"My mind is no longer set on the 30 pounds to lose, but rather being the healthiest I can."
It was never supposed to be a serious thing …
When a close friend of mine told me about CrossFit, I ignored her at first. Her always being an avid runner and [having] a thin frame, I did not believe her when she said she noticed differences in her body, and that I would enjoy it.
But I was in a rut. Just graduating from college, I was stuck with an extra 30 pounds I didn’t know how to shake. Like anyone ever, I tried a lot of things — interval exercising, different diets, just plain old nothing — and I would lose 10 pounds here and there, but I couldn’t keep a rhythm. As a soccer player growing up, I learned to despise running and anything unstructured. I found myself craving someone to push me further and a team of sorts to support me.
Step in, CrossFit.
My first box was CrossFit North Alpharetta, in Alpharetta, Ga. I was only there a short period of time before heading to graduate school, but they welcomed me with open arms and ready barbells. Those first few weeks were the most excruciating. I became obsessed. It was all I talked about or thought about. Then I moved, and things died down.
I tried the elliptical again, and nearly died of boredom. So I started scoping out boxes in the Baltimore area. I had one pinned down, but was needing that kick in the behind. Then fate happened. I was taking a weird route to my doctor, and drove past Coppermine CrossFit. After I few days, I emailed the owner and coach, Kevin, and the next week I was there.
So, why CrossFit? To be honest, I wanted to lose that 30 pounds — simple. I am a terrible dieter and needed something new workout-wise. I didn’t care so much about the company at CrossFit to begin with, nor anything else, but I wanted that weight gone. It was never supposed to be anything serious. That is where I went horribly wrong.
I hate to say it folks, but I don’t think one can be a partial CrossFitter. I am sure they exist, but they must be a rare breed. Suddenly, I found myself completely obsessed. I have only been there about three months and I can’t stop. My Christmas list consists of CrossFit Nano 2.0s (customized of course), workout capris, muscle rollers and a jump rope. What 22-year-old girl asks for these things? I check for the WOD for the next day from about 2 p.m. until I go to bed. I have dreams about being in a cult, then realize I was at CrossFit. I talk to anyone who will listen, or even the wall.
My new goals are to be fit, eat right and get an Rx workout for once. My mind is no longer set on the 30 pounds to lose, but rather being the healthiest I can. Trust me, with finals rolling around, it’s hard to convince myself that raw cookie dough isn’t paleo. I am no muscle woman, nor close to the fittest in my box, or do I eat the best, but I am working towards the same goal. I never thought I would reach a day where the numbers on the scale meant less than the way I was feeling. For those of you wondering, I haven’t dropped much weight. But I have lost two inches on my waist, and toned up a bunch [of] other places — like my butt! I just signed up for my second scaled competition today. Something four months ago, I would have laughed at. And yes, I am excited.
Everyday my alarm goes off, and there is a message to myself: ‘Get up! Time to challenge and change your body.’ I never planned to be committed, but I am. The family I have at my gym is wonderful and I wouldn’t be continuing without them. We come in together and struggle together, no matter what weight or time we are each at, and Kevin is there to yell encouragingly.
They all push me to get better and yell at me when I complain. Knowing that everyday I go in, I can do the workout, no matter how scaled it has to be, everyone can do it, keeps me going. I don’t have to be embarrassed by my weak points, just make them less-weak points. The only regret I have is not starting sooner.
Thank you, CrossFit.
