EVCF Athlete of the Month
for November 2010:
Katie Lockard
I played a variety of sports when I was little, but primarily softball. In high-school, that’s how I self-identified. I was the obsessed “softball chick,” the pitcher, team captain, etc. Everything I did, everything I was, revolved around softball. Then I graduated and found myself at the end of my softball road. I stopped working out, stopped caring about my short or long-term health. I battled a number of health issues, from two ruptured ovarian cysts and a subsequent laparoscopy, to being diagnosed with Celiac Disease (an autoimmune disease linked to severe Gluten intolerance). I used everything as an excuse for why I couldn’t work out. Except in academic achievements, my self-esteem was non existent.
By my senior year in college, I had figured out a majority of the health issues, but still had little physical motivation. I did really well academically, including graduating with honors and an award from the Criminal Justice Department. However, I was sleeping an average of only 4-5 hours a night, pulling all-nighters at least once a week, chugging red bulls, smoking almost a pack of cigarettes a day, and sometimes going an entire day without eating. In my mind there was no time for anything but studying.
…The extent to which so many people at this gym have been supportive and encouraging blows me away. Some of the most amazing people I know are here at East Valley…
When Daniel and I moved down to Chandler after graduation, I was out of shape. I couldn’t even jog 200 ft or climb a flight of stairs without getting out of breath. All I could ever think about was going back to Flagstaff, because I thought I would never find good friends here. Daniel started Crossfit in May. I made a bunch of excuses for not trying it, but mostly I was just afraid of failing. When Becky did her athlete-ofthe- month, Daniel read it out loud to me. Everything she said about overcoming her fear of running, and some videos Daniel showed me of Crossfit competitions influenced my decision to give it a try. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’ve been doing Crossfit since late July, I have not had a cigarette in six weeks, and have been able to learn kipping pull-ups, rope climbs and hand-stand push-ups; I have done one-and-a-half push ups with a 10kilo plate on my back and deadlifted 165lbs. Six months ago, if you had told me I would even be attempting any of these things, I would have laughed at you. The extent to which so many people at this gym have been supportive and encouraging blows me away. Some of the most amazing people I know are here at East Valley, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences here for anything.
EVCF Athlete of the Month
for October 2010:
Lance Frawley
I first learned about East Valley Crossfit from my co-worker on the ambulance. After a few days of hearing how great EVCF was, he finally convinced me to give it a try. For several years I had worked out at the traditional box type gym where my workouts consisted of the standard chest/back and biceps/triceps routine. I use to measure my fitness by how much I could bench press, curl and leg press. I thought I was in shape until I was put through my first Crossfit workout.
East Valley Crossfit has been an eyeopener, and I will never be seen in a big box gym again.
I still remember how rough that first workout was; it took twice as long for me to complete the workout than it did for my co-worker. I was so frustrated that I almost wanted to quit but the other members cheered me on and got me through it. What I like most about EVCF is the camaraderie that the members have. Everyone here wants to see you perform to the best of your abilities even if that means you put up a faster time than they do. I’m five months in now and can honestly say that I am in the best shape of my life. The randomized training and goal of functional fitness has better prepared me for a career in the fire service. East Valley Crossfit has been an eye-opener, and I will never be seen in a big box gym again.
EVCF Athlete of the Month
for September 2010:
Bethany Smith
I was introduced to Crossfit from a good friend in California. I was a little intimidated with what I saw on the Crossfit sites. I wasn’t sure if I would ever be able to workout like that. I had just got into running for some weight loss and wasn’t much on the athletic side. One excuse was that I had injured my ankle and it wasn’t ready for me run on, let alone do the workouts. However, I gave my word to my friend that I would go check it out for a week. I had told August about my ankle and he modified my workouts for me.
Crossfit has become a way of life for me. It has taken me to another level of persistence and drive.
After that week I knew that I wanted to try it for a month. I figured that if I gave it 110% I should see some results and be able to get back into running. It was nice being able to workout again, even though I still wasn’t able to really run on my ankle. Well, here I am 4 months later and 40 lbs. lighter. I still enjoy running and plan on finishing my first Full Marathon and 2 Half Marathon’s. I love finishing my daily workouts and enjoy the friendly competitions within our groups. Crossfit has become a way of life for me. It has taken me to another level of persistence and drive. The trainers are very encouraging and supportive. East Valley Crossfit members are like no other gym. The comradity is excellent motivation. I have been blessed to be able to be part of East Valley Crossfit.
EVCF Athlete of the Month
for August 2010:
Becky Huss Vasey
I’m 36 years old, have been married for 16 years and have 3 awesome kids. I’ve been an RN for 14 years and started CrossFit about 10 months ago. I came to crossfit mainly to support my pregnant friend, Amanda, and quickly learned that I needed this more than I ever imagined. Denial and mediocrity had become close friends of mine. but all that changed when I stepped into August’s garage.
During the first workout I had to step out of the garage several times to dry heave and fight the building feeling of panic. I was accustomed to feeling comfortable and subconsciously had convinced myself that life would be best enjoyed by indulging that comfortable feeling. I loved the timed challenges and the measureable improvements I saw. I loved the feeling of accomplishment and peace I felt after a really tough workout. I slowly began challenging myself in other areas of life too, including my poor eating habits and negative thinking. My confidence soared learning that I had control over my body, my weight and my thoughts. I love knowing that I can do almost anything I challenge myself with…just break it up into steps.
I’m officially addicted….not just to CrossFit…but to East Valley CrossFit…
I used to have serious anxiety for hours before our mountain runs. I didn’t know what to do with my thoughts when I felt so dreadfully uncomfortable during those solitary running minutes. My “AH HA” moment was when August suggested I was indulging in some self pity. It’s like someone had shone a bright light into my secret dark room and I saw all the unaccomplished goals I’d shelved over fear and self pity. I decided then to re train my mind…to appreciate the gift of health, freedom and control over my own environment. Most of the changes in me have been measured in weight loss, faster WOD times and improved running times, but the most important changes have been in my own mind. I am endeared to the friends I’ve made over the past months that have kept me from quitting (Chris) pushed me to new levels (Mikey) and never let me settle for less than my personal best (August) I’m officially addicted…not just to CrossFit…but East Valley CrossFit. I have many more fitness and life goals to accomplish and tomorrow’s WOD is where it all starts for me.
