Community

CrossFitters talk a lot about community, so much so that sometimes I think it's become merely a buzz word.  When asked what you like about CrossFit, you're supposed to say, "It's changed my life," "I can do things I never thought were possible," "the workouts are so challenging," and "I love the community."

Well, this weekend I was asked on camera why I CrossFit, and I'm pretty sure I said the same things everyone else says, word for word.  I consider myself introspective, occasionally creative, and usually hilarious (although it's mostly just me who laughs at my jokes), so I was disappointed to hear the same "boring cliches" emerge from my mouth.  The trouble is, I couldn't really think of anything else to say, because they are all true.  And pretty much universally true.  I believe this forms the basis for an exceptionally strong worldwide community - formed by sharing significant experiences.  Life, for that matter, is that way.  We all share experiences (good and bad) which build into a wonderful interconnected web which results in a supportive community so far beyond that which I had previously recognized.

This weekend I was blown away by my community, and was reminded that no one should ever think they live in isolation.  I received messages of support from people I haven't heard from in many years, even people I thought would have forgotten me by now.  I was surrounded in person by people who inspire and support me on a daily basis.  I watched people cheering with great enthusiasm for perfect strangers, who just by working out, just by being them, were encouraging others to reach for healthier, happier lives.

I was blessed to have two moms and two of my coaches in attendance this weekend, along with many other family members and friends watching via the refresh button on the Games site.  I was touched by how excited they were for me to compete and succeed.  They've already endured a lot of CrossFit talk from me - descriptions of workouts and movements I'm sure they couldn't care less about, and yet they were excited to spend three days watching me do them.

I was blessed by my teammates - I watched each of them give everything they had - being brave enough to even compete at Regionals despite having some significant fears to overcome, to complete 15 reps of a recent PR weight, to dive underneath a near PR snatch without having been able to warm up properly, to compete well despite overwhelming soreness, to set PRs which had eluded them for years. I was also humbled by the genuine enthusiasm of the people who almost made the team - rather than detract from our community by being selfish and hurt (as I was last year, much to my chagrin), they were the #1 supporters this year, and I am so grateful to them for that.

I was blessed by the other competitors - I was so surprised to have so many people who inspire me telling me I inspire them.  When I've watched CrossFit, it's always seemed, based on how friendly they are to each other, that there must be a bit of an "insiders" clique, yet rather than feeling like an outsider, I was amazed at how genuine the camaraderie actually is, and how it extended to me even as a competitive newcomer.

I am so grateful to all of the judges, volunteers, sponsors, CrossFit media and staff for making the event this weekend possible.  Participating in Regionals made me feel more like a star than I did at the Olympic Trials (and that was an incredible experience).  CrossFit has created something really special - and beyond HQ, the gyms, the coaches, and the competitors, it's also a credit to all of the people who are willing to give their time, talents and enthusiasm to media, logistics, programming, announcing, equipment, and everything else that goes into putting on such an awesome event.

I hope that everyone who was watching this weekend realizes that the competitors on the field are no different than the fans.  We are all capable of so much more than we think possible - through consistent effort, good nutrition, and effective exercise we can all be healthier, stronger and more capable than we are right now.  And we are each surrounded by a huge community of people who love to see us each succeed.