Story–Before Mission I spent time as a competitive swimmer, in the pool 5-6 days a week. That changed when I joined the Army and running, push-ups, sit-ups, and ruck marches became my fitness modalities. I came to love taking to the pavement to alleviate my frustrations. Over time running took a toll on my knees and once I left the military I focused on lower intensity activities. I loved yoga and also found myself dabbling in spin, kickboxing, Zumba, step, and even hula-hooping (go ahead and laugh). No matter which activity, I wasn’t really changing anything and I started to lose interest in something I loved – Fitness.

I heard about CrossFit when my husband dropped into MCF for a couple months in 2012 and I remember seeing measurable changes in his fitness. Still, I rolled my eyes for YEARS thinking it wasn’t for me. Climb ropes, throw barbells over my head, stand on my head, push sleds in an empty parking lot? No thanks. I trudged on in my own, “I think I’m fit” world.

In the summer of 2016 I completed an on ramp at Iron Major CrossFit (Leavenworth, Kansas) mostly because I wanted to spend some extra time with my husband and we could work out together. We ended up moving to San Antonio a few weeks later. I wasn’t sold on CrossFit yet and in the first few weeks I was nervous, frustrated, and almost ready to throw in the towel. The programming, the training, and my inexperience proved to be quite challenging. I told myself: “I will give it three months and if I still feel this frustrated, I’m quitting”. I watched videos of the CrossFit gal/guy night after night and asked a million questions in class. The 3 month commitment I made was all I needed.

The 5 am class quickly became a welcoming place where I could challenge myself and grow. If I needed help, the coaches were there to guide me. The ‘5am-ers’ would push me, encourage me, and even help the coaches sneak extra plates on my bar when I wasn’t looking. Now the 5am class is my ‘home’. Their support everyday and the amazing coaches and gym members in every class make every day in the gym a challenge, where I can’t fail, I can only get stronger, faster, and healthier in a safe and welcoming environment. I still find myself scaling and modifying some workouts because of chronic knee issues but I’ve never felt as strong and healthy as I do now.

Every day is a fitness challenge. It never plateaus, I can always push for one more rep, one more plate, or a better time. I know I am better today than when I started, and I’ll be better tomorrow after the WOD. I want my daughter to learn from me. I want her to know that no matter what age or circumstance, step outside your comfort zone. You will be amazed at what you have the potential to accomplish. I don’t think I’ll be in the open for a couple years yet, but I know I will push myself to the limit and with the people around me in class driving me even further.

I love being a part of Mission CrossFit and getting fit with and around the other members. Your motivation and support is priceless as I drive toward my fitness goals of being healthy and happy while I improve my fitness without getting hurt. Oh, and the socializing is pretty cool too. I cherish the friendship, support, and motivation that I receive every time I walk in the door. Your smiles, high-fives, sweaty hugs, and words of affirmation are what make our gym successful. I am proud to be Athlete of the Month, thank you.