The Open

“I have realized; it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most. That Isee and feel who I really am, the most! I think that's what a comet is like, you see, a comet is born in the outer realms of the universe! But it's only when it ventures too close to our sun or to other stars that it releases the blazing "tail" behind it and shoots brazen through the heavens! And meteors become sucked into our atmosphere before they burst like firecrackers and realize that they're shooting stars! That's why I enjoy taking myself out of my own element, my own comfort zone, and hurling myself out into the unknown. Because it's during those scary moments, those unsure steps taken, that I am able to see that I'm like a comet hitting a new atmosphere: suddenly I illuminate magnificently and fire dusts begin to fall off of me! I discover a smile I didn't know I had, I uncover a feeling that I didn't know existed in me... I see myself. I'm a shooting star. A meteor shower. But I'm not going to die out. I guess I'm more like a comet then. I'm just going to keep on coming back.” - JoyBell C.

     
     It's that time of year again, The Open starts tonight, and the Road to the Fittest officially begins. I've been involved in CrossFit a year and I can honestly say this is the BEST thing to be apart of, whether you are new or not, a competitor, or just someone who likes to work out... SIGN UP!!! The Open is a time to prove your fitness and challenge YOURSELF. Let's face it, a small percentage of athletes make it to Regionals and on to The Games, but does that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. The same reason you started CrossFit is the same reason you should sign up for The Open. There is nothing to lose, yet so much to gain.   
    Last year, I was 2 months into CrossFit when my Coach told me to sign up. I was scared, fearful, doubtful. I didn't think I was good enough, or ready, or even deserved to be competing in the same workouts as Rich Froning, Annie Thorsdottir, and Sam Briggs, but I signed up anyways. I'm sure everyone remembers 13.1, pure HELL filled with Burpees and Snatches. I wound up PRing my snatch 13 TIMES! What I learned in that moment was that true living exists right outside my comfort zone. If I had stayed in my comfort zone, and not signed up for The Open I would have never known how capable I was, not just in CrossFit , but in life. This realization during The Open last year is a huge reason I was able to stay level headed and eat clean during my recovery. Joining The Open last year allowed me to see where I stacked up against people all over the World, but more importantly where I stacked up against myself and my fears. 

                     " My accomplishments yesterday would have never been possible with out my coach Rick, who one, called me out for not competeing, and two, stood by my side the entire 17 mins, and talked me through the work out. He allowed me to break when I needed, and pushed me even harder to reach beyond my comfort zone! What I learned this weekend was that being open to all the possibilites and opportunities in life is far more exciting then being scared or closed off from them. I would have never known what I was capable of, or how much support I do have if I had never been open to the idea of competeing. One simple choice of saying "NO" could have drastically changed the entire course of my life. Seeing where I rank amongst thousands of people all over the World makes me want to work harder, eat cleaner, and be better! The possibilities are endless, it's time to get after it..." ( post after 13.1)

Coach and I at Regionals '13

This year, I've been injured so I won't be able to compete RX, but I still signed up because I wanted to prove that there are ZERO reasons to not sign up. There is no valid reason to not be apart of such an amazing experience, to watch yourself catch on fire, and witness other peoples accomplishments. It's a time when every CrossFitter, from all of the World, from Rich Froning to the new on-ramp graduate come together to complete 5 different work-outs. Yes, to the outside World it's just a competition, but anyone on the inside knows that it is way more than that. What competition have you been to where your competitor is cheering for you to do better, and push yourself further? None.
  


        

           So here we go. 14.1 has been announced... 

                                             Workout 14.1

                                     10-minute AMRAP:
                                     30 double-unders
                                     15 power snatches, 75 / 55 lb

 SIGN UP , FACE YOURSELF, GET THE FUCK AFTER IT, AND ENJOY THE RIDE!








-A 

13 Things I Learned In 2013

1. I can have love ANYTIME I want, it's called self love, and is one of the best, most gratifying kinds of love you can find. Until you have self love, nothing else will ever matter, but once you do find it, everything matters, even the smallest of things.

2. The power of forgiveness will set you free. Holding on to old pain, and old mistakes only weighs you down. When you are able to forgive yourself and other people for things that happened you take away all of its power and you are able to focus your energy on things that really matter to you.

3. If you do not like where you are at in life change the situation, or at least take the necessary steps to change it. Sometimes things don't change over night, and unless you are actively trying to change things, you have zero room to bitch.

4. Make time to appreciate something every single day.

5. Eating clean/ Paleo is expensive, but so are medical bills and disease.

6.  Writing things down is a HUGE part of being successful and accomplishing the  things you want to accomplish. I have post it notes in my car and room reminding, focusing me, and keeping me on track. Whenever I am having a bad moment these reminders help me to change my thoughts. 

7. Laugh....because if you don't laugh, you'll cry.

8. I've changed and some people don't like it. That's not my fucking problem!

9. "It's okay to hate what everyone else pretends to love." - Emma Watson

10. Dance every morning while getting ready for the day :)

11.  I am a very determined and strong person. Not only have I realize how physically strong I am, but mentally as well. I've set a number of goals that I crushed in 2013. BIG THINGS COMING!

12. I've never "fit into society", this year was all about embracing that!

13. My family is hands down the most important thing to me. I would
do anything for each of them. I am lucky to come from a family who endlessly supports each other. 2013 was a great year for all of us, watching everyone's transformation is beyond inspiring! 

-A

What's your excuse?

1 year progress

I can not believe its January 2014 already! It feels like just yesterday I was sitting here getting ready to embark on this new journey! It feels amazing to look back on 2013 with no regrets! I still can't believe I catch myself smiling for no reason other than simple and pure happiness! 2013 was an amazing year in which I proved a lot to myself about my commitment, dedication, and strength.  In January of last year I wrote my first blog post and the main topic was my resolution of getting healthy; in my head at the time getting healthy was working out and eating correctly. Little did I know that the year had more in store for me than I expected. Six months into CrossFit, into an entire life style change, I suffered a back injury that would leave me in active for 6 months. At first the news was devastating, and scary. I had become so use to eating healthy and working out everyday that fear struck and I worried what was in store during my recovery. Would I give up? Go back to old habits? Fall off for good? Go back to old friends who only pulled me down wards? After allowing myself to shift through the many emotions that comes with an injury I decided to look at the situation differently. I wanted to get healthy and this injury was one way for me to do it. Through hurting my back I was able to learn about all the things I have been doing wrong for years from sitting, to walking, to sleeping. I learned about healthier ways to do daily activities and in turn this injury will make me a better CrossFitter. I refuse to let a set back stop me, instead during this year I realized that the struggle will always be there. I had to change the way I viewed it, I had to accept the situation for what it was and decided what to do with it. I didn't want to live with any regrets, so I stuck to eating clean ( OK, SO I INDULGED A LITTLE DURING THE HOLIDAYS) but in 6 months, without working out, I have managed to not gain a single pound back that I fought so hard to lose.  I made a decision last year and through every trial, every high and low point I stayed true to myself and my goals. WHATS YOUR EXCUSE?

Cassandra

2013 wasn't just a good year for me, my older sister  Cassandra, who has been my back bone since I can remember, has completely taken off chasing dreams and facing fears and I couldn't be more proud of her. I've always looked up to her, and kept her on a pedestal that she has PROVED she deserves to be on.  What sets my sister apart from so many people is that she LIVES by her word. Cassandra doesn't say the shit you want to hear, she tells you the shit you need to hear. When she says she is going to do something, she does it. That's a hard quality to find in people! She is so relentless, strong, and fearless. What she will accomplish in her life is going to be beyond amazing, and I'm glad I will be able to have a front row seat to it all. I was able to talk with my sister about her  journey through CrossFit, why she fell in love with it, and how it's changed her life, allowing her to crush a 2014 goal, in the last month of 2013, by taking 3rd place in the CrossFit Christmas Throw-down. Check it out and get inspired!

What lead you to your first CrossFit class?

Photo Cred: Luke Lukas

" I have always been an athlete. I played soccer and softball through my senior year of high school, but decided to hang up my spikes and glove once I got to college. After, 2 1/2 years of practice yoga I started getting bored and was looking for something "different." Kristy was actually one of my very first yoga teachers and when her and J opened Brazen she was always telling me to come in and try it. I'd say "yeah, yeah I'll stop by," but never mustard up the OVARIES to go. Honestly, it really wasn't until I became friends with Roy, who had been crossfitting for awhile that I started to seriously consider giving it a go. All he talked about was Crossfit. It was definately something that peaked my interested. So after months of watching (in secret of course) youtube videos of games athletes completing these gnarly wods I decided to really give it a go.  In Feb of 2011 Brazen offered a "newbies" class and I coaxed my brother, Francis into going with me. I remember being scared shitless  because I felt like EVERYONE was watching me. But all of that dissipated immediately after the WOD started. I was in my own element and was hooked on the adrenaline rush right away."

- Did you know than that CrossFit was something that was going to change your life?

" Instantaneously. I'm a bit of a masochist hah. But I totally knew after the first WOD. Francis and I got into the car, I looked at him and said "you know this is going to be life changing for us."  

- How does it feel to know you set a goal in 2014 and crushed it in the last month of 2013?

"It's mind blowing and has me even more jacked up for 2014. It's going to be a HUGE proving year for me & I'm amped about all the BIG, BEAUTIFUL & HEAVY stuff that's on the way!!"

- Who has inspired you during this whole experience?

"Fuck. There are so many people for so many different reasons. My Nonna and friend, Dean, who both died last year have both fueled me to live my life that much stronger. My crazy, twisted, tough loving family, especially my mom. My coaches and amazing friends at Brazen.  And my students and clients. Without these people's' continuous support and motivation I wouldn't be who I am today."

- How have you transferred what you've learned so far in The box to your daily life and to other people you encounter?

" CrossFit is like a whole other breed of fitness because it's mentally and physically challenges you in ways that you never dreamed. It gives you no other choice but to get comfortable in some of the most uncomfortable times. When you're pushing yourself physically you also learn to combat the mental as well. You learn to take risks and know that failure only fuels your successes. So what if you missed that 125# snatch you tried and that transpires into everyday life. You start taking bigger risks, your mindset transforms into one that see potential and possibility in everything you do because honestly if I can backsquat 230# You sure as hell can crush a lot of other things in life and I started to. I learned to stop settling for things and go after what true lite my heart on fire. So here I am almost 2 years later chasing all of my goals. "

- What is the biggest obstacle you've had to face while training for this competition and how did you overcome it?

"Clearing the DOUBT out of my head. I'm a mind fucker and am fully aware of my flaws. 99% of my failed lifts are because I mentally screwed myself before I even touched the bar or give up way before anyone else would. Slowly, but surely I've been destroying what for so long has destroyed me. It's been a huge learning process. I remember after my first competition J said to me that him and I are a lot alike, mentally and when I learn to harness the doubt I'll be a force. Each day I push a little harder to combat the doubt and demons that live inside my head and with that I become a better athlete."

3rd Place - Christmas Thrown-down

- What does being limitless mean to you?

"LIMITLESS. It means believing you are capable of anything and everything that is placed in front of you no matter how crazy it might be. It means never giving up and always putting in 113%. It means there is no FUCKING glass CEILING! Limitless means that the world is ours for the taking and it is only when we stifle ourselves that we start to believe the bullshit of "can't". Being limitless is a mindset that creates a world of possibility but ONLY if/when you let it. That word and my coach have changed my life. Be limitless it's as simple or as hard as you make it, but at the end of the day it's you who decides. "

Set your goals. Make a game plan and Get the fuck after the life you want! Make this year about you....you won't regret it! 

-A 

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