Anyone around the box would agree that Leah is an absolute inspiration. Leah came to us shortly after we opened in April, intimidated like just about every beginner, but 100% committed to changing her lifestyle, to giving CrossFit a real chance, and thus changing her life. As a trainer I can’t say enough about how great it has been to witness her transition; the best part being that it is still just the beginning. Here is her testimonial.
How in the world did someone like me end up in a CrossFit box, eating Paleo all summer? I considered myself to be firmly in the realm of the un-athletic and out of shape, but I chose CrossFit because I wanted to make radical life changes in my fitness and health. I knew that my life was in pretty serious trouble-my weight was out of control, my energy was barely enough to get me through the day, my joints ached, my blood pressure was inching up, I was choosing the path of least physical output most of the time, and I hated the thought of another year like this. I knew that I needed to do something drastic, something to really shake me out of my comfort zone and push me into the new life that I want. I want to be an active, healthy person, able and eager to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, swimming, biking and a very healthy, active life. I knew that I could change my life, and I knew that it was my job to do it.
Knowing that I needed to make this change, even truly wanting to make this radical change, didn’t make starting CrossFit any easier. I was sick to my stomach for several days as I agonized over the decision. Family and friends gave me great encouragement, Sam assured me via email that anyone can indeed CrossFit, and so I just decided to end the dread of the unknown and start an Elements class. When I walked in, I felt so completely out of place, like I was somewhere I should never be. I was almost paralyzed with fear that morning. Of course, I was met with overwhelming kindness and encouragement: Sam with his great smile and hearty welcome, Jocelyn with her calm, positive training (she didn’t start laughing at my suffering until much later!), and several of the CFWSC athletes offering words of encouragement. Right after my first two classes, I wrote this, “As I think about the work I have done so far, I have a bizarre combination of discomfort, discouragement, pride, determination, and the satisfied feeling that I have taken an extremely positive step in the right direction. “ CrossFit is hard, I often wonder if I will ever be able to breathe normally again after a WOD, I have different muscles that hurt each day, but it is all good and most definitely what I want: steps towards better health and fitness, hurting from hard work, not hurting with the aches and pains of inactivity.
Shortly after starting CrossFit, I also started the Paleo Challenge. Taking both of these steps has resulted in numerous changes in my life. First and foremost, I feel better than I have in a long, long time. I have so much more energy, I feel great about the strength I have gained, and the weight I have lost. My blood pressure in back in normal ranges, and my triglyceride levels are low, down from 139 to 62. My confidence about walking into the box is growing and even though I still dread some WODs, now I am sure that I will work through it, that it truly will end, and I will indeed live to see another WOD. I love the feeling of completing a workout and of doing something I have either never done before or that I never would have imagined that I ever could or would do.
Considering that I could not even jog the whole 400 meter warm-up, the change in my performance is still mind boggling to me! Since I have no athletic background to look back to, I am blown away by how far I have come in such a short time. I have to be thrilled with CrossFit and Paleo when I see a 50 lb. PR on my deadlift, and take 2-3 minutes off my Helen and Grace times. Even beyond the measured WODs, I have seen great progress in my 5k time, all of my lifts and simply my ability to move and work hard. I am far stronger than I ever could have imagined.
Being a life-long foodie, the Paleo Challenge brought definite changes and challenges. I have been to cooking school, love food, own my own industrial mixer and used to make wedding cakes, every kind of artisanal bread, and even things like croissants and Danishes from scratch. Food life as I knew it is gone, forever. I think the only use now for my mixer is to turn it into a sausage maker… Even before the Paleo Challenge, I had discovered that I had gluten intolerance, so I have not eaten gluten for the past year, but in place of that gluten I was eating lots of dairy, plenty of non-gluten grains, gluten-free candy, and all kinds of processed gluten-free garbage. The Challenge has been a very beneficial time of reframing my thoughts about food, learning again to pay attention to the quality of the individual ingredients, renewing my passion for high quality ingredients and cooking, and enjoying the taste of each meat, vegetable, fruit, herb, and spice.
Every time I think about this Challenge, all of the help that so others have given me comes to mind. I know that I wouldn’t have stuck with CrossFit or the Paleo Challenge without the guidance and constant encouragement of everyone else at CFWSC. I am honestly blown away by the graciousness and kindness that so many people have shown me. Everything from CrossFitters pushing me to move faster or lift more, to coaches not letting me quit kept me on track, and I thank you all for that. I couldn’t hope to work out with and strive for a better life with than the people in this box.
Before/After
Helen 11:08 (20/jmp pu/200mrun)…8:57 (“)
Grace 6:16 (wm bar+trn plates…2:51 (53) WOW!
Pull Ups 1 (blu band)… 1 blu
Deadlift 213… 265
Workout:
“The Chief”
yeah Leah you rock. I love this story,and how it shows that you are so an athlete, and so still a foodie, just a diffrent and wiser foodie, is all. I have loved seeing all of the progress made at the box, and especially feel proud of you because I know how hard you work, and have been a at the nine Am classes with you for the last several months. Good job!
Great post Leah. Great writing, great progress, great story. I hope you are as proud of you as I am. Thank you for being such an inspiring part of CF West.
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And, never fear, we all, every CrossFitter out there, “still dread some WODs.”
Leah,
Such a heartfelt, terrific post! You are an inspiration to all—–and your deadlift is out of sight!
Awesome post! Very inspiring – Keep up the excellent work Leah
YAYYYYY Leah!!!! I was most looking forward to your testimonial! You have completely amazed me with your strength and your tenacity over the past few months. I remember when the challenge started and we talked about our love for bad foods at the meeting. Now look at us
I applaud you for stepping completely out of your comfort zone and pushing yourself to become the person you want to be. You’ve pushed yourself AND succeded! Most people never even try.
My favorite line:
“I love the feeling of completing a workout and of doing something I have either never done before or that I never would have imagined that I ever could or would do.”
I think you just summed up why I love crossfit so much. The challenge never ends, it just comes in different form. And it’s not about getting a certain time or lifting a certain amount of weight, it’s an accomplishment in itself to simply complete the workout! Good for you for sticking it out!!!
Awesome testimonial! Great job!!!
Great job Leah! What an inspiring post… you rock! And my favorite line is: “I knew that I could change my life, and I knew that it was my job to do it.” That is what makes you such an awesome person!!
awesome post Leah!
Incredibly inspiring Leah! You are a testament to why we show up and work hard even when we’re battered and bruised (or hungover) from the day before.
Leah, I loved your post and I just love you!! I just want to hug you right now! Your story is so inspirational.. By the way, where have you been? Haven’t seen you at 9AM class in awhile.. Miss ya!
LEAH! You are amazing. I’m posting this on our CrossFit NYC blog to inspire our own readers.
Nice work Leah – I’m so stoked for you and all your progress!!!
Girl,
I dread the WOD’s everyday. If you havent noticed Im the biggest whiner and complainer in the box, but deep down deep deep deep down I love every second of it. Even the running. Leah your story is truly inspiring and a great reminder of why we show up to class everyday.Cheers to better health and a great extended family!!
Ash, you’re not the biggest whiner, Daniel is.
But in all seriousness… Leah, your dedication and determination is truly inspirational. I’m glad to see all the hard work paid off. Plus, you have an amazing overhead squat
Wonderful post and story Leah! I really enjoyed reading it, especially since I don’t get to catch up with you in person too often. Embarking on a CrossFit routine–workout regime and diet–is intimidating for anyone, even those with an athletic background. I admire your dedication, especially to the Paleo (I have yet to commit to pure-Paleo…it’s scary thinking about not eating some of the things you enjoy!) Anyway, keep at it, and keep feeling GOOD!
Leah I’ll never forget when you came through that door for your first elements class with your sis Anna. Before you ever even picked up a weight or ran a 200 I was inspired at your decision. Esp considering you gave up that trip to Europe with the idea in mind that you were instead going to change your life for the better. You were a bit itimidated, worried, etc just like most people. You giggled with nervousnous yet charged the movements and workouts with an intensity that screamed of your determination to succeed. I have to say it doesn’t surprise me one bit that you have come so far because you could see it in your face from the begining that failure was not an option. And now, not only have you gotten stronger, faster, leaner but you actually glow every time I see you. It’s true! Anyway, I could go on and on. I am so very proud of you. Keep it up my friend!
CrossFit NYC? Nice!!
And Joc, you are totally right…she absolutely glows!!
Thank you guys! See how great you all are!?! I could go on and on about how supportive and wonderful you all are, but that would get too blubbery.
Allison, thanks for the very kind words.
Tina and Sam Y (and the other 9ams), I miss you guys, but work keeps me at the evening or the 6am most of the time.
Kyle, I did have this recent break through with the OH…some guy made me do over 60 of them. Brilliant guy.
That last sentence of my testimonial is going to bug the heck out of me, but it should say-I couldn’t hope to work out with and strive for a better life with any group other than the people in this box.
I’m part of CFNYC (just joined 2 weeks ago). Just wanted to say that I love these profiles! I’ve read a bunch of em (Leah, Gideon, Liz, Golden). It sounds sort of cheesy, but they are a real inspiration to me. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for commenting Adam. It’s great that you have just started you CrossFit journey. It will change your life buddy. Enjoy every moment and don’t forget to keep a journal!