Spring of 2008. That's when I started boot camp at St. Louis Fitness Club and met Emily Berg. I will never forget that night. My friend Megan had touted the merits of boot camp, having attended for years on and off. My friend was getting married in July, 4 months later and I was determined to look at least a little better by then. I weighed in at 288 lbs with just under 50% body fat (44% to be exact, close enough to disgust me.) The first class really had me questioning my worth- everything was hard for me- cardio, weights, hell my own weight was difficult to move in such ways. By the end of class Megan asked if I was going to beat her, but I quickly surrendered- I didn't have the strength to deliver the beating I thought she deserved for coaxing me to this hellish class. I had my car though, and for a moment thought of the merits of using a vehicle as a weapon. No use, though. The first class was a wake up call. The rest of the year I continued with boot camp, seeing improvements, albeit slower than I wanted, but I was dedicated to working out.
In December Emily announced she wanted to start a new class and up the ante. She strongly suggested a fellow bootcamper and I proceed to this next level. We did, not really knowing what was coming. Its been nearly a full year doing CrossFit. I've lost more dress sizes, felt many more athletic accomplishments and appreciate the serious nature of these WODs regardless of how long they take.
Now married myself, my husband has joined the class. He's the newbie and we're in it together. I wore the dress of my dreams on the wedding day, have made friends, and cannot thank Emily enough for pushing and congratulating me at all the right times. 50 lbs down, another 50 to go, and it'd be silly not to say I'm excited to see what milestones are next with the CrossFit WODs. Pull ups?!
Look ma! No hands!
In December Emily announced she wanted to start a new class and up the ante. She strongly suggested a fellow bootcamper and I proceed to this next level. We did, not really knowing what was coming. Its been nearly a full year doing CrossFit. I've lost more dress sizes, felt many more athletic accomplishments and appreciate the serious nature of these WODs regardless of how long they take.
Now married myself, my husband has joined the class. He's the newbie and we're in it together. I wore the dress of my dreams on the wedding day, have made friends, and cannot thank Emily enough for pushing and congratulating me at all the right times. 50 lbs down, another 50 to go, and it'd be silly not to say I'm excited to see what milestones are next with the CrossFit WODs. Pull ups?!
Look ma! No hands!
When I first met Jackie I immediately knew I had my hands full. I don't think she understood how serious I was about setting goals for herself and slowly making changes on diet and nutrition. I wanted her to make an overall lifestyle change. When I told Jackie that I was leaving my boot camp days behind and moving on to something much better...(CrossFit of course)she trusted me and did exactly what I told her to do. I have never seen Jackie give up on anything, she always comes to class and gives 100%! Everyone around can see how much progress she's made, she continues to amaze me everytime we train. In the beginning she would come in last during the WOD's and I could just see her fight through so hard. Now she's coming in first, she's doing prescribed weight, and on Max Effort days you can always count on her to "show up" the guys! Jackie I am so proud of you, you're an inspiration to us all.
