The sport that saved me.
"I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else, I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be."
I used to write a recap of the CrossFit games each year, how I felt about the results, the workouts, just the experience as a fan and competitor in the sport. A lot of times we get wrapped up in life and forget to slow down and appreciate the things we loved so dearly. I spent the past few days talking with a friend about CrossFit, mostly my time spent in the sport, what it’s done for me, and what I’ve seen it do for others. I had almost forgotten how much I loved it until I caught myself reflecting on the past 6 years. I am not the same girl that walked into my first CrossFit box in 2016. I had no idea what I was capable of, not only physically but mentally. I had no idea that it would lead me to some of my greatest friendships, finding my passion for coaching, and being able to pour so much light into others along their journey.
After watching the 2022 games, I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic. I’m realizing that the sport has drastically changed from when it first started, even since I started. As all sports evolve, so has this one. New generations stepping into the space, learning from those who may not have ever been involved in the original HQ/Glassman era. For those of us who played organized sports in high school, some teens now are brought up in CrossFit as their sport. But the truth is, this sport began without all the fancy equipment, in people's garages and backyards. It started in the local golds gym in any space someone could find to do burpees and pull ups. It was an outlet for people who wanted to be better. That’s always what it has been for me. No matter what box I step into, my only goal has only ever been to be better than who I was yesterday. Over the past year, I lost sight of that. You get caught up in a competitive environment constantly worried about the pressure and the eyes on you. And then there was cancer, after being diagnosed I felt like I had something to prove in the “comeback.” It took all of the fun out of it. It was only recently, after stepping away from the box, did I realize I hadn’t enjoyed the sport I loved so much in a very long time. So I took a step back, started over, and decided to find what it was about the sport that got me hooked all those years ago. When it comes down to it, CrossFit is a group of people who all want to be better, it’s a sport that is ever changing with you through your best and your worst days, it’s suffering with your best friends and laughing about it afterwards. It’s humbling and motivating. It’s a community, it’s a family, and if you’ve been feeling lost it could be the one thing that saves you too.
In all human endeavour, intellectual, creative, physical, only 2% have the ability and determination to fully realize their goals. This is known as the 98th percentile.
If I can leave you with anything it's this - I often have people say to me, "I'm not fit enough or in shape enough to do CrossFit." I can tell you that 40lb heavier 22 year old me thought the same thing. But a good buddy of mine shared this with me and I have held on to it for so long in hopes it would encourage someone else the same way...
