Archive for June, 2012

Phil A.

Like so many others, I “used to be” a pretty good athlete in highschool and college. Won a few titles, an All-American, that sort of thing… Then I had a knee blow out. Surgery. Fast forward 20 years, and I couldn’t even recognize myself. The outside me was nothing like the inside me that I remembered from highschool and college. My mind still told me that I was still this great athlete, but the reflection I saw in the mirror was a far cry from that. I reached an all-time low when I stepped on a scale during the summer of 2011 and cringed at the readout of 342 pounds.

Toward the end of the summer a friend suggested I try Crossfit. I visited the gym a few times, just to watch. Each time I was greeted warmly, and made to feel a part of things. In fact the second time I stopped by to watch, Kris said, “Phil, if you come in here one more time not wearing workout clothes…” (The implication: heads were gonna roll.) To be honest, I was terrified. There was no way I would be able to keep up with these “real” atheles, but I decided to do it. In January 2012, I stepped into the gym weighing 326 pounds, took the plunge and joined WCCF. I’m not gonna lie. It was awful. During my first week of workouts, I threw up 4 times- twice in the gym, twice in the parking lot. But in spite of my rough start, I stuck with it. I committed to coming everyday. And there were some hard days. Days when I felt miserable because I couldn’t run during the wod (remember the bum knee,) squat low enough, or do a “real” push-up. But I found a family at WCCF- a group of people who accepted me, encouraged me, and then pushed me to be better. (Special shout out to my 9am family!)

Well, here we are at the end of May. I am thrilled to report that I have dropped 85 pounds, am squatting lower than ever, can do plenty of real push-ups, pull-ups are a cinch, and just started running in the wods. The greatest feeling is being able to truly call myself an athlete again! Now when I look in a mirror, I have to stop and smile. It’s not a smile of conceit, it’s simply one of contentment. I could tell you 100 stories about different members who have encouraged me on this journey. But I’ll just leave it with this- crossfit works. No matter how you walk in the door, you will walk out changed for the better.

Kris, words cannot express my thanks for all you have done for me. You have changed my life and for that, I will be eternally grateful.