Tall Tara

It was time for something drastic.

I had heard stories of this CrossFit, whispered rumors about meetings in the basement of a former church, mentions of tough workouts, amazing results and top-notch athletes. A friend even suggested I check it out. Two years ago.

But recently, taking a different route home from work, I stumbled across a new CrossFit studio. Thinking it was a sign that I should finally find out more about CrossFit, I did just that. A week and one kick-ass introductory class later, I was a member.

And yes, they’re on Twitter.

Now, with the short-term goal of rocking it in Belize on my honeymoon, I’m about to embark on a brand-new physical adventure. Starting tomorrow, I’ll be doing CrossFit three times a week in the morning before work. I used to be very against the idea of paying anyone to help me with training, but fortunately have matured to a point where I’m okay with saying that I need someone to kick my ass coach me.

This is the last coach I had. I think I paid him in beer. But he helped me with my swim stroke in preparation for my first triathlon.

In all honesty, CrossFit is definitely an experiment for me and I’m a little nervous about the whole thing. But I’m also excited to have a new physical challenge to motivate me through the holidays. Not to mention getting me ready for an injury-free ski season.

When I told my husband about CrossFit, he was a little doubtful. As he is of anything that takes me out of bed earlier in the morning. He said that it sounded like a cult and that he was ready to call my mom if intervention was needed.

At least they’re a well-toned cult, I thought to myself. Also…calling my mom? Did he really think that threats would be effective?

Later that same week, I got my first CrossFit newsletter. In it, they featured an athlete profile, a CrossFit member by the name of Chad. He answered a bunch of interview questions but the last one especially caught my eye…

“Anything you’d like to add?
I’m glad that I’m CrossFitting now.  I was burnt out prior to joining, doing the same basic gym workout routines (with the associated repetitive injuries) and frustrated unable to run - I needed an new fitness outlet.  I enjoy being part of the cult now (except the Paleo thing - but I’m working on that ;-)”

Did you catch that last part?

He enjoys being part of the cult now.

(And he’s using CrossFit as a verb–which brings up a host of other grammatical issues for me…)

With a wink and a smile, Chad may have just confirmed my husband’s cult hypothesis. My first session is tomorrow morning and I’ll report back with details.

If they let me.