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Monday, May 25th, 2009
I agree with Rich’s statement that the time to retire differs from athlete to athlete based on a number of factors. Although, I would add that the fighter’s style may even be the most important factor of all.
As we age we see that certain things are “the first to go.” For example, quickness goes before strength. Therefore, a fighter that relies on quickness may see more drastic difference in his performance as he ages than a fighter that uses more strength ie. a wrestler / ground and pounder.
Thankfully, I see Rich as an extremely well-rounded fighter that lives right, trains hard and has a skill-set that should allow him to fight at a high level for a long time. His 3 recent losses are a result of stylist problems, not eroding talent.
Matt
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Sunday, May 24th, 2009
A fan has asked at what age an MMA fighter hits their peak, and at what age they should retire. I think this varies for each athlete. There are many factors that you have to take into account. Some of those include how well you train, how much time you take to heal or rest, how you eat or take care of you body in general, as well as genetics.
I believe MMA athletes peak in their early to mid 30’s. For most athletes, the time to quit is when you begin losing. Nobody gets the itch to quit when they are winning every fight. The desire or the necessity to quit comes when you start losing fights. That’s when you start questioning your ability to continue in such a strenuous sport.
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Monday, May 18th, 2009
I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words of encouragement. At the end of March I lost my job of 17 years, and really thought it was over for my family. I received your message and after a really long month of deep depression. I pulled out of my bad feelings and began working for a new way to support my family. It has been hard, but we are making it. I found out that it was not the things I was providing them with that they really wanted and needed. It was me and my time that meant most. I did not give up. I wanted to. I wanted to just say forget it and lay down and die. Somehow I pulled through. One thing I do know. It was partly thanks to you. Keep inspiring. –Doug.
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Monday, May 18th, 2009
It isn’t always easy to get up everyday and train, train, train. Sometimes when I get into the gym I can tell I am having an “off day” where things just aren’t clicking like they should. At times like these, fans wonder how I don’t lose my focus.
Using my free time wisely helps keeps me focused. When I was 22, I lived, ate, slept and breathed training. I have been in the fight game a long time now. Things like family and friends have become more important to me. I make sure that when I have free time, I spend it keeping my mind off the fight game.
“Sometimes you feel like quitting-everybody feels like quitting. In life, it’s okay to feel like quitting. Just don’t quit.” (Quote from Rich Franklin in the book FIGHTER).
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Keep em coming!!! I am on vacation with my wife and daughter in Destin Florida and I woke up after a long night of bad dreams and when I got back from my morning run I saw this email and it filled me with positive energy!!!! I like you am from Cincinnati, and had a very rough upbringing. And like you are a Christian who follows his dreams, so when you talk I listen!!! I just wanted you 2 know that your emails bring positive energy 2 those who need it!!!! So thank you Sir and please keep them coming! Ps, I look forward 2 seeing you kick some ass in your next fight against Vanderla (or however you spell it) . Like I said rough upbringing/ little education
Tanner 
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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
I have been asked several questions about gaining weight. This has been a problem my entire life. I graduated from high school at about 155 pounds.
The equation is simple…eat more calories than you burn. The foods need to be high quality, nutritious foods. Protein builds muscle and there is no way around that. For athletes, 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight is a general guideline. This is a DAILY endeavor, a lack of dedication will yield no results.
If you are eating less than 6 times per day, you can forget about results. You need to be the person that brings coolers to family picnics with pre-made meals. Now that I fight at 205 again, I do little things like add a tablespoon of peanut butter (natural, not processed) to each meal. Often times, good quality fat is overlooked as a viable nutrient.
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Sunday, May 10th, 2009
I appreciate all the e-mails I recieve from you guys! Rich you are truly an inspiration to me! Cant wait to see you fight again brother! Jeremy
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2009
Rich,
This is the first Equation I have received and if this is what I have to look forward to then I am looking forward to hearing more! Man, you nailed it several times over here. I speak for myself when I say so many times I start, stop, start again… get frustrated, feel like a failure but one thing is I always get back up. This is true in my physical life, career but most especially in my spiritual life. I truly appreciate these words and I can completely relate; “A true turnover is a process of stops and starts. The path is always littered with distractions, set-backs and mistakes.”
Thank you for sharing this, and God Bless your training and upcoming fight in Germany. I’m praying for you bro. —Gene Whitehead
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Monday, May 4th, 2009
Thanks Rich, “Busting Circles” was a great equation, they all are. It really is what people need to hear, not exactly a “in ya face” thing but this is great in terms of the hope, expectancy, faith and passion you instill in people. Thanks for taking the time to sow some good seeds into all of us, so that we will reap amazing benefits. -Sam McDonald
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Monday, May 4th, 2009
Wow, That is powerful stuff. You hit the nail on the head. I am taking a big risk myself and leaving a great company to pursue my Master’s degree in Public Health. I knew what I wanted and for some people, they did not believe in me and questioned why i would want to leave a great good paying job. However, I know what i want and am taking the steps to get there.
The power of positivity is hard to describe but it is changing the entire way I live. No more settling!
Rich you continue to amaze me in your fights and wise words. You are truly living how you CHOOSE to live and are not letting the world outside drag you down.
Good luck in your fight with Wanderlei, I know you can beat him. –Kyle Kleman
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