I worked out at least 3 times per week, but it was pure, unadulterated drudgery. I made myself do it because I knew it was good for me, but I saw no measurable results.

Physically I was weak; mentally, the voice in my head used the word “CAN’T” quite frequently and emotionally, I wasn’t connected with anyone who challenged me or “got” what I wanted to accomplish. And who am I kidding? I didn’t know what I wanted to (or actually could) accomplish.

I’ve been an “active person” for many years. I’ve done everything from jazzercise to step aerobics to spinning to roller-blading to running. I’m pretty sure I still have leg warmers and a pair of leotards in my bottom drawer. I always worshipped at the altar of “burning calories”. As I got older, I had to work harder and harder to burn the same amount of calories. Even though I was dedicating as much time to my various forms of worship, my body was changing in ways I didn’t like. I felt out of shape and weak.

When a friend suggested CrossFit, I was intrigued and intimidated.  For a while I listened to that voice in my head that said no way, no how was I capable of doing CrossFit. Finally one day, I staked out the CrossFit Central on Burnet Road. I sat in the parking lot across the street and watched the workout. I saw normal people, giving it their all and (gasp) having fun. I could see the camaraderie from where I sat. I thought, “I have to be part of this and if I have to get out of my comfort zone to do that, that’s what I’ll do”.

And that’s how I stumbled into Coach Jess’s women’s only class. My lucky day. Seriously!

Kathy lost 23 pounds, 13% body fat & 22.75 inches

I love working out now. The first thing I do every “workout morning” is look online at the WOD. Then (for the most part), I look forward to it all day. Even though I know it is always going to be a hard and challenging WOD, that voice in my head that used scream “you can’t do this”, now knows I can.

Physically, I’m stronger. I. Am. Strong. I have a new-found respect for my body and what it can do. I used to grumble, I’m fat, I’m slow, I’m old. Now I know – I work my body hard; be challenging, yet patient and my body will respond in ways I never imagined.

I proudly wear my CrossFit scars. Calloused hands – yup, pull ups. Bruises on my wrists – kettlebell kisses. Black eye – make sure you catch that darn weighted ball with your hands. Bruised knees – 100 day burpee challenge. I earned these badges!  Since being active in CrossFit, I’ve completed a half marathon (at a PR pace) and two (yup, two) Tough Mudders!