Cristy Cassady 08/17 Wear Pink

I was so surprised tonight to get a message from Channel telling me I had been selected to be a spotlight athlete. I think my first thoughts were just as many of yours would be…I am so undeserving…there are so many people who should be in this position…but I was chosen. WOW!

I began a health and wellness journey about 2 ½ years ago. It seemed overnight; I woke up and realized that I had allowed my health to just slip between my fingers. My weight was out of control, and even worse, I was no longer the energetic and upbeat mom I was once was.  My family, especially my kids, and friends just deserved so much more from me. I deserved so much more from me, so the journey began.

I started with just adding some walking and watching my nutrition. We were about to relocate back to Texas, and I didn’t want to jump into a gym membership. Needless to say, progress was so slow.  After we got settled into our new home, I admit I joined another gym.  I drove past AMAZEn Boot Camp every time I went to that other place, and yes, I would eye it. I would see people running around that building and jumping on those tires outside.  I knew crossfit and bootcamp just wasn’t for me. I had lots of friends posting their crossfit accomplishments on facebook, and there was no way I could hang with all those people.

In December 2014, I decided it was time to get out of my own way and conquer my fears, so I walked into the gym ready to sign-up and commit.  I remember being so nervous that first day, but WOW what I had walked into would forever change me. I remember thinking I was going to die before that workout was done, and then someone ran up behind me and shouted “You’ve got this!”  That was the moment that I realized that this was where I needed to be. See at that other place, I never had anyone encouraging me…just myself…and I am a people person.  I really feel like I have found a workout family and am so encouraged everyday by all of the people who suit up and show up. We may not all be at the same level (I think I still finish last most days haha), but we all bring it to the best of our abilities.  I personally know that I am getting stronger and feeling better, and I never want to go back to the person I was.  Summer has been crazy, but I try to get to class at least 3-4 days a week and will resume my M-F after school begins.  I actually get a bit cranky on days I have to miss. I just enjoy it that much…okay maybe when I’m done I enjoy it that much haha, but it is just such a feeling of accomplishment to conquer each and every WOD.

Thank you Channel and Tommy for having a vision and creating an amazing gym with God in the center and such a feeling of family, and thank you to all of you who suit up and show up ready to get it done.  Cristy