Molly’s Success Story

I think I always knew I’d like Crossfit, if I gave it the chance. I grew up an athlete. Usually a two or three season athlete while also belonging to a competitive dance troupe for 13 years. When I got out of college, and that normal routine, I didn’t do anything to keep up and got into a rut. In effort to get back into a fitness routine, I tried a number of outlets and actually liked a few but knew there would not be enough variation from day to day to be a solution for the long haul. I missed the team component. And while I’m not competing with others, I feel an obligation to do my best each time I step into the box.

Since joining PCF, I’ve made friends, but more importantly developed a support system that was fulfilling in many of the same ways as being part of a team. It pushed me to work harder. I do not look at other people’s scores, but I do compare my own over time and have really seen a difference in my performance. I’ve moved from having to modify most movements to only having to modify the body weight movements. I am working out without scaling the weights and am faster than I’ve been in over 10 years. All of this is due in part to the team of athletes, coaches, and the programming done at PCF. When starting Crossfit at MDR, I was not in a great physical space or mental mindset. This experience has not only brought down my stress levels, but has improved my life in so many other ways.

Since I’m still under my year mark, it’s easy for me to break down my CrossFit success story and it is as follows:

August 2013 – Start Crossfit (182lbs)

• Noticed almost immediately that my skin felt better. This was an unexpected, and pleasant surprise even though I did not have bad skin to begin with.
• No weight loss yet, but could see shifts from fat to muscle and change in the shape of my legs.
• Lifts were getting better and heavier.
• 11-12min mile on a good day as running was a struggle for me.

November 2013 – (179lbs)

• Shift in Nutrition, Protein Cleanse and Nutrition through Isagenix
• Noticed my sleep patterns changing for the better. More sound and solid sleep.
• Running was improving
• Was getting comfortable with gymnastics workouts and handstands
• Got my first rope climb in December!

January/February 2014 – (163lbs)

• With 15+ lbs gone in 90 days due to nutrition shifts and workouts, movements and conditioning became much easier.
• Did not lose any of my strength with weight loss which tells me I was cutting fat, replacing with muscle and becoming more efficient.
• PR’d on my 5k (32min) and the single mile run (8:36)
• Lost 4.6% Body Fat since changing nutrition in November.
• Down 2 sizes
• EIE Challenge, improved greatly which resulting in winning the challenge.

May/June 2014 – (162lbs)

• PR’d on Bench Press at 100lbs
• Made my first attempt at an unbanded kipping pull-up and was closer than I ever thought I’d be
• Starting consistently linking double unders

I can’t say I’m always excited to be getting up so early, but once I’m at the gym and see our crew of 7am peeps, I can’t help but feel good about the choices I’ve made and the fitness family I am a part of.  Regardless of your fitness level, you can find your place at PCF with people challenging, supporting, and pushing you to be better. I could not ask for a more positive atmosphere to get the old me back and even take my fitness to the next level.