I promised myself that I would never be one of those bloggers that fell off the face of the Earth with no explanation, and I was. Here I am 3 months later back in the boat I was when I started the blog, overweight. I lost motivation to share my story because my story was turning into a failure. It's a good thing I believe in second chances (and third, fourth, fifth, and infinite chances at that). I believe it's never too late to get it right, and yesterday helped me realize that.Yesterday I competed in the Bad Boys Breakout Games with my friend, Aaron. I committed to this a while back, and the closer it got, the less I wanted to do it. In fact, I considered not doing it all the way up until the day before. Why? Because I'm heavier than I've ever been at CrossFit, I hadn't run in months, and I was afraid of people judging me. I should know better than that, because the CrossFit community is way too awesome for that nonsense.
Regardless of my worries, I decided to show up and compete. After all, when have I ever turned down the opportunity to do a 1 rep max deadlift in front of an audience?
But here is the real reason I decided to show up... Everyone knows I'm a fitness freak (or was), and I tell EVERYONE I meet that wants to get in shape, that CrossFit is the way. I tell everyone not to worry about being judged and everyone has to start somewhere. I tell everyone that wants to compete, that they are capable. Young, old, weak, strong, overweight, too small, it's all welcome in the CrossFit community.
Obesity is a huge problem in America today and I don't want anyone to be discouraged from trying something new or putting themselves out there. If I can't show up and support that belief, who am I to be spreading that message?
Yesterday I received nothing but kind words from everyone at the competition. In fact, I was overwhelmed and humbled by all the compliments. As much as I appreciate that, if I can walk away with one thing, it is the hope that I encouraged someone yesterday, to do the unthinkable. If you are scared or on the edge of competing, do it. If you think CrossFit is too intense for you and you have to lose weight first, try it. If you want someone to talk to about it, email me. (There's a link below my picture.) But please, please, please, don't live your life waiting. Live in the moment!
All it takes is all you've got!
-E
