The real reason I am posting is because this month I celebrated a year living the crossfit lifestyle. While this may not seem like a big deal to most, I am celebrating because a year doing anything consistently is a LONG TIME. My foray into crossfit has lasted a lot longer than most Hollywood relationships and honestly I am a better person because of it. I have never felt stronger... mentally as well as physically. More importantly I have never been more affected in a positive way by the people who surround me. Each person in this community that I have encountered (with very few exceptions) not only wants themselves to do well and crush challenges they never thought possible, but they also want everyone around them to do well and become the best person they can possibly be.
When I started I was amazed by the athletic ability of everyone around me. I was out of shape 60 pounds overweight and had just let myself go to the point of being apathetic and sick. I had not taken care of myself since my days of playing lacrosse. I was searching for a way to be better and no matter how hard I worked at the regular gym I wasn't getting the results I was seeking. That's when by chance I was introduced to Crossfit during a free Saturday class. I was hooked from the instant I tried it. The thing is I wasn't very good at it. I had a terrible squat, basic barbell movements confused me... and my clean was just plain ugly. Beyond the mechanics of it all I was just plain weak... which is a mild understatement. I had a lot going against me those first few months... no one would have blamed me for becoming frustrated and quitting. In fact that's what some people thought I would do. However, I maintained... I dove head first and tried to become the best I could possibly be because I wanted to excel at this... I actually enjoyed it. I started eating right and became a healthier version of myself.
What came with this outside transformation was a new found confidence. The Idea that I could do anything I put my mind to. I dropped 60 pounds in about 4 months. not only did I look good but I felt great too. Through diet and exercise I was able to completely transform my entire way of being. while I was not at the level I wanted to be at (because I am a very competitive person) I continued to thrive and grow in my movements.Workouts became more manageable... my crossfit life was marked by milestones, such as my first unassisted pull up, my first RX workout (which as it happens was fight gone bad), PR's on lifts, PR's on benchmark workouts... crossfit has become much more than a workout program but it is a way of life. I feel blessed each and everyday that I am in the best shape of my life at 26 but also that the world is no longer passing me by.
Ive had the opportunity to work with individuals who are passionate about this training as well, It is their stories and unfailing ability to encourage and put things in perspective that has kept me coming back day after day, week after week, month after month. While I may not be my best on any given day and I may be first or last on a particular workout, it is without a doubt the community of people who push me to be better.. no matter the result. For this I cannot be thankful enough. To be able to witness their triumphs and failures has pushed me to at least attempt my own. It is true what they say if you never try then you will never know.
In July I became crossfit level 1 certified, this was a big moment for me because I not only believe in this method for myself but I understand the potential impact on others... I have truly fallen in love with crossfit.
While it hasn't always been an easy road... in fact it is an uphill battle most of the time... I have persevered this year through, injury, heartbreak, and setbacks. I could not have made it without starting crossfit... without becoming a part of this community... because no matter where I stand on any given day I have been given the strength to test myself and overcome the obstacles. Win or lose, I never fail, a year later I am still learning and growing from this experience... to say that it has been a game changer would be an understatement... good or bad crossfit has saved me from my biggest enemy... myself.
What awesome changes you made! Physically and mentally/emotionally. I agree that doing something for a year is a challenge! But you got such great rewards from it. Wow!
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