Folks. It’s been exactly a year and a half since I started this journey. 78 weeks ago I was given a gift that would change my life more than I could have ever possibly imagined. A gift that would help me discover my own strength, help me stop being apologetic for the space I occupy, clear my head, and surround me with some of the best people I have ever known.
It’s been a wild ride and I’m getting a little teary thinking of where I came from, where I am now, and where I want to go. But just Green Bay Packers season ticket holders, It’s time for me to pass this torch on to the next generation. I could not be more excited to witness someone have their own journey into self discovery and strength and to watch and support it like you’ve all done for me over the last 78 weeks.
This little blog started as a partnership with Solcana CrossFit – an honest partnership where the only feedback I ever received from Coach Hannah was “Be honest in your writing. If you hate it, talk about how you hate it. If you love it, talk about that, too.” From the get go I appreciated this freedom so much, especially be a total newbie to the world of CrossFit. I mean, 78 weeks ago, I was basically a total newbie to any and all forms of exercise as my body spent most days in an office chair, on a couch, or in bed. This partnership allowed me an opportunity to get my butt into gear because I HAD A JOB TO DO! I HAD A BLOG TO WRITE! I had to show up in order to have content to write about – accoiuntability at it’s finest. And then, there is all of the support that so many of you have given to me. You know, you create content and put it out into the world and hope it resonates with someone , but – if I can be honest for a moment – I never, ever imagined so many of you would read my words. Over the past year and a half, I’ve had some of the best genuinely vulnerable and loving conversations with so many of you – about your own journeys, my journey, questions about movements and capabilities, and encouragement. These conversations have meant more to me than I can ever truly explain. As someone who has lived most of life terrified of being vulnerable this space has allowed me to become less afraid and more real – and to heal.
This space allowed me to talk positively about my body for the first time in my life. It opened up dialogue about my own experiences and battles with severe depression. It has helped me process the importance of community in my own life and to make positive changes for myself. It helped me find and realize true friendship and teamwork. Yes, I did all the heavy lifting on this journey, but it’s only because I knew I had you rooting for me and the comfort and support of my Solcana CrossFit homies. I’ve always been the type of person to be surrounded by lots of ‘friends’ – but now I am surrounded by true FRIENDS. There is a difference. Thank you, homies, for helping me understand that.
78 weeks ago I walked into Solcana CrossFit and completed the following workout for the first time. It took me 10 minutes:
- 500 m row
- 40 squats
- 30 sit ups
- 20 push ups (on box)
- 10 pull ups (ring rows)
The last time I completed the same workout it took me 5 minutes and 27 seconds.
78 weeks ago I didn’t value myself. I didn’t care for myself, and I certainly didn’t love myself. 78 weeks ago I was a different person with different priorities in a job she hated living a life that consisted of going from one place to the next and sleeping in between.
But now I have one that I love and appreciate and value. And aside from working towards my own fitness, I have the pleasure and the honor of working with people to help them in their own journeys. It makes me the most happiest to coach athletes at Solcana CrossFit and nearly almost every day I think to myself how lucky I am to do so. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THIS GIRL..
<—————— THIS GIRL
WOULD BE COACHING OTHER ATHLETES, LIFTING 300LBS, RUNNING SUB 10 MIN MILES, BECOME MORE CONFIDENT AND SECURE AND VULNERABLE AND OPEN AND HONEST AND STRONGER?
Thank you for reading these blogs. Thank you for supporting me on this jouney. Thank you for encouraging me along the way. I’ve pulled a lot of inspiration from all of you along the way. Promise me one thing? Do the same thing for our next blogger. You’re gonna love this person – if you don’t already. Help them like you helped me. It’s the absolute best.
Thanks again, you guys. I love ouy. Come work out with me already, okay?
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY OF IMAGES BELOW FROM THE PAST 78 WEEKS <3 <3 <3 <3
There one response to “My CrossFit Journey Week 78: Time to Pass the Torch”