We recently attended the S.W.A.T. Roundup held here in Orange County, Florida.  SWAT Team members from all around the world competed in a week of competitions involving fitness, marksmanship, and stamina.  The final day, which we witnessed, was the Team Obstacle Course challenge, and there were teams there from as far away as Sweden, Hungary, and Brazil.

The obstacle course was no small feat to accomplish.  Challenges included a rope climb, jumping over and then under walls, rope walls, and even pulling oneself through a trough of water using an overhead fence.  Even the most fit competitors were struggling for breath at the end of the course, and the very idea of completing this challenging set of obstacles seems almost impossible.

What was perhaps most inspiring about the event was that the men competed in teams of 5, and the most well trained teams often worked together to get all 5 men through an obstacle.  Even more inspiring were the moments when one member of a team would struggle on an individual challenge and the others would return to help or simply cheer them on.

One team had a member who could not complete the metal bridge…one of those long series of bars you move from one to the next, hand over hand, going uphill and then down.  We actually witnessed his teammate jump on the obstacle with him, wrap his legs around him to support him, and then they both traveled together across the course with one supporting the other.

Perhaps the loudest moment of the day came when one member of a team could not get up the rope climb.  His teammates helped to lift him up partway, giving him a head start, but he still found himself stuck a few feet from the top.  It was amazing that everyone at the event, from spectators to ALL of the other competitors started to cheer for this struggling fellow.  On his second attempt the entire grounds shook as everyone cheered and shouted, trying to help propel him to the top.  This fellow never did make it up, but the palpable sense of comradery and support from everyone competing was inspiring and heart-warming.

There is no better praise than that which comes from someone who truly understands what we're trying to do.  When someone who performs or rehearses at the same level in an activity that we do tells us we are doing a  good job, this can mean more than any other compliments.   Lee often gets frustrated that I can have a hard time taking compliments from "regular folk," but I think you can understand that a compliment from a fellow serious lifter at the gym simply means more.  They completely understand what it takes, the amount of sweat and work involved, and it resonates more with me.

Similarly, if we are performers or teachers, then a compliment from a colleague or especially an idol or mentor can mean all the world to us.  So don't be afraid to say those kind words to anyone, but particularly to someone in your field.

And like the fellow on the rope climb, keep trying because we're all behind you!  

(All photos: Lee Vandergrift)