I first heard this poem when I became a softball player for the University of Washington. We recited this poem before every game to remind ourselves, regardless of life off the field, on the field we were to stick together. Fight for each other. Know that we are only as strong as our weakest link and to take care of one another.
Fast forward to ten years later, I found another group of people, who not only know this poem, but have adopted its message as part of their lifestyle.
While I was in Japan going through everything, I figured the one thought that could keep me happy was working out. Very quickly, that faded. All energy was lost.
Once I came home and slept for about a month, I began to pursue CrossFit again. My second love outside of softball. Unknowingly, I had a pretty strategic game-plan for getting things back together for myself. Number one on the list of to-dos? Get back to doing what you love. Boom. Check that off the list. ;)
Walking through the doors of a competitive CrossFit gym had me feeling more excited and motivated than I could ever remember being. Barbells smashing the ground, pull up rigs squeaking with 15 people simultaneously at work on them, and people gasping for air as they try to achieve a PR in weights, technique, time, or all the above at once. Call me crazy, but the sites and sounds of people trying to become a better version of themselves, is inspirational.
The first 3 months were fantastic. I met friends very quickly. By the end of the first month, my roommate (and sister basically) and I started scheduling gym get togethers once a month at the house. It was a potluck thing mixed with games. Game of choice you wonder? Cards Against Humanity. You find out very quickly a few things playing that game. It was as if we were holding try outs for who could handle our weird personalities, not get offended easy, love to laugh....and are slightly sick in the head. Apparently, a lot of the gym was "messed up" so I fit right in to the insanity that is CrossFit Advantage.
In June of 2014, I competed in my first CrossFit competition know as the "Queen Anne Riot". I had no idea the damn thing existed until a week prior to the start day. A small group of us went out to dinner after a WOD (workout of the day) for a friend's birthday. One of the athletes from the gym, Dylan, mentioned he needed a partner for the comp. He turns to me, and asks if I'd be down to do it. I had some heavy hesitation. I mean, I just started CrossFit again. Was I ready for RX'd (weight prescribed in a WOD)? Could I handle multiple workouts in one day? This was my first comp ever. Would I let him down? Every single question was muted without me asking. Dylan tuned to me and stated very 'matter of fact', "You're strong enough. You're doing it. Done." Needless to say, that one conversation and day of training catapulted our friendship and deep, sibling like, bond.
*By the way, the first WOD was a 1 mile run with 30in box jumps throughout the run. Immediately after, you had to back squat 115 lbs as many times as possible in 2 minutes. I did the run in about 8 min 20sec and completed 25 back squats (maybe a few less). I was very pleasantly surprised. :)
For the last year and half, I have formed some pretty strong relationships with people from CrossFit Advantage. Bonds that will never be broken, no matter the distance or frequency of conversation. Dylan is just one example of a handful of experiences I have had the honor of having with other CFA (CrossFit Advantage) athletes.
I walked into that gym as a lone wolf. I had some friends with me, but what I needed was a pack. A place to go to release stress. A network of friendships to pick me up, take me away from my depressed thoughts and "Would'a, should'a could'a" statements. That entire facility did that for me. Every single CrossFitter, even if I only spoke with them one time, changed me. Picked up me up. I was lifted, held high, respected. I had a few people, and still do, who will not let me think I don't deserve something or even entertain the idea, that I can't do something. Most of the time, it's about lifting weight or performing a gymnastic movement. However, I have been forced by my CFA family to think positive, know I deserve it, know I can achieve anything. All of those assurances has spilled, and continues to pour really, over to the rest of my life.
These people, these monster athletes, have pushed me to be who I should have always been. They brought out the original me. I may have written quite a bit on this experience, but I cannot truly express in writing the profound impact they have all had on my life. Just thinking about it and fully embracing the memories and warmth from them renders me absolutely speechless.
No matter where I go or the time in-between conversations and visits, they will always be my Wolfpack.
"For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the strength of the wolf is the pack"
*Special shout out to my on-ramp class, WPW, Lady's Power Hour, and my brothers
