The Converted

"The Converted"
by Jaala Thibault

One can't help but be inspired when surrounded by hard-working, positive people.
Since becoming a member of the CrossFit Ventura community, and by default a member of the global Crossfit community, I have affirmed this assertion.

But at first glance, I was a bit skeptical of the cultish-like feel that Crossfit gave off. I thought Crossfit may be something like a pyramid marketing scheme. I feared that I may be entering the Landmark Forum of fitness. I asked myself, "Could I really become a Crossfitter?"

My skepticism grew as every person I asked about Crossfit said the same thing, "It has changed my life, I am stronger than I have ever been, I eat in the Zone, and feel great." They had their own language and threw around terms like "clean and jerk," "snatch," and "WOD." Talking about "doing Josh" and "conquering Fran," or getting their asses whipped by the "filthy" were typical topics. Just like when Happy Gilmore was learning to putt, they joked that Crossfit was "all in the hips." I clutched my purse and hoped the sexual innuendos might stop.

I wondered to myself, "Does anyone dislike Crossfit out there?"
I found that the answer to this query was a resounding "YES."
But I was immediately reminded by a Crossfit lover that "...Crossfit isn't for everyone."
He said that "... some people just don't like to work so hard they may puke; they don't like to feel they have accomplished something great everyday; they don't like to have a close community always supporting them..." I laughed and nodded at his sarcasm, but on the inside I was afraid that I would never be a Crossfitter.

Soon enough though, I fell down the rabbit hole; I realized that Crossfit was for me.
Being a somewhat retired competitive athlete, the excitement of being on a team was missing from my life. Having athletic goals was not a priority for me any longer. Crossfit brought that back to me. It brought friends who were goal-oriented, hard working, driven, concerned about their health, and supportive of each other to the forefront of my consciousness.

Now, I feel born-again, but in the church of sport.

After returning from a gig as a spectator at the Crossfit Games, this week I find myself among the converted. I caught myself making "snatch," "box," and "clean and jerk" jokes. I laughed at the rather vulgar shirt slogans (censored). I hugged my sinewy, healthy friends and vowed to place in the Southern California Qualifiers or to be on the Affiliate Cup Team next year. I told myself I would do a muscle-up by the end of this year. I wrote in my journal that I would be a badass when I could do ALL benchmark workouts as "Rx'd" (prescribed).

Then, before I went to bed last night I laughed and realized that it's too late to turn back now. Without even realizing it...I have become a Crossfitter.

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CFV Intramurals: Outrigger Paddling on August 1st!

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Redeeming a Bad Run

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Workout of The Day

Power Clean & Jerk 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 reps

Post loads to comments.

Comments

[Major]

Of Course... Clean & Jerk on my day off, pretty much my favorite lift! I need to figure out a way not to have days off from Crossfit. Any ideas? :)

[J Walk]

WOD:(Shoulder press) max 195.

[Alex Ilao]

I can't believe I missed this WOD! I haven't done this lift yet. Hopefully I'll catch the next one.

[Jeannine]

Dang it!!! I had to miss this one!!! Arff!!!! Sounds fun!!

[Lindsay Man Pants]

Great post, Jaala! I'm definitely with you among the "converted". I'm pretty sure I was solidly down the rabbit hole when Murph and I had the pleasure of meeting at my first official WOD.

Power Clean & Jerk - 73
Great job today, Kim! You rocked this lift!

[Troy]

worked up to 145#

[Jennifer S.]

Great post Jaala!
So flippin sore - glad I took a rest day!

[KP]

I now too have lofty crossfit goals thanks to the Games. Great post Jaala.

Power Clean & Jerk: 88#

Um... What's with the man pants, Lindsay?

[bennyhana]

CROSSFIT "I'll tellya' what." WICHITA FALLS
Squat 3x5 315#
Bench 3x5 270, 270, 265.
I might miss this little 2-cow town a little bit after all. Lascek and Rippetoe are two of the most knowledgeable, smelliest (you should see what these guys eat), and "real" coaches in the CF world.

I'm smellin' "the nard" tomorrow, friends.
bh.

[Marthab]

I'll be going through withdrawals during my time off, but this is one addiction I won't kick. See you soon!

[Jenna]

Great post Jaala! I loved the story on Khalipa too. My heart broke when I saw him go down in the run...He definitely deserved the sprit of the games award!

[Jenny]

Jaala, I love your post. We all can relate, I remember thinking what are all these, KBS, DB, SDHP, HSPU etc,,,

WOD: #55 working on the form

I'm with Jennifer, I'm still sore from Monday's workout.

[Chris]

Awesome post Jaala

Stronghold Crossfit
WOD - 5 guys, 5 stations - Rope climb, burpees, box jumps, tire flips up/down hill, 200m run with 35lb sand bag up/down hill. Do reps at each station until runner returns, then switch. 3 rds, we all wore 10lb vests. Different and pretty gnarly, took about 25 min

[Lieb Matt]

Jaala your post is amazing and spot on!
As I have just finished the On-Ramp Course I still feel as if I am tumbling down the rabbit hole. In the short time I have been here I am in awe of the caliber of people that surround me everyday I come and workout.
Yet again thanks Mitch for pushing me on!

Power Clean & Jerk 122# First Time PR!

[Dr Rona Thau]

great post jaala :)
i'd never heard of crossfit before troy and then danelle started
but after my first one on one and the on ramps
i'm psyched to keep getting more fit and more strong and yes...
;) even
more calluses on my delicate hands
i must be a crossfitter
oh and i can't wait to do a pull up
even on a green band
i've been imagining my kip
practicing without pressure.

WOD 43lbs
working on form
it's the first time i've done a power clean and jerk with a 'real' bar

so as wimpy as that is...it's a PR which i hope i'll soon beat!

thanks for the tips, collin, i know i'll get better with practice.

great job everyone! :)

[Mitch]

WOD 53-73-83-93-103-107-112-117-122 PR

Ata girl Jaala

Dave & Eric, you guys are monsters !

[jaala is 18]

Thanks guys!
I am so happy to be able to workout among y'all! We are all crossfitters.

[Brandon is a CrossFit Junkie and needs help]

Dear Jaala,
I like your post. It reminds me of the time I stared CrossFitting.
Love,
Brandon

[Faith]

Really great post Jaala, I love your writing!

[jaala is 18]

Dear Brandon,
I like you more today than yesterday.
Love,
Jaala

[Nick]

wow Jaala, someone very special must of turned you on to this great new way of life.