Two long-time CFH members, Kathy and Susannah, are bidding CFH farewell after many awesome years when they move at the end of this month. If you have ever been a part of the morning crew you know what a staple these two have been in the 6:30am classes. We are so proud for all they have accomplished since joining CFH. Read their stories below and if you see them make sure to wish them luck in their move!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves, and your journey as CFH members?
Kathy (a daily member of the 6:30am class)
“Being an active gym rat to enhance a love of sports activities, I ran across a work associate in 2013 who gradually became very toned and fit over several months. She shared her secret – Crossfit! I had read about this exercise concept and decided to investigate. Fortunately, we have a box very near our Baltimore home and CFH soon became a daily stop. Little did I realize that Foundations class would lead to such a rich experience with a community of enthusiastic athletes! The fear of being older, weaker, slower, etc. soon evaporated as I realized every movement can be modified and, more importantly, the culture at CF is very welcoming and supportive. The emphasis on nutrition is an added positive and I have come to appreciate every aspect of the Crossfit program over the last three years – thanks to Geo and the other great coaches at CFH who have helped me learn and grow!
Susannah (who aspires to be at the 6:30 each day) joined in 2015. Her story:
“I watched Kathy grow fitter and stronger each day and was really impressed. She came home with stories of challenging workouts, impossible reps, huge strength gains and new early morning friends. Then her daughter started Crossfit in New York and they spoke a secret language and shared daily workout notes. EMOM. AMRAP. Double Unders. The Box. The WOD. Thrusters. Burpees. OK, I admit it, I was intrigued. And, I was getting left behind. But I wasn’t in good enough shape for something as strenuous as Crossfit. I couldn’t just . . . start. Yes, I’ve heard this from others, and it was true for me as well. I decided I would get in shape BEFORE starting Crossfit. Certainly a month of spinning would do the trick, right? So off I went, promising I would sign up as soon as I got in shape. Well you know how this story ends. You don’t get in shape before Crossfit, it’s the other way around. Crossfit gets you in shape. It was definitely a struggle for me – early morning workouts, learning new movements, techniques, JP’s Olympic lifting class, mobility (who knew it was so hard to raise your elbows all the way up?). Little by little I got stronger, mentally as well as physically. I embraced scaling (YAY SCALING! I LOVE SCALING!). I learned to love low bar pull-ups, the blue band, negatives, and step-ups (after a little spill from box jumps). I kept working on my own special singles/double under mix that looks really goofy. I stopped worrying I was ALWAYS “last” in the class (except sometimes when Adam went really slow to make me feel better). Actually I learned there is no “last” place – instead I started enjoying that awesome feeling from having conquered challenges I deemed impossible. I stopped finding reasons why I couldn’t make it to class. Running WOD’s? No longer a good excuse to skip class. Wall Balls? Yes, please. Now when I travel, I even seek out a local Crossfit. As for PR’s, last week I did 55 deadlifts during a WOD at a weight that I couldn’t do ONCE when I first started. My only regret about CFH is not starting sooner – this place has truly become part of my life. I’m beyond grateful that with Kathy’s encouragement I overcame the intimidation factor and walked in the door that first time. It’s an amazing community of athletes and the most caring and encouraging coaches. Thanks to Geo and all the coaches for helping me grow so much!”