I started my exercise regime with my “trainer extraordinaire Mike” late last summer. My goal was to lose weight believing that losing that extra flubber would make me fit. Although my goal was to lose weight I didn’t want to hurt and I didn’t want to sweat. When I started I couldn’t run up a flight of stairs without gasping for breath! It was a humbling realization to see how out of shape I really was. I quickly started seeing changes in my strength and endurance. Mike would push me to my physical limits and when I wanted to puke or pass out, he would make me do more. I had a like/hate relationship back then, and after many months of cursing, dreading my workouts, and being pushed, I now think of him not only as a kick ass trainer but as a friend.
During my workout sessions Mike would say “You have to come out and do Crossfit”. “I can’t do Crossfit”, to which he would say, “You’re doing Crossfit!” Crossfit was very scary to me, I was really intimidated by it and afraid that I would not be able to finish a WOD and would embarrass myself.
I started Crossfit in March and quickly realized that although I may not be the fastest or the strongest I could complete it, and felt the exhilaration of finishing a WOD. Since March I have achieved many goals I would have never thought possible a year ago: I completed my first Murph in 46 minutes, was one of five to finish Chelsea, completed every workout during Baseline Week, and participated in Mike’s 24 hour challenge.
I’ve come accustomed to the pain, and actually welcome the aches, the stiffness, the scrapes and bruises, and the times I have trouble straightening my arms or can’t sit. As for my reasons for starting, I have lost over 13% body fat, put on 3 pounds of muscle, and can run many flights of stairs! I own more workout clothes than work clothes (does this mean I’m addicted?), and I now book my hair appointments on days that don’t conflict with Chris’ Saturday morning groups so I can come and not be shunned for missing.
Catalyst has become a family affair in my home, my whole family works out with the Catalyst gang and talking about our workouts, our plans, and our fitness goals have become common conversations, while we attempt to eat our Zone friendly meals!