. It's ALWAYS hard when we lose members...but somehow this one stings a little extra bad. (I think I got something in my eye....)

Farewell Super Dave...May you WOD in peace...

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/8272939[/vimeo]

Category: CrossFit

13 Responses to "It’s not you…it’s me."

  • Heath G
    December 19, 2009, 10:46 am

    Dave

    Because of my sissy schedule and lack of consistency at the fort, I've only been able to work out with you a couple of times. But I've used you as an example to countless people when describing the encouraging atmosphere and comraderie at the Fort. On my first team Saturday I thought I was going to die as me and Zach were the last team to finish (through NO fault of Zach's). You and Garth and your third partner had already finished and as I was sucking wind running the last few meters of the 400 meter run with my partner on my back, you ran along with us and were shouting encouragement to me to keep me going. You could have been back at the Fort catching your breath or basking in your victory but you chose to cheer us on.

    That's the epitome of team player....will miss you at the Fort.

  • stayc
    December 19, 2009, 1:10 pm

    Dave,
    I'm sorry you had to go. It must have been important because I know how much crossfit and the community meant to you. No hard feelings. I want to thank you for being such a positive influence in my life and I only wish the best for you and your family. Keep Woding!

  • Pete
    December 19, 2009, 3:47 pm

    SUPER DAVE

    I was so sad to hear that you are going to be stepping away from the Fort but I am sure it is something very important to you and I admire you for making sure your priorities are in order. You will be missed. There was countless number of mornings that you’re positive attitude was the only thing that kept me from saying the hell with it...Why am I awake this early?

    I second Heath's comments you are the epitome of a team player.

  • Garth
    December 19, 2009, 5:13 pm

    Hey Dave!
    You missed a good one today - hope your shoulder is feeling better.
    A whole post dedicated to you - lucky dog. Nice video! :)

  • Dad
    December 19, 2009, 7:23 pm

    Dave,

    WOW what a surprise that was to hear that you are leaving the CrossFit Fire family and won't be at the Fort anymore.

    There will definitely be an emptiness felt by all. Best wishes to you and your family.

    dad

  • sparky
    December 19, 2009, 8:43 pm

    Nice knowing you Dave! You definitely are one of the more positive crossfitters I know. Take care.

    Sparky

  • Super Dave
    December 20, 2009, 7:00 pm

    Jennie, thank you for such an amazing video. And thank you all for saying such nice things about me. Brian, I loved the video in your link.

    While there are a thousand things I want to say, and more feelings than I know what to do with, for now I will just say THANK YOU. Thank you for the coaching, the friendships, the comraderie, the competition, the nutrition advice I NEVER would have learned if I didn't come to the Fort, thank you for opening up your homes and your hearts to me, thank you for teaching me how to spread the word of Paleo and Crossfit to countless others that I have helped in the past 10 months.

    JENNIE: Thank you for the heart to heart we had today. As incredibly cheesy as this sounds, I'm taking this temporary break from Crossfit Fire to find myself - as an athlete and as a (hopefully someday) Coach and leader.

    I really, truly love you guys (and no, I have not been drinking as I type this). As Garth would say: :-)

  • Mark R.
    December 20, 2009, 10:10 pm

    NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

    Super Dave don't do it buddy. You're one of my favorite guys to train with and I was just starting to get to know you, it won't be the same without you. Whatever you end up doing know that you have the real gift of encouragement and I've been on the receiving end along with lots of other members of the Crossfort family, wherever life takes you don't lose that gift, it's a beautiful thing. All the best to you bro, and know that the Eagle clan is always welcome at the Ritchie's anytime.

    Peace and love

  • Dad
    December 21, 2009, 8:13 pm

    HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM I smell a RAT!!!!! I am getting this really crappy feeling. Find myself as an athlete, someday coach / leader maybe I'm reading into this and I'm full of SHIT but I don't think so. So start going to CrossFit Fire the Fort. Lots of great people who think you are top shelf. Learn as many different work outs as possible and split. I have to leave for whatever reason Boo Hoo. USE Jennie, Bill, Zach and everyone at the Fort to go COACH else where??????????? Not SUPER Dave in my book anymore Just Dave

    Please tell me I'm WRONG

    dad

  • Ryan Powers
    December 22, 2009, 1:01 am

    Dave, I am truely browken up about you leaving Crossfit. Your a great motivator and totally helpful in the progress of a lot of Crossfitters that have joined in the past year - that I have seen. You have a clean soul and God has truely blessed you and your family. I will pray that whatever is has detered your crossfit experience will quickly subside.

  • Garth
    December 22, 2009, 9:34 am

    Dave isn't gone - just taking a step sideways. Don't hold it against him because he'll definitely be back in the future and without a doubt - for future WODs and CrossFit events I'm sure. Based on every conversation I've ever had with him, he has the utmost respect for Bill and Jennie as well as every member at the Fort. His family is on a tight budget and there's a large group of guys looking for help here at CDW that speak with him daily. When we moved to the Fort, we left a group of guys behind at the CDW gym. Besides, he drove 30 minutes in the wrong direction each day to come to the Fort. He's trying a change that's going to be easier on his pocket book and buy him another hour + each day. I can't blame him for wanting to give it a shot but as has happened in the past, I fully expect the CDW crew to completely let him down and out of frustration and boredom, see him back at the Fort. Time will tell :)
    Love ya Dave!

  • zach
    December 23, 2009, 1:08 pm

    Dad,

    Whatever motivated Dave's latest decision was based on nothing but an excellent experience at CrossFit Fire. You, Me, Billifer, Matt W. and EVERYONE here at the Fort were a part of making that experience for Dave positive. An experience that he shared with EVERYONE.

    If Dave leaving us means that he can reach people the Fort cannot, then he has my blessings. The Fort and everyone under that roof help put Dave in a position which he can now share what he has learned with more of his colleagues.

    Dave is a faster, stronger, smarter Dave than when he first entered our door. That transformation took place with US. Under the Fort's roof. Be proud you were a part of that.

    Let's make the Fort a home for Dave to come back to, should he ever need to.

    The Mayor