When I turned 50, I realized that I wanted to make routine physical activity my priority because of the obvious health benefits. Once I realized that I could achieve so much more physically than I knew I was capable of, I understood that I could accomplish more in every other area of my life.
I started doing CrossFit in March of 2018, and my life has been significantly better ever since. Simply put, CrossFit is a soul-crushing workout regimen that makes your internal organs bleed. Just kidding, kind of… according to google, CrossFit is a multidimensional workout philosophy designed to not only strengthen your whole body but also your mind. To me, CrossFit is a vehicle for me to demonstrate to myself my physical and mental strength and endurance.
I was a member at CrossFit Loop in Castle Rock, CO for almost two years before finally committing to make CrossFit a part of my life. For two whole years, I paid the monthly membership fee and rarely dropped in. Just imagine the internal chaos. What finally made me buckle down was my 50th birthday. Once I turned 50, I realized that I wanted to make routine physical activity my priority because of the obvious health benefits. I feel like I lied to myself for my whole life by saying to myself, “I’m thin so I don’t need to exercise.” I was never physically fit or even healthy but I was tall and lanky and thin, so I figured that was good enough.
First, I committed to the process: I decided that I would work out 3-6 days per week for 52 weeks. For me, I knew that it would take a full year of commitment to fully experience all of the benefits of CrossFit and to make it a habit. Here’s the problem– I love laying in bed drinking coffee and eating cronuts– I LIVE for it. But, I knew that if I made a promise to myself that I couldn’t break it, no matter how loudly those cronuts were calling my name, my life would change. I followed through with my promise to myself and formed a habit so strong, I cannot break my routine.
I have been most influenced in my CrossFit journey by Jacob Dumas, my incredibly kind and professional coach, and friend; Diana Rudolph, my cheerleader and inspiration; and the entire Loop community. I am most inspired by the people who have a good attitude no matter how hard their workout is. Not to mention the PREGNANT WOMEN, and the moms that waltz into the 8:30 am class with 3 kids. Like, how? I have made new friends who are like-minded, health-conscious, and community-focused. I lean on them and they lean on me. CrossFit would be nothing to me without the community.
When you push yourself in CrossFit (like I did today) you break through your personal ceiling. Once I realized that I could achieve so much more physically than I knew I was capable of, I realized that I could accomplish more in every other area of my life.
It took me 50 years to fully commit to my physical health. I attribute my 2.5 years of success, showing up on the good days and the bad days, to the system I set up for myself. My focus on the process— not my weight, max reps, or best time— has made me into the person that I am. I just accept that it will be really, really hard and I do it anyway. If you want to start CrossFit, the biggest advice I can give you is to not give up and not be too hard on yourself. There are so many skills in CrossFit to be learned that it is a truly humbling experience every single day. Suck and struggle and keep showing up.