BASURA

Birth Name: Daniel Ruiz

F3 Start Date: September 18, 2024

Main AO Posts: Tribe, Moonbase & Sicario

What led you to F3, and how did your first post challenge you or inspire you in unexpected ways? and how did you get your F3 nickname?

I came across F3 through a Patch Facebook post on a Hutto Neighbors page. It seemed like a great group so I decided to give it a try. Meeting a group of guys at 5:30AM at the park seemed sketchy, but I was happy to see a pretty large group when I arrived. Guys were super friendly and I immediately felt welcomed, something I failed to feel in other groups I was in, such as the boxing and MMA gyms I had recently joined at the time. 

My first post challenged me greatly physically. Stand In led (although he probably doesn’t remember ☹), but we did a variety of lunges, bear crawls, burpees, etc.  I remember looking at the groups of guys and thinking “Man, these suburban dads are in great shape”. No disrespect to anyone at my first post, but I was really taken aback by how quickly/well everyone was moving and how I was really trying to keep up despite being one of the younger guys. I knew I had found something special here. Once the workout finished, I will admit, the skepticism crept in again with prayer and I thought “Oh brother, this is where the cult starts”. I was happy when that was not the case. I had been a part of a few church groups in college where I felt people were putting up a front to win you over, so I appreciated the realness / genuineness of the guys at my first few posts. From there, the guys continued to invite me out to Tribe and then venture out to other AO’s and here we are today!  

I got my F3 nickname when the question of ‘What did you want to be when you grew up?” was thrown in the conversation. I shared that, when I was younger, I would look out the window and yell “basura!” when the trash guys came through the neighborhood. I tried to tell my mom that I wanted to be the guy driving the truck when I grew up. But she would say I did not have to wait to grow up to be trash and she would gladly put me out on the curb the following week. This is one of my first memories so it is one I hold close and dear to my heart. My mom is no longer here physically with us, so the name is a homage to her any time I hear it. Looks like I did grow up to be Basura, Jefa! 

What impact has F3 had on your life, and what lessons or moments stand out as defining your journey?

F3 has had a huge impact in my life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  On a physical level, this is probably the most consistent I have ever been with incorporating physical activity in my day to day. I have always been an active guy, but tended to go through phases – running, weights, boxing, etc. It seemed like I never stuck  with anything. F3 has given me the consistency and accountability I feel I have needed. 

Emotionally, I appreciate the support and community F3 offers. I love knowing I have a group of guys I can reach out to and who are within driving distance should I ever need anything. I have had the pleasure of getting to know some great people through this group, many who I now call close friends. It is extremely powerful knowing you have a support system around you. 

Spiritually, I will be honest and say I do not follow any practice or religion, but unlike a year ago, I am not opposed to it now, especially seeing how powerful and meaningful this aspect is to some of the guys. This is an area I am really looking forward to working on. 

One moment that comes to mind in defining my journey and really sticking with F3 was a morning where I was a bit vulnerable and shared how an owl at the park brought me comfort as I felt that that was my mom looking over me. I was surprised when the group of guys I was with (Big Game, Sweathog, and Nugget) shared their own stories of losing someone close to them. I had never received that type of feedback from anyone in my friend circle and that conversation provided me with a validation I had been seeking from my peers for a very long time.   

I am beyond thankful for this group for really getting me out of being a sad clown and giving me something to look forward to most mornings.

What’s been the hardest challenge you’ve faced—either in life or in F3—and what did it teach you about perseverance?

The hardest challenge I have faced was losing my mom to esophageal cancer three years ago. Seeing someone you love so dearly go through chemo treatments and lose so much is something I wish no one ever goes through. It was particularly difficult to see her in pain and come to terms that there was nothing I could do about it. She was such a beautiful soul, had the ability to light up any room, and was my biggest supporter. I miss her every day. 

My mother’s passing taught me to find the good in all moments, no matter how small, because it is only when we look back that we see the beauty and impact those moments carry. I also learned to make the most of your situation and embrace your challenges. She fought like hell, not just through her illness, but throughout her life, ensuring a better life for my sister and me. We may not always be given the best hand in life, but it is all about perspective. Someone out in this world only wishes to have your worst day, so make the most of what you have and look deeper at the small blessings all around you.

What else would you like to share about Basura to the PAX that maybe most of us don't know?

I tend to zone out after beatdowns. If I look confused or have a dumb look on my face, it is because I am likely just catching my breath. My nonverbals may seem ‘off’, but just know I appreciate you for being there…

I’m an amateur woodworker with farmhouse/rustic being my specialty. If you are ever in need of a tool and are in the Hutto area, give me a shout. I probably have it. Although this may change in the future as my woodworking tools are now competing for space with all of my sandbags… 

I’ll put up a challenge and say that I have the most extensive MMA knowledge in all of F3 Austin, so if you like cage fighting, let’s chat… 

If Tex-Mex is suggested, it’s going to be a no for me, dawg…  

Continue the Journey

The story of every High Impact Man (HIM) in F3 Austin is one of commitment to Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. We encourage you to explore the other inspirational stories from our Pax. If you're ready to start your own F3 journey, find a free, peer-led beatdown at one of our many AO Locations across Central Texas.