I'm writing this because I've noticed that most of the people chatting about the
Summit are the same people who go every year. That's only bad in the sense that it means no new blood. So, here's my little blurb about what's in it for you.
Also, I'm thinking that new people might read the summit threads and think it's some exclusive club or something. Please...
What it's not.
It's not a "Cool Kids Club" or event that only the "popular crowd" goes to. Hell, I don't even like half those people.
If you asked me, I'd even... well never mind.
If you read the threads started so far, they read like a bunch of insiders trading secret little stories and inside jokes. But that's not what up when you're there. There are really no secrets, no little cliques, we're all one big happy group. Truly.
The Summits are amazing events, and you'll never forget them or the people you meet there. When I first went, two years ago, I knew nobody in person, and I knew very few people online here, either. I got there and was a little bit intimidated. But, within five minutes, I was part of the group, just like i'd known them forever. Seriously fine people who are friendly and welcoming. Besides, JP is one nice guy and a terrific host. No one can make you feel welcome better than that guy.
I moved from what it's not to what it is. It's two things. A learning event for all levels of attendee, and a fun event for all who come. I'll handle the learning, first.
What it is
Learning Event-- Steve Cotter and Alan Aragon are featured speakers. You've probably read many of Alan's words of nutritional wisdom around here you've probably seen Steve's amazing kettlebell tricks and acrobatic moves on youtube.
But, consider how much it would cost to get an hour or two with either of these guys. For less, you'll get them both (and the rest of us) for the weekend. Good deal (even with us included).
No matter what these guys specialize in, you will have the chance to interact with them about all sort of training and nutrition topics. These guys are the tops.
For details, check out
JP Fitness Summit '08
In addition to the featured speakers, the Summits are attended by many professional trainers and fitness fanatics and hobbyists. You already must know that they average JPer knows more than many of the professional trainers and nutrition guys/gals at your local gym.
You'll learn, share, and debate information while you're there and come away knowing far more than you know now. There's always room in your brain for a little more, and no better way to learn it by interacting with smart people that you trust.
Many of your friends right here on the forum are professional trainers by day, while they share the fun of being fitness enthusiasts (like me) in their off hours.
I can't say who's going to be there, since I'm not privy to the list, but in the past, we've had some big names with tremendous levels of knowledge. And, they've always been ready to share, learn, and teach in little ad hoc events throughout the weekend. Personally, I'm excited to meet the ones that I suspect are coming already. There have always be surprises.
Fun Event -- Meeting your friends and making new ones at JP's is like attending a family reunion at Disneyland
and being able to take a friend. It's THAT good.
I can't remember all the things that we did, but here's the fun highlights.
Eating together, shopping, working out, boozing, dancing, hiking, playing pool/billiards/darts, weight training, eating, mountain biking, boozing, beer, shopping, go cart racing, partying in the lobby bar, both JP and Chris play the guitar (who knew?), pub crawl, a rumor of karaoke, eating, hanging out, mullet counting.
Many of these things sound (or are) mundane, but consider that by hour #2, you're having a blast with your new best friends and loving whatever you're doing together.
I don't want to offend the Arkansas natives who might have some out of state friend read this thread to them, so I'll put this next part in pig latin.
Ou'llyay ebay inway Arkansasway! Onay attermay owhay uncoolway
ouyay areway atway omehay, ou'reyay eriouslysay oolcay, erethay
! Iway eanmay, Ittlelay Ocks'ray erpay apitacay ulletmay
ountcay isway ethay ighesthay inway ethay ationnay.
So, please consider coming out the Little Rock for the Summit. You'll have a great time AND learn stuff. I promise.
If anyone has any questions, please ask here or by PM. I rarely bite.
Roland