I am a 51-year-old professional (lawyer/psychologist) who directs a nonprofit resilience institute that requires frequent travel. I am married 26 years with three children (ages 18, 20 and 23).
I’m 5’4” with petite build that allowed a couch potato to appear somewhat athletic, but I had not done aerobic exercise since college, and had never run a mile given lifelong asthma. My fitness activities were walking and yoga.
I was talking with my friend about my 2017 resolution to get in shape and asked if she would like to do yoga with me. She said that she would but asked if I would first try CrossFit with her. I had no idea what it was, so I said yes. I attended my first class in January 2017. The positive coaching, camaraderie, and attitude of “progress not perfection” initially kept me coming back. My ongoing improvements in flexibility, strength, and endurance served as strong positive reinforcement. Epsom salt baths became my daily routine while my muscles adjusted to the new demands.
I went from lifting a PVC pipe at my first class (because I could not lift the 25 pound bar) … to squatting 115 pounds and deadlifting 160 pounds. It was a big day when I lifted more than I weighed and when I did 100 reps of a weight that had been a single max earlier in the year.
I did not realize how little flexibility, strength or stamina I had until I started CrossFit. My initial goals were to do a 90-degree squat, jump rope 50 times without missing, lift 50 pounds, and run a mile. I had been doing crossfit a few months when the gym announced “The Murph Challenge” – a Memorial Day tribute to a fallen soldier that challenges participants to complete a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and a 2nd mile run in less than an hour. My father, sister, nephew and several uncles served our country, including my Uncle Tom who never came home, and this challenge laid itself on my heart. Could I really do it? My CrossFit coaches and teammates never let me doubt it! I not only completed it in less than an hour, but I also was joined by my 2 oldest kids. A highlight of my year. Another highlight was completing the 2017 Squaw Creek Army Challenge, a 2.5-mile mud run and obstacle course.
Some 2018 goals are to jump rope 250 times without missing, run 3 miles, and get a CrossFit total (back squat, strict press and deadlift) of 350 pounds. I also am aiming to set a PR in at least one “Army Challenge” type event.
GO 5 Seasons CrossFit!!
5 Seasons CrossFit 