I’m honored and humbled to be CFW CrossFitter of the month. My CrossFit journey began in February when my good friend Dorene convinced me to go to this new gym for a trial class. She had been going to a different box but just loved the guys that opened CFW. Having joined many gyms and not having much success sticking to it and knowing Dorene’s fitness level, I told her I didn’t think it was for me. She assured me I would be able to do it, that everything could be modified for my ability and that the coaches were “awesome”. My husband Jim said “Give it a try, what do you have to lose?”
With little expectation, and a lot of trepidation I went with Dorene to a Saturday trial class with Coach Ron. And I puked. I was so embarrassed, leaning over the trash pail dry heaving, this hot guy rubbing my back making sure I was okay, and telling me to just breathe. It was the toughest thing I had ever done and I loved it. (The very next day I was with my Girl Scout troop handing out their cookie orders, when who should walk in but Ron. Delaney was one of my Girl Scouts. I was even more embarrassed.)
With my husband’s support I signed up and I haven’t looked back! It hasn’t been pretty, but it’s been wonderful. The support and encouragement from all the members has been the most wonderful part of my experience. Their faith in me is much stronger than my own. When I first started, I always finished last, but that didn’t bother me. I knew if I just got my butt there, walked through the door, it would get done. One of my first classes was with Coach Rob, part of the wod was to run 400 meters. Everyone was done and I still had another round to do. For the last run everyone in the gym ran with me to keep me going. I almost couldn’t finish because I was crying so hard. Some thought I was crying because I was last and upset with myself for being so slow. It was the total opposite. I was so thankful for the support and encouragement from these people that I didn’t even know. (I’m crying as I write this now). I was so happy that I finished. I was so happy that I was doing it.
I’ve cried more times than I want to admit at CFW those first few months. I’d go home every day and share my experience with my husband, Jim and told him he has to give it a try. Well now he and our kids signed up and we are a Crossfit Family! And those people I didn’t know are now part of our CFW family, too.
Though I still have a long way to go, I know that I have made progress. I never ran, couldn’t do a pull-up (even with 3 bands), and couldn’t do a box jump or a burpee. It’s still not pretty, but now I can do it!
In these past 10 months I’ve met some of the most amazingly loving and supportive people to be found anywhere. Coach Ron with his dancing and goofiness and Coach Rob with his rainbows and lollipops are “good people” and they see the potential in everyone. I believe they get what “it” is all about. They are the most awesome-est motivators I’ve ever met. CFW is a very special place and I’m very blessed to be a part of it!
Congratulations to Michele, who has stepped outside her comfort zone and has come out the other side an athlete. Michele is one of our most positive members and her effort is second to none. Michele is what we believe crossfit is about and we love having Michelle part of our CrossFit Wallingford family. Keep up the great work Michele and keep on crying tears of joy. Lol.
