Tonya’s Story: Building A Believer

Hi Crossfit,

I hope that everyone can appreciate the bravery it takes for a woman to publish her measurements but I would like to share my journey so far in the hopes of encouraging someone else to stick with it, there are lots of new faces lately.

My first time at Crossfit, I did a tabata workout with Kim, I almost died….I mean I thought I was literally going to have a stroke.  I could hardly walk for a full week afterwards.  It took me a month to get my nerve up, and my husband insisting, before I went back to really try it.  You see, Roland had already been bitten by the bug and was a full-on member of the cult.  He kept after me to come back and try it.  Took away all my excuses and made it possible that he would attend in the morning, and I could attend in the evenings.  Volunteered to take the kids, do the laundry, whatever it took to get me in there (thanks babe)…. That first class, was it ever hard.  I was in tears when I left.  It was brutal.  But I went back the very next day.  And kept going and going.  It didn’t take too long before I could feel it starting to take hold.  The addiction.  The punishment.  The feeling of pushing yourself and challenging yourself like never before.  Feeling strong, confident.  Mentally clear.  If I went a day or two without a class, I felt off-course.

I started measuring myself the first time almost a month into it.  Here are my results so far:

Date:                                    Oct 25/09                                    Nov 5/09                        Jan 8/10

Waist                                    37”                                                36.5”                                    35.5”

Hips                                     41”                                                40                                    39.5”

Bust                                    39”                                                35.5”                                    35”

This of course is nothing compared to my ability and improvement in my squats, weights, and running.  I still have a long way to go.  I have goals set and once I reach those, I will have new goals.  This is a lifestyle that my husband and I have now adopted and are completely committed to.  Crossfit may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done but the rewards to your health and well-being are immeasurable.  The team atmosphere, the support of the trainers, and the encouragement of the members I have been lucky enough to meet have been such a tremendous source of inspiration.  I thank you for getting me back on a path to feeling healthy and strong.  You guys rock!

Tonya Link

FirePower Note: This is from January 2010.  We’ll get Tanya to keep us posted of her progress and update for March. We’re SUPER PROUD of you Tonya!