This is NOT the story I had planned to publish today. Not even close.
Last night at 8 o’oclock I was folding laundry and my phone chimed, alerting me that a text had arrived. The screen lit up with my friend Julia’s message, “Chris Moore died! I’m speechless.”
I grabbed my tablet and typed my query into the search engine, and there I was on Instagram reading a tribute to Chris. Moments later Barbell Shrugged sent me an e-mail, and moments after that, Julia forwarded her e-mail to me.
I was stunned, kind of numb. How can this be?
I first discovered Chris four years ago. I had just begun CrossFit and I was hungry to learn more about it. I came upon this crude podcast with four guys out of a gym in Memphis. I ate it up. I eagerly awaited every new episode. Then Chris began solo work on the side with his Barbell Buddha podcast, which reminded me of an old midnight DJ just talking into the microphone.
Chris would ramble on about coffee, tequila, barbells, vice night (which was his take on cheat days, which often involved consuming pints of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream).
Chris wrote short stories. Sometimes he would read them on his program. He wrote books on training. He never sat still.
Over the years, you could see how his influence took his media presence to new heights in a web-based medium that is still in its infancy. Barbell Shrugged became more sophisticated, without Chris losing his sophomoric humor.
I was saddened when Barbell Shrugged took a long hiatus. It was clear that everyone was growing restless with the intense schedule they were keeping. So I lost track of Chris for several months.
Then over breakfast one Saturday, Julia asked if I had watched the Barbell Shrugged videos of their NASA tour. I hadn’t. So two weeks ago, I watched it while I did back squats in my garage. I was impressed with how Chris had matured as an interviewer, writer and producer. This guy had a gift and he was eager to share it with the world.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12
How can a young, strong and fit man like Chris Moore just die? It boggles the mind. I have no answer, and neither do you.
Today we mourn the loss of a friend and coach, who shared his knowledge with us, and who brought joy to many.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Chris’ dear wife and children.
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