I pick up the paper and the articles speak of the recession and the lost jobs and the dwindling opportunities and the overriding sense that America will never again be as good as we once were.
Yet I look at my e-mail inbox and there is a different story there. It is full of notes and letters and photos of CrossFitters and story after story of accomplishment and effort and hope. Not just here in America, but around the world.
I read CrossFit blogs and there are tales of advancement and expansion and sheer unbridled joy. Jobs are being created, CrossFit affiliates are growing and multiplying. Where once there was one person with a dream in a little garage, now stand 8 trainers and a 4,000 square foot business and so many happy members. Dreams have literally come true, here in my CrossFit world.
On the TV, there are ads for fast food and diet foods – and seemingly zero recognition of the irony of this juxtapositioning.
But in my CrossFit affiliate, almost everyone is eating according to the Zone or Paleo (or both!) — and we talk of vegetables and meat and fruit — and of how good we feel.
On the news, there are stories of doubt and despair and gloom. Obesity is rampant and people are lonely and technology has not succeeded in saving them.
Yet, in my own CrossFit affiliate, there are obese people — but they are our hardest workers and our success stories in the making. They work out next to people who used to be where they are now, who know the struggle yet also know the taste of victory and who are like the man with a rowboat next to a sinking ocean liner that throws out his hand to those in the water and says “Grab on. We can make it. The shore is within sight. Keep kicking. I’ll help.”
There is no loneliness in my CrossFit affiliate. I can’t say for yours, although I suspect it is the same. Because, in CrossFit, community matters. If there’s one thing we learned, it’s that we’re better together.
And technology? Well, we’re not waiting for it to save us. We’re using it right now — to connect to each other, to facilitate human contact, to talk to each other. Here and on Facebook and on e-mail. That’s what it’s designed for anyhow. It was never supposed to save us. We were always supposed to save each other.
In CrossFit, there is no sense that we will never be as good as we once were. There is only the sense that we are not even close to how good we can become.
The sun is shining so bright in my CrossFit world. I hope it is in your world too. And if it’s not, then step through these doors. The CrossFit world is an amazing place and we’re always happy to have new people join us. Here, use my barbell. It’s okay. I really am here to help.
(Words by Lisbeth Darsh/CrossFit Watertown.)
May 14th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Thanks Lis
May 14th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Yes Lis, we DO enjoy a different world. The Revolution continues!!!
May 14th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Excellent post!
May 14th, 2010 at 10:14 am
A powerful reminder of what it’s all REALLY about: connection, community, understanding, support and encouragement.
Last night I was SERIOUSLY frustrated! In the past it would have been an easy reason to give up on myself… but my friends were there and they knew I was having a shitty WOD… and Nate ran with me… and Lis gave me a “come on Sue”… and Melissa told me to cut myself a break… and all the other voices gave words of encouragement. And I got through it. That’s why this place changes lives… the people here don’t let you give up on yourself, even if you have… Thanks.
May 14th, 2010 at 10:41 am
You did awesome yesterday, Sue!
May 14th, 2010 at 11:51 am
Sue, those are the WODs where we learn who we are — and who our friends are.
I watched N8, done with his WOD, dead tired, run with you and Karen at the end of the workout. The man could barely move his feet anymore but he kept both of you smiling and moving. I was just sitting back there with the camera and I said to Karen, “Just keep moving. It’s like life. You just got to keep moving.” And Nate smiled and shuffled alongside Karen and said, “I don’t have any good words like that. But I’m here.”
That he is. Time and time again. Thanks, Nate. You help all of us.
May 14th, 2010 at 12:03 pm
SHAKALAKA!
May 14th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Wow, great post! I am kinda blushing a little here, but everyone at CFW is like family, and you gotta take care of family!
Lesson learned though: Jumping lunges are the DEVIL! Wow. Seriously. I will concede that it is a great movement though! Especially as far as them 10 CrossFit fundamentals are concerned – it covers most of them. I just never want to do them again. Word on the street is Jen is to blame for them…
May 14th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
That WOD kicked my ass as well. Thank you so much to everyone who helped me get through it last night- Melissa and Jen’s “3-2-1-go!”’s and Sue helping me to breathe after were seriously a godsend, not to mention everyone else cheering me on (YOU GUYS ROCK!) and for the record, the 150 “extreme” wall balls at 6am this morning pretty much made me want to die (I think Jen might be responsbile for those too.)
In other news, is there any one who is going to Albany next weekend who is looking for a person to share a ticket with? If so, let me know
May 14th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Jen is responsible for much of the evilness.
There, I said it.
And she’s driving to Albany right now and can’t catch me. Bwahahahahaha!
May 14th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Okay — last call for CrossFit Ireland “Institute of Awesomeness” t-shirt pre-order:
Me
Mikey (M)
Dan (L?)
Matt
May 14th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
I rock a size large
May 14th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Lis, I think Dan wants a Medium
May 14th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Ok.
Me
Mikey (M)
Dan (M)
Matt (L)
May 14th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
And I’m not even Irish!
Although my younger boy sure does look it?
May 14th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I’ve been lurking but I’ve never submitted a comment before. This post is the one that really touched me. I am so out of shape, slow and whiny. My performance is abysmal and I often worry that my limitations are affecting the quality of the workout for others. Despite all of these concerns I am determined to continue and improve and kick Chris’s #$% just for fun. You all have made me feel like I’m part of a special community that is invested in my success. I’m constantly overwhelmed by the support, understanding, encouragement and coaching that you give me, but never more so than yesterday.
Lis shared her wisdom and encouragement as I ’sped’ past her (I could do without the camera until I’m in shape!); Nate, my hero, joined me for my last run and it was an amazing help; Chris and Melissa coached me through the tough spots and never doubted I would finish; Cheryl stood by me on the last round of push-ups and jump lunges shouting encouragement; and I know there were others that were just as important to my success but I can’t identify you because I was too determined, exhausted and emotional. Thank you! Thank you!
My goal is to become healthy and able to provide the encouragement to others that you all have given me. I will always be grateful for all that you’ve done for me.
May 14th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Karen, welcome to the begining of the best part of your life.
May 14th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Karen,
Your post really touched me. You are in the right place. CFW will help you realize, meet, and exceed your potential, and your goals. Never quit, and never give up! Just take it moment by moment. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish. Good luck with your training.
Migs
May 14th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Karen, thank you for posting…keep kicking ass, count on me and the rest of your CFW family to be right there cheering you on! You are a STRONG woman, never give up on yourself or the goals you have set!
May 15th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Karen — we’re so happy you’re with us. Keep working. We’re going to help you get where you want to go. Thanks for joining us — and for writing here. It means a lot.