I am 44 years old and a self-employed mother of two. I've considered myself an athlete since high school where I primarily excelled at cross country running and rowing. In my twenties and thirties, I enjoyed rock climbing, snowboarding and mountain biking, but my basic fitness has been always maintained by running. Running is cheap, time efficient and I am decent at it. Over the past five years, I have completed several half and full marathons. I enjoyed the goal setting, but not the hours of training and the abuse on my body. I tried adding Pilates, Spinning, yoga and free weights to "cross train". All of these gave me a new outlet, but none of them addressed my personal fitness goals: weight loss and improve my overall fitness. I would say when I "found" Crossfit I had been on a two-three year "search" for a better, more complete workout.

I joined Crossfit Relentless in November, 2009. My friend bought me and I was immediately "hooked". After one workout, I could see that Crossfit is unique and unlike the typical global gyms. I like that the coaches can explain what elite fitness means with workouts that will quantify my progress. I like that the coaches are invested in my fitness because they want me to succeed; not because I am a number and they want my money. The coaches and the other members cheer for you, push you and help you. Most of all, I like that each time I go I don't know the workout, but I am certain that I will be challenged and worked hard. The coaches told me that if I commit to the workouts and some basic "clean eating" the sky is the limit on achieving my fitness goals. After only two months, I am already elated with my progress: I've lost eleven pounds in nine weeks. I feel awesome! I'm in the best shape of my life since college. Most of all, I am motivated to hit my workouts hard and I can see and feel the results. An unexpected bonus was how Crossfit has helped me in my daily life. I can lift and carry things with greater confidence. I have more energy and I am sleeping better. In addition, it has transformed my running. While I don't run nearly as many miles, I am stronger, faster and my aerobic capacity has increased.

I encourage you to come try Crossfit for yourself. There are lots of really nice people that range in age and physical ability, but we all have a common goal – to get the most out of our workouts and see results. I was a skeptic, but all it took was one workout to convince me that Crossfit was what I was looking for, maybe it will be your answer too.