Old Friends

At least that's what it felt like. And it was, although this was the first time I had met many of them.

The JP Fitness Summit. This is one hell of an event. JP pulled a list of class speakers this year. We read all their articles and their post but to hear them in person just puts everything into perspective. And the time they take to answer our questions and hear our thoughts between lectures is just amazing, and I couldn't thank them enough.

But the best part was getting to meet the friends for the first time. To feel that comfortable with a group of people who's only connection you have are words on a screen is truly amazing, and I'm not the only one who felt that. It is what makes the Summit a great event, what makes JP's a great forum.

Some shout outs - first of course JP, who has put up with my antics for a few years but made me feel truly welcome in his home town. I'm definitely coming back. Jenn - it was great to see your smile again, my friend. The Clubhouse - what a group of crazy guys, always laughing, always joking, always razzing Nick (it's just too easy to pass up) who let me spend time with their group - it was a blast. Michael and Jamie (and Samantha and Jack) - I wish we had more time but in the brief time we did have you can tell that they are truly wonderful people (with very cute kids). Ian - a very good guy, smart, funny and easy to talk to. Lisa~ - she is such a nice person, gave time to everyone and helped out with her advice when asked. As genuine a person you can get. Russ and Christine - great to meet you after all these years, I wish you all the happiness this life can bring to both of you. Galya - all the way from Bulgaria. Very friendly and great to talk with, good luck on your test. Michelle and Jimmy - Tool fans who let me hang with them and drove me to various places. Really fun people. Craig (Buk) - made me get into the rubber band man's routine with him, but he's a fun guy, and for someone who hasn't worked out in months he's in great shape.

I know I'm leaving people out, and I apologize because everyone made this one of the best weekends I have had in a long time. I have so many great memories from this weekend that will replay in my mind for the rest of my life. Thank you, everyone.

Edited to add - my little adventure with this summit didn't end until this morning. Last night my homecoming flight ended up in Detroit. That's pretty far from home. Spent the night in the Detroit airport and finally arrived home at about 11 this morning. Damn, I'm tired.

Edited edited to add - One who I left out that I really enjoyed meeting was Nate Green. I was talking to Alwyn and he told me that Nate was an "up and comer" in this fitness business. Super nice guy, smart and a great personality. Alwyn is right on this one.