Shoes

 "We can never walk in someone else’s shoes for a mile or even a footstep, but we can hope of a better understanding and to learn to walk beside someone else, and attempt to see things, a small glimmer from their perspective for a short while.  But in the end we revert back to us and they them and hope we took something from it." - UNKNOWN

   We have all heard the saying, " You can never understand someone until you walk a mile in their shoes" and it is very true, to a certain extent. When we speak with friends and family about experiences, or situations we were in, or are currently going through (good or bad) they only understand to the extent of how they would feel, or react in that situation, and vice versa.
    When we try to put ourselves into an experience that someone else has or had, we are able to put their shoes on but they never fit correctly. We can feel our feet inside their shoes (experience), but we are feeling them through our own feet (perspective), therefore, we can never truly understand what it is like for those individuals.

          Every body has their own unqiue story, backgrounds, up bringings, habits, and rituals that cause us to react, feel, and think in different ways. Realizing this may help us to better understand someone, but we will never, ever know them, or what it's like to be them completely. That doesn't mean we still can't be there for the people we care about, or help them; absolutely you should! Maybe it will allow us to be there for people in our lives they way they need us to be. Maybe if we stop trying to put their shoes on and simply listen, open our hearts up to what they are saying we would be able to become better listeners! You do not need to understand completely what someone is going through to be there to support, care, encourage them and even grow ourselves! Every encounter with someone is an opportunity to make a difference, to send out positivity. Start getting excited, caring about other peoples stories and journeys, as well as your own. Share your experiences because people learn through them as much as you learn from theirs!

       

Today I am grateful that I made it through my first week back at work and had a great weekend to top it all off! It's was great to get back into the swing of things and I am excited to see where this school year takes me!  

-A

2013 Dreams, Goals, and Resolutions (part 1)

   My biggest goal for 2013 is healthy, healthy, HEALTHY! In the past few years, 5 or 6 roughly, I have obtained some very unhealthy habits ranging from poor eating, to smoking cigarettes, to drinking more frequently than necessary. I have always been more overweight for my height (5'0) . I played soccer from the time I was able to walk until my sophomore year of college. Since then, I have put on weight, my lack of physical activity and poor habits put my health in a dangerous category, and I'm only 23 years old.


   So how am I going to change this? Good question! For years I had promised myself to join the gym, eat healthier, wake up early and go running. I would start off great, but like most people, becoming discouraged always out weighed any progress I made. In the last 6-7 months I've had the pleasure of watching a complete life transformation happen for my older brother and sister through Crossfit. If you don't know exactly what Crossfit is, here's the scoop: " CrossFit describes its strength and conditioning program as “constantly varied, high intensity, functional movement,"[4] with the stated goal of improving fitness (and therefore general physical preparedness), which it defines as "work capacity across broad time and modal domains."[5] Workouts are typically short—20 minutes or less—and intense, demanding all-out physical exertion. They combine movements such as sprinting, rowing, jumping rope, climbing rope, flipping tires, weightlifting, carrying heavy objects, and many bodyweight exercises; equipment used includes barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, kettlebells, medicine balls, and boxes for box jumps.[6][7][8] These elements are mixed in numerous combinations to form prescribed "Workouts of the Day" or "WODs". Hour-long classes at affiliated gyms, or "boxes," typically include a warm-up, a skill development segment, the high-intensity WOD, and a period of individual or group stretching. Performance on each WOD is often scored and/or ranked to encourage competition and to track individual progress. Some affiliates offer additional classes, such as Olympic weightlifting, which are not centered around a WOD." (Wikipedia)


   Both my siblings have been on my tail about joining, ever since I took an Intro class at the box they go to called Brazen. The reason why I didn't sign up right then and there was because my ass was literally  handed to me that day. It took a few months of deep thought, and a heavy dose of reality to make me decide that this is a journey I want to be apart of. I found a box near my house called Marlboro Crossfit, and took an intro class this past Thursday with my friend Katie, and we both plan on signing up for the monthly essentials class this Tuesday. So here goes nothing! I know that I will be successful because I love already the way CrossFit has pushed me physically and mentally.

Starting Tuesday, I will be taking pictures every two weeks to document my physical changes through Crossfit. Come along with me on this journey! Through inspiring other people, we inspire ourselves and vice versa.





-A

Support

"Support those who support you."

     Support, as defined (one of many definitions) by Merriam Webster, literally means to keep (something) going.  When I take the definition and apply it to my life, I think about all of the support I have around me whether they are people, places, or things. I'm fortunate enough to come from a family who's foundation has always been driven by strength. I was taught from a very young age that struggle makes a person stronger, that over coming obstacles is a huge growing point in life. I learned to lean on my family for SUPPORT , they kept me going during some very rough times (and still do) .Now, think about who, what, and where you look to for support in your life. Is it positive or negative support? While getting SUPPORT are you returning it?
     Let's use CrossFit for example. Every day that a CrossFitter shows up to the box they are greeted by people who SUPPORT them, not only during the work out, but through out the day, and through out life. A lot of CrossFit boxes have specific websites to update members about information, and class changes. Where members can post inspiration, articles and other things CrossFit related. I often find that when I am having a rough day, someone will post ATLEAST one thing to change my day around, or even just the way I'm thinking for that moment. The trickle down effect of this is absolutely life changing.
     All of us at one point or another had negative support around us, people who hindered our ability to grow, fed on our insecurities, betrayed us, or simply did not understand our passions. We often kept these people around because it was comfortable, and at the time, we could not understand how negatively they were effecting us. Have you ever been doing a WOD and had person come up to you and tell you not to push harder? To give up? Quit? It doesn't happen. How many times have you had a bad day and it's been completely turned around just by going to the box? During your challenges the same people you are competing with are the ones building you up to be better! 
    How many times at work are the people you are competing with; maybe for a raise, a new job position, or just to be "liked"  are actually encouraging you to push harder, to be better? This rarely happens. Most of the time they are trying to belittle you to make themselves seem better. The only way to beat this mentality in every day life, outside the box, is to use the tools we learn at CrossFit in our daily lives. Regardless of what they do, always encourage them to be better versions on themselves, because if CrossFit has taught me one thing it's that wanting people to be the best version of themselves, celebrating in their achievements, and failures, pushing them forward with SUPPORT allows the spectators of these millstones to grow as well.
    Surrounding yourself with positive support instead of negative support is a huge factor for success, which ever way that is defined for the individual. Think about how much your life has changed since joining CrossFit. Most people feel happier, more determined, more clear headed, and want to take chances. Mediocre doesn't not suffice anymore when you have a good support system behind you.

     Now while having a great support system behind you is vital, making sure you are giving back the same support is important ! Using CrossFit again as an example,think for a second about all the support, and things your coaches do and sacrifice for each member. Some coaches work 6 days a week at the box, some work two jobs, some have families,and some don't even get to work out every day. Not to mention they all have their own responsibilities and things they need to do outside of CrossFit. They support your dreams and goals. Some coaches even drive all over the state (and out of state) to go support members of the box in different competitions. Hell your coaches are probably the first people who helped you start believing in yourself (CrossFit journey wise), then they propel you forward to take even bigger risks in life. 

    While often times our coaches become our inspiration, people we look up to, our heroes (for many different reasons), at the end of the day they are humans too. They need SUPPORT, people to believe in them, and push them past the walls they set for themselves. A lot of coaches are of the competitive nature, maybe not every single weekend, or maybe just a few times a year. They work very hard to get to that level, to be able to teach proper form, lift heavy and efficiently. MOST coaches started in the same Free Intro Class and On-Ramp program that we all go through. Their journeys although different, are very similar in that aspect.

      Next time you have a free weekend I would go check out a competition ( if you are not a competitive CrossFitter) and SUPPORT your Coaches, and fellow CrossFit teammates who support you every day. You don't have to compete to be a part of the team, the side line support is just as important. Competing takes a whole different level of guts, to put yourself out there and compete against some of the best, to step outside of the comfort zone of your own box takes courage, every single time you do it! That needs to be recognized, appreciated, and supported!

       Take time to thank you coaches when you hit a PR, get a muscle up, or do your first strict pull-up. Although you are putting in the work to accomplish these goals, you wouldn't have the opportunity to hit those milestones without your coaches. Ask your coaches what there goals are in CrossFit, what PR they are fighting for next, be as concerned and curious about their goals as they are yours. CrossFit is an amazing community, where "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts" (Aristotle), so don't forget to give back equally as much support as you are given (in CrossFit and in life) !

Today I am grateful that I am learning to keep a positive outlook on situations that could easily be viewed negatively. Hopefully with in the next few days I will know exactly what is going on with my injury and recovery can begin taking place. Positive thoughts, positive recovery!



-A

Optimism

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”   -Wintson Churchill

      I've had a lot of down time to think this week. I currently have to sit out of CrossFit due to an injury. I am not 100% sure the final verdict, but I DON'T think it is something that will keep me out for very long (even if I have to work from the bottom back up). I cried (a lot) in front of the entire 6:00PM class last Wednesday. The beautiful part is no one judged me because everyone there shares the same intensity. Everyone there knows what it's like to have your body tell you "it's time for a break". As Rick and I sat talking ( he more so painfully watched me sulk) I told him how it was funny that I was crying over missing ONE work out, meanwhile Annie Thorisdottior , the 2 time Crossfit Games Champion, is missing the GAMES this year due to a back injury (the same that I might have).

     Although we are on two totally different levels, two totally different athletes,... Annie is someone every Crossfit girl admires, and RESPECTS. I had just finished reading/watching her article on the CrossFit games website (http://games.crossfit.com/video/annie-thorisdottir-wont-compete-2013-games ) that Tuesday, and she offered such wonderful advice that would later change my whole thought process on what an injury is/isn't. 

                    

"There is this difference in competing hurt and competing injured. Sometimes you     
can push, but in this case, I can't really." -Iceland Annie 

                  

    Accepting an injury for what it is, that's the first part in the recovery process. Being injured is not an excuse to stop eating clean, stop being active, or even stop me from going to the box. And injury is a delay, it is not defeat, as long as I don't let it become that. I look at this as an opportunity to focus on where I can clean up my eating habits, work on things like endurance (running, biking, swimming), and allow me to get back to the basics in my lifting forms, so that when I do come back, I come back BETTER, stronger, more knowledgeable and efficient. There are only two ways to look at a situation, good or bad...life is A LOT better if you look at the good. Here's to wishing both Annie and myself a strong, speedy recovery!

     Today I am thankful for the support of my box, Marlboro Crossfit . I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by some truly awesome people. A lot of people reached out to me asking where I have been, or how my back was, it was nice to see how much of a family we are. Honestly we have one of the best boxes around, I am so grateful for you all!

-A

Rx or Scaled?

Breathe. 

3..2..1..Go!

I get mad at the bar. I walk up to it and I go to " that place". 120# over -head squat. Coach Sal is behind me, " Envision yourself doing this! You got this!" I do just that. I take a deep breath,  and I'm off...chasing after the pain again. In my head I'm telling myself ..." Keep everything tight, pull apart the bar....Bounce out of it, back up! ...Push the knees out, ...further!"  I stand the weight up! 

Exhale.  I am free.

RX or Scaled?

         If you have been to a CrossFit box before you would notice that on the whiteboard, next to different athletes names is an RX. Two little letters that mean so much, to different people, for different reasons. Being able to put that RX next to your name after a work out is a BIG accomplishment, but it's not the only accomplishment that comes from working hard day in and day out doing CrossFit. Whether or not you RX or scale a workout, its important to be proud of your own efforts every single time you finish a WOD. 

   "Scaling means every WOD can be re designed to fit your needs as an athlete. That is what makes CrossFit so awesome for the masses when coached properly. Just communicate with your coach. Your attitude about the WOD can turn the butterflies into passion, enthusiasm and, my favorite word, tenacity. " - CrossFit Synergistics

      There are some workouts I earned an RX for, but they are few and far between, and I am okay with that. It reminds me that my journey is not over, in fact, there are so many things I need to work on that I'm excited. I want to earn those two letters at the end of my work out.  I don't want it handed to me, that's too easy!  

        One way that helps me to not get caught up in comparing myself to other athletes is to constantly remind myself of what my journey means to me. I leave reminders in my car, on my mirror, in my phone... anything it takes. Take time to

focus on what you want from your experience doing CrossFit. The more you focus on your journey, the more you will feel better about it, and start to appreciate the small steps you take everyday to reach that new PR, or to RX your first (and most certainly not your last) WOD. Everyone's journey is different, their stories, strengths, and weaknesses are not comparable to ours, so we all need to STOP comparing ourselves. I noticed break through moments when other people would lift more than me, and I noticed how easily I was able to control my ego about it. I went up to them, congratulated them, and realized that by them pushing harder, it made me push harder

      “Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the   coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back… play for her.” - Mia Hamm

       When I signed up for the On-Ramp class it was because CrossFit had brought out something in me that I had been trying to find for years! I missed competing against myself, the day in and day our grind, the fear! I fell in love with CrossFit instantly, not because of PRing my back squat, or RXing a WOD. I fell in love because CrossFit reveled my weaknesses and strengths to myself. When you feel like you are getting too caught up in your head, comparing yourself to someone else, or worrying that you didn't RX the WOD, remind yourself of why you fell in love with CrossFit to begin with, and why you show up every single day! 

      The other night after one of our WODs, Coach Sal brought the class together to talk about what CrossFit really is, at the grit of it. One of the athletes at our box completed the work out doing one legged box jumps, and it was moving to see! Sal was right, at the end of the day, majority of the people who participate in CrossFit will never be an Elite Athlete, ever go to Regionals, or The Games. At the end of the day, it's that day in, day out grind that makes CrossFit what it is. Whether you are RXing, or scaling the workout always remember to PUSH yourself to the absolute best you can do, know that this is challenging for your body, and be proud of the results. Most athletes start off scaling a lot of, if not all the movements in CrossFit, which helps build up proper form, and strength! Allow your body to progress at it's own rate, and you will reap the benefits. Focusing to much on someone else's goals and achievements will never get you to reach your goals. Instead, let it make you work harder!

Today I am grateful that the school year is officially over! Although I still have roughly 6 weeks of the summer program until I get a break, I know it will go very quick! I can't believe I've been at my job for an entire year now, time flies!

What are you grateful for today?

-A

Catching Up!

     “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
― Mark Twain 

     I had the pleasure of being able to attend the 2013 Crossfit North East Regional Games at Reebok Head Quarters in Canton, MA. A-fucking-mazing! I strongly recommend every cross-fitter ( and non cross-fitter) to go an experience Regionals. I  learned so much in three days, from body image to simply learning to laugh more; trying to figure out where to start is honestly giving me trouble! 

    My sister ( Cassandra) , Fins ( Kat), and I started our journey to Regionals early Thursday morning and the anticipation was killing me. I had an idea about what Regionals were because my brother and sister had gone the year before. I knew this experience was going to change me, in a really good, kick in your ass kind of way. I was ready for it. I vowed to myself that this weekend I would make an extra effort to not be as shy, meet some new people, and  live outside my comfort zone. I wanted to finally just be myself, and have fun, no pressure, no drama. I tend  to be very introverted, almost to a point of really hindering my ability to grow as a person and I was ready to take this step.

     We arrived in Canton, MA roughly around noon and met a bunch of people from Brazen Athletics,  Crossfit 908, Jersey City Crossfit, and of course, my very own box, Marlboro Crossfit in "tent city". Upon our arrival we immediately did our first WOD .... to the liquor store for some Magic Hat and Angry Orchard Cider ( which I learned is highly addictive).  We walked around for a bit,  and went to the main area where all the athletes would be competing. It was breath taking! Breath taking in a non-nature, on top of a mountain way. It was breathtaking because I could feel the energy, the positivity, and support all around. I was in awe and excited to see these athletes accomplish amazing things, and I felt honored to be there to support them, especially my Coach Ricks two very close friends, Tim and Mike. Watching these athletes push the limit, and chase their dreams left me to wonder what I am truly capable of. I'd rather die trying to accomplish a dream than to fear ever starting in the first place.

      Besides getting to watch the athletes competing, I was also fortunate enough to meet some really awesome coaches, and fellow cross fitters from boxes all across the North East Region. Each person I met offered a lesson, advice, or inspiration. I talked to other women about body image, and being confident in your own skin, loving your body for what it can do!    Being amongst all cross fitters for an entire weekend almost makes you never want to go back home! It's a different World. The entire weekend was a huge success, and one of the best weekends I've had in a really long time! After seeing first had what these athletes do, I just want to say how proud I am of each and every cross fitter. What we all do each day, the lifestyle in which we chose to live, treat each other, and as one move forward is beautiful. I can't wait to see what happens at the Games this year!

      Coming back from Regionals I was ready to go! How can you not be after a weekend of pure awesomeness?! I had a familiar  realization on my way to Crossfit that Monday, which I always enjoy because it allows me to regain my focus. Life is all about catch me if you can moments, and that's what Crossfit has brought to my attention. All I have is that one moment (work out) to do my best, leave it all out there, catch what I want out of it. I should live every single moment in life, with this thought in my head. Every moment is a chance to get better. Make it a point to recognize this every single day.  I have one chance in life, what am I going to do with it? We all wake up with the same choice every day. Am I going to be happy? Try my hardest? Inspire others?   I am in control, always.  I cant always control what happens to me,  but I can always control my reaction and attitude.

      I had a really rough day at work a few days ago, I was mentally tired, physically withered , and really inside my HEAD! One of THOSE days ( I'm human, it happens). I tried to collect my shit before going to the box, but some days it doesn't work, some days I need a good work out to kick my head back straight. I was mad at the world during this " Chipper" WOD which was made up of 100 ABMAT sit ups, 80 DUs, 60 box jumps (20") , 40 KB swings (35#), and 20 front squats (65#) time: 15:04.  I did all 80 DUs, and did the last 20 front squats unbroken, and I was PROUD! I had been able to string a few DUs in a row a few weeks ago, but then I fell off and really got inside my head about them. Never once did my coaches stop believing that I would be able to do them, even when I had stopped ( and would try getting out of it by doing singles...They caught on haha!) Without my coaches insisting I step out of my comfort zone and do all DUs in the WOD no matter how long it took, I wouldn't have been able to get back into the groove of it, and able to do all 80. 

       Onto the unbroken 20 front squats... Pure hell, let's just get that out of the way! I felt my mind state change when I committed to doing those all unbroken.  Coach Rick was behind me keeping count, my body kept moving, but I had left. My mind was somewhere else, and when I came to all I heard was " 15...do not think of dropping the bar now...16..." In those moments when my mind had escaped my body,  I became stronger. I realized that my body was capable of much more than my mind insisted. I was able to take my mind out of the situation and let my body do what it was intended to do. It still hurt....it hurt like hell, but I wasn't focused on the pain. I was focused on the goal, focused on the people who doubt me (myself being the first), focused on the future, on the present moment of growing stronger.  I get goose bumps just writing about it! The possibilities are really endless in life, YOU just have to believe in yourself first! If you do not believe in yourself no one else will, I hate to say it, but it's true!  

     Speaking of believing in yourself, I want to announce the Paleo Challenge winner! Shannon is THE MOST hard working individual I've ever Met! The lengths to which she has gone to change her life are a testament to her determination. Shannon has been doing Crossfit over three years now, and has lost a total of 150lbs! 

     When I first started Crossfit, Shannon was one of the first people to introduce herself to me, and set up a night out! She is one of those people who makes you feel welcome right away, her personality lights up the room! I have the pleasure of working out with Shannon 3-4 times a week, and she is one of the best WOD partners! She is always willing to cheer people on, do extra work to help someone finish, and can I just say, she is STRONG as hell! Definitely a great role model, and someone I, and every one at our box admirers. I was able to ask Shannon some questions about this tremendous journey, and her answers brought me to tears!

1. It's so hard to stay dedicated and committed to things, especially eating healthy! What are some things that helped you stay on track, not only during the challenge, but during this entire life transformation?

" For me this entire Journey started because I needed to Get Healthy. I was 30 years old and very sick. When you’re doing something to save your own life, it really isn’t very hard to stay committed. For this Challenge well that’s was something different!  It was a Challenge and if there is one thing I could say about me, it’s that I’m a very determined person when I set my mind to doing something. I like a Challenge! It motivates me when things aren’t easy. Easy is for the masses. I like a little resistance….thus my Love of Crossfit. No matter how good you get the WOD’s will never be Easy! "

2. When did you first start Crossfit and how did you hear about it?  

"I was working out with a Friend who had a Kettle bell Class. He opened a Crossfit gym and that’s how I first got into it. "

3. Describe the experience of your first WOD ever.

"One of my first WOD’s included Jumping over the Barbell and doing lateral Burpees. The entire class was finished and I was miles from being done. Our very own Sal D’Alessio got down on the floor and started doing Burpees with me. (I’m getting choked up remembering this.) He looked me right in the face with a look I will never forget and said “You can do this! You got this Kid…You Hear me….Just Keeping Moving!” So I did – I finished the WOD and it felt like the first time someone really believed that I could do this. There was no way I was going to fail with everyone watching. People in my life had there obvious doubts when I first started this life style. They really didn’t think it would last. By the way, Sal is still yelling at me during WOD’s in the very same way!"

4. How long have you been doing crossfit for? How much weight have you lost in total?

"I’ve been doing CrossFit for more than 3 years now. To date I’ve lost 150lbs. I Started at 305 and today I’m 155!"

5. What made you decide it was time to change your life?

     "Few Things happened all around the same time and I knew it was time to change. First Ricky & I got stuck in Red Bank for the 4th of July Fireworks and we had to walk 6 miles to get to our car. I was 300lbs, I barely ever moved at all so 6 miles almost killed me in the July Heat! When we finally made it, Ricky said to me “If you can do that, just think what else you can possibly do?!” It really got me thinking! 

    Then the next month the Love of my Life asked me to marry him and that really set the ball rolling. I was marrying a man 20 years my senior and he was Way Healthier than me. I thought to myself how stupid is that?! I also didn’t want to stand up Next to this trim man on my wedding day and Look like a Giant Marshmallow in a white dress! Harsh but True! "

6. After accomplishing so much, what are some goals you are looking forward to accomplishing in the future?

" I look forward to so many things in the future. I’ve got a lot of work left to do. I’m not really athletically inclined, so I have to work hard to develop new skills. I would like to snatch over 100lbs someday ( Shannon snatched over 100# last week, it was freakin awesome!)  My ultimate Dream is to RX Fran…simple but Huge to a girl like me. I have plenty of personal Goals left to reach but the thing I Want Most is to be able to help other people change their Lives and find the happiness that I have in getting Healthy & Strong!  I want people to know that they can do it, it’s never too late, and it’s worth the Effort every day! "

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to give up whether it be during a work out, chasing a dream, etc.) ?

     " You Never Give Up! You really don’t know how close you are to the next big breakthrough that leads you to success! There is just never a good excuse for giving up on yourself! If you won’t fight for your own dreams...Who will?! It took me 3 years to do a pull-up. If I gave up, those years would still have gone by, and the only difference is that I’d still be hanging from the bar wishing I could do a Pull up. We are all different so Don’t get frustrated or start comparing yourself to anyone else – That is just wasted energy. Focus on your own goals and appreciate the Journey. Patience & Hard Work will get you where you want to go in Life & in the Box!  "

     Shannon's perseverance throughout this entire journey is AMAZING! This is what happens when a person makes the decision to better their lives, and make it a priority! She is a hero, for so many different reasons, and each day she walks into that box, she inspires every single one of us to get after the life we want! Great things are in her future, and I can't wait to see where these next months take her! 

Today I am grateful for my siblings! Without the three of them I would never be where I am today, or who I am today. They are my best  friends and I'm happy to know I will always have them around!

xxx,

A

Stand up, Speak Up!

    Hey guys, it's definitely been a while since my last post! Life has picked up pace with all the celebrations and nice weather recently! It has been a very bumpy few weeks, lots of highs and some lows ( which I'm learning to accept as a normal part of life).  

     On the positive side, the box I belong to, Marlboro Crossfit organized an AMAZING event for Autism Speaks on April 13th, the turn out was beyond words.  I work with special needs children on a daily basis, and this event was very important and close to my heart for a variety of reasons. For those who are not familiar with Autism here are some facts taken directly from www.autismspeaks.org  .

Did you know ...

 

-Autism now affects 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys

-Autism prevalence figures are growing

-Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.

-Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on average

-Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases

-Boys are nearly five times more likely than girls to have autism

-There is no medical detection or cure for autism

     More people are starting to take notice about what autism is , and becoming more informed about this developmental disability because people, like all the people who participated or donated to this event , made their voices heard and took a stand for Autism Speaks. 

    The day of the event was filled with anticipation, nerves, and excitement! My sister and I would finally do our first Crossfit workout, side by side, in the same heat! My sister has been doing Crossfit for over a year now, and she is a BEAST! I was nervous because there were so many people, from so many different boxes watching us, people from all different levels of Crossfit.

    The WOD for the day was a 10 minute AMRAP (as many rounds as possible) of Thrusters (95/65/45) with a pacer of 5 burpees and 10 kettle bell swings (53/35/25).  Seems easy on paper, but that was BRUTAL! I can remember a distinct moment in the work-out when I looked at the clock and 7:00 remaining read. I felt a panic, but I reminded myself of what it meant to be doing that WOD, and I worked my ass off for all those with Autism, especially my students. It was the first time I did a WOD to raise money for a cause, I have done volunteer work before, but this was something...special. Everyone who participated that day left all they had in the box, it was something I will always remember. 

 

    As a total the 2nd Annual WOD for Autism raised $18,000 for Autism Speaks!!!! The goal was $10,00 and was PR'd it by $8,000 ! I think everyone was blown away that we accomplished such an amazing goal, but one person who was so humbled by this experience was the Coordinator of the event, and my coach Rick! I was fortunate enough to get to ask Rick some questions about the event, check them out!

 1. When you first decided to do a WOD for a cause last year, why did you decide on Autism? Why was it important to bring attention and awareness to Autism, and Autism Speaks? 

       My cousin Vinnie (no not the movie, I actually have a cousin named Vinnie) is autistic.  He has been non-communicative and severely impaired from a very young age.  Vinnie communicates through his look and his touch but words are never spoken.  When he was born the prevalence of Autism was 1 in 2500 births, in 2012 statistics show that 1 in 88 children will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder by age 8.  If that isn't enough to get your fundraising wheels turning I don't know what will!  Nothing in this world is more important than changing the future of our youth, and their is nothing better than being able to contribute to that!  The mission of Autism Speaks is to change the lives of those who struggle with autism everyday so the partnership for the event was a perfect fit.  

2.  After seeing the total outcome, the amount of people who participated, donated, and even showed up as support; how would you describe the difference between the Crossfit community and anything else you've ever been apart of?

 

     The beauty of the CrossFit community is that monetary gains are where the support starts, but the real support comes from the hard work we put in the day of the event.  WE leave our blood, sweat and tears on the floor to symbolize our deepest and most sincere support for something that unfortunately hits so close for so many.  We all know that our community kicks ass, but to see it first hand in our box was humbling.

3. This being the 2nd Annual WOD for Autism, what was different about this year and last year?Coach Rick

      The difference between this year and last year?  Well were talking about $12,000 difference!  But as you know, the monetary stuff is just the surface of it all.  The real difference was the ridiculous amount of people that showed up to throw down and support the cause.  Some of my closest friends from CF908, Brazen, CF Freehold, CF Westfield, CF KOA, and CF Veracity all showed up (I know I'm forgetting some of you) and that meant more than they will ever know.  I believe this amount of support also answers the previous question regarding what makes the CF community different...The growth over a year was substantial and we look forward to an even bigger event next year, maybe even do it competition style (hint hint)!!                                                                                                              

4. As a Team, the WOD for Autism raised a total amount of $18,000 for Autism speaks. The original team goal was $10,000. How does it feel to know your event raised so much money, for such a great cause?
 HUMBLED

5.  You work hard every day to be the best person and coach you could possibly be, what advice would you give someone about tackling goals and PRing life?

 

       Every single day of our lives (every minute for that matter) we are faced with life experiences that can often be interpreted as "circumstantial".  F*!k circumstances, they don't exist!  Create your vision, LIVE IT and NEVER EVER GIVE UP!

      Rick (and I know several people helped him), put together a great event that brought cross fitters, and non cross fitters alike together in solitary for one common goal. Apply this concept to every aspect of life, and the World is yours for the taking!  I feel so honored to be apart of Marlboro Crossfit, especially after this event. It's one thing to participate in a event for a cause, but it's another when the cause directly affects you. The students I work with, and Ricks cousin Vinnie are two examples of people who beat the odds every single day, and I will stand up and speak for them any day! I look forward to getting involved in more events like this in the future and can't wait to see what happens next year at the Third Annual WOD for Autism!

 

Big Jay (Brazen)  and Tim (Crossfit 908)

Kettle Bell

 

MCF Family

Today I am grateful for a rest day! I have been non stop the last 9 days, only missing two WODs , and being on the go constantly. It's nice to just be able to relax, and catch my breath! 

What are you grateful for today?

xxx,

-A

PS: In my next post I will be announcing the Palo Challenge winner so make sure you stop back and check it out! Believe me, you don't want to miss it!

Perseverance

    After being away from the box for a week, due to strep throat, I finally returned back to Crossfit. I understand why people warned me that Crossfit becomes an addiction. The days I can't make it to the box don't have the same spark about them! There is nothing in the world like kicking your own ass! 

   This week at the box was different in a really profound way. One of my WOD buddies Adel celebrated his one year anniversary of Crossfit ! He is one of the most hard working and devoted people I have ever had the pleasure of crossing paths with. In one year, Adel fought blood, sweat, and tears to lose a total of 110#! As a beginner to Crossfit being able to witness a life changing accomplish such as Adel's is a very raw moment. It defines Crossfit, the community aspect of it, and what sets it apart from anything I've ever done before. You learn, as a community, to celebrate each others high and low moments. To dig deep for ourselves, and for each other. 

We did a WOD named Adel which consisted of the following: 

3 RFT

20 KB swings

15 Box Jumps (24'/20')

10 Burpees

400 M run

   I unfortunately was not able to make the 9:30am WOD that Adel did, but when I showed up to the box at 4, I looked at the white board and realized everyone in the 9:30 class finished at the same time. Coach Rick explained that every single person in that class finished the last round of the WOD with Adel. I instantly got goose bumps. Seeing people of all ages, backgrounds, races, ethnicities come together, for the greater good is amazing.  I've been in far to many situations where there was no good, no helping, no sense of community , so experiencing this was new to me,  almost uncomfortable at first. 

  All through out the WOD I watched as I, and several other people literally left everything we had in us at the box. We do a lot of Hero WODs in Crossfit that honor fallen soldiers, which are really awesome, and being able to do a work out in honor of someone you work out with, you see battle for every inch, is a an intense, inspiring experience. I kept reminding myself of all the hard work Adel accomplished in the last year, and of all the excuses I (use to and still do sometimes) come up with to push myself beyond my limit that day.

                                PERSEVERANCE:  continued effort to do or achieve something

                                                        despite difficulties, failure, or opposition .

                                                  BEFORE                               AFTER

  

I had the pleasure of being able to talk to Adel, ask him questions and hear his amazing story! I was so moved, and inspired by him and the answers he gave!


 Q&A

How does it feel it feel to sit back and think about that first day you showed up for the Crossfit intro class now that it has been a complete year?

      I sit back and remember that Saturday ( it was actually my birthday of last year) and I showed up at 8am for the intro.  I walked in and in my head I was like “where's the equipment?”.  My first intro WOD was rowing and box step ups. Rick told me to jump on my first day and I looked at him like that's not going happen, so I ended up doing step ups and when I was done I was seeing stars everywhere in the box and dizzy but it was something completely different than anything I had tried. I'm really glad I showed up that Saturday morning.

What made you decide to try Crossfit? How did you hear about it?

           I first heard about Crossfit back in 2008-2009 when my brother used to go to 908 (that's where he met Rick). My 2012 goal was to get back to the gym and work out like every year, so I joined Retro. One day I was running there, my brother and one of his friends asked me if I want to do a WOD with them while I'm there. I told them I'm going to try it to show them I'm not scared or anything. I didn't finish that WOD that day, couldn't even walk for the next two days and that's when I asked my brother if he knew of any CrossFit gyms in the area and he told me about Rick and called him for me to bring me in for my intro class. 

Why do you think Crossfit is something you stuck to?

     
     I joined CrossFit because I had hernia surgery in June of 2011 and my doctor suggested I do the weight loss surgery and I was very close to doing it but instead I joined CrossFit 9 months after my hernia surgery. CrossFit is not just a gym where you work out and leave. After you stay there for a while you feel like you belong there and it's like hard to leave. In regular gyms, people don't sit there after they finish their work out and try to motivate you or even do extra reps so you’re not left alone working out, but at MCF I saw people after a long WOD and how tired they were, they would actually do the last few reps with me. That's huge motivation when someone else just does them to support you. And of course as hard as we work we also try to have some fun.

How do you feel knowing you are such an inspiration to SO MANY people?

       I don't call myself inspiration. Watching some of the ladies, especially the ones with kids, between work, kids, the house, and the family, they still have time to make it for the WOD. I don't think anyone could use time as an excuse. And some of the men as well between work, family and they still show up  4-6 times, that's inspiring to every guy who says I got no time. If I can do it, I'm pretty sure anyone can. I had a hernia surgery 9 months before Crossfit and had surgery on my left leg in 2007 and I am doing it. I think people are scared to get out of their comfort zone that's why they blame it on time. 

What is some advice you’d give a beginner of someone who is serious about changing their life?

       Everything that's worth having is worth fighting for. Yeah, some days you are going to be in pain, others you are going to be sore and days you won't be able to move but you should know it's all worth it. One day at a time and just show up!

What are some things that helped you stay on track during this journey?

     The coaches of course because they are always following up with me and the members because most of them stick around and do extra work until I'm done just to support me. My parents for changing the way they shop. Another thing is I looked at the past and at some of the things I couldn't do that I can do now... Learn from the past, work for today, plan and set goals for the future.

How much weight did you lose in one year?

      I lost 110 pounds, 100% natural, in one year! I know people who were on diet pills and had the weight loss surgery and haven't lost that much weight.  It feels amazing because I had doubts about myself when I first walked into the box, but one of the rules is the word NEVER is not allowed to be said, so if you can't do it today there’s always tomorrow, but never say never!

Who has been your biggest motivation and inspiration during this journey?

     My biggest motivation that kept me going was one I want to live old enough to see my kids. Another reason is working out with some people who already lost weight, watching Shannon, Mandy, and Guy before and after was enough to believe and keep me going everyday! Watching people on TV and reading about them is one thing, but working out with them and seeing how bad they fight through some of these WODs is another.

What goals are you going to accomplish in this next year?

     My goal for next year is to be around 225 and keep PRing life.



I feel so lucky to be able to be surrounded by such amazing people all of the time. I know for a fact that Adel will keep kicking ass in everything he does! Miracles are literally happening every single day, and for awhile I was really closed off from that. Each person who does Crossfit has such a different, inspiring, unique reason for doing what they do. People like Adel make me work harder, become more truthful with myself, and inspire me not only at Crossfit, but in my entire life. When you stop making excuses, an entire World of opportunity opens up! 

  

Today I am grateful that I went out last night with my friends Katie and Erin! We went to an Irish Pub in Somerville, and drank delicious beer, it was a lot of fun, especially after this long week of work. Ironically, I am starting to really embrace being single, although it's been a year, I feel a lot more independent now....FREEDOM! :) 



What are you inspired by this week?




-A