Days Gone Forward

Photo Credit - Zane Beathard   For many years Jim Wendler and I lived on Taco Pitas from

Phat Daddy's. They delivered to us even though we were only three buildings down the road. No big deal for them but it was HUGE for us.   [gallery columns="2" ids="https://www.elitefts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0606.jpg|,https://www.elitefts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0605.jpg|"]   This was also the place we would take seminar attendees for the lunch break. Looking back, I can't believe I hosted workshops in the shit hole that was the $400/month elitefts storefront. $400 wasn't a "deal" either. It was ALL I could afford. Nothing worked and it was always flooded. It was a dump we stayed in for YEARS but the only time we bitched was when the stock room would flood and kill inventory.   I can think of at least half a dozen coaches who were just starting out in the field that are now successful D1 or private coaches. Several now have fantastic training centers like J.L. Holdsworth and The Spot Athletics. They all gave me a chance, and many are still my friends today. We all shared Phat Daddy's, told jokes, busted balls, and talked about all things strength. Nothing fancy but totally real.   Time moved on, and we relocated long ago. I never really forgot about the Taco Pita but didn't think about it either. I believe my last Taco Pita was over ten years ago.   [gallery columns="2" ids="https://www.elitefts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0582.jpg|,https://www.elitefts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0585.jpg|,https://www.elitefts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/phatdaddys.jpg|,https://www.elitefts.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/IMG_0583.jpg|"]   By chance, I found myself there the other day and ordered a couple for old times sake. That was four days and three orders ago.   Sometimes it's good to go back and walk the path of days gone by. It's humbling and keeps you in touch with how far you've come and how close you've stayed the course. I was reminded of things I believed then and still do now. Grassroots values always hold true.   Plus, the food's damn good.