1.20.2011

100 Pound PR

before CrossFit

after CrossFit

It's time to celebrate with Steph V- she hit a new 100 # PR!

If you come to CF KoP you have probably, without question, met Steph. Her vibrant energy and enthusiasm is hard to miss. She recently shared some exciting new with me - since her start at CFKoP she has lost over 100 pounds! Yep, that's like losing an entire person - this is an amazing accomplishment and I told her we should celebrate it on the blog. She wrote this little message to accommodate our celebration.

This month I hit a 100# PR. Not by adding bumpers to a barbell but by losing weight off of my body. I have the healthiest and fittest body of my life. I weigh less than I did in middle school. I am no longer limited in what clothes I can wear, what chairs I can sit in or what activities I can physically do. There are many factors that have contributed to this PR, including major internal shifts and a dramatic change in what I eat. However this PR would not have been possible without Crossfit and the community at CrossFit King of Prussia.

I am happy to celebrate this accomplishment with each and every one of you. But I have one request that you celebrate with me, not for pounds that I have lost but instead celebrate the many things I have gained.

I have gained the knowledge that I am strong. Not only in what I can dead lift but in my ability to accept the suck, to survive what is difficult, and to get through the hard stuff one step (or rep) at a time.

I have gained amazing people into my life. The CrossFit deck is stacked with some of the most intelligent, compassionate & wise people I have ever known. I would have never thought I’d find those people in a gym, but I did.

I have gained a laundry list of physical skills I could not previously do. 21 inch Box jumps, pushups, strung double unders, full depth squats, running without walking, kipping pull ups with the mental floss…to name a few.

I have gained the confidence to enter into competitions. In the past I made every effort to avoid people paying attention to my body. I would have never put it on display. The competitions I have taken part in have been the scariest things I have ever done, but the most rewarding. I love that fear now and what it feels like to move through it. I never played a sport, until now. Crossfit is my sport.

I have gained a love for intensity. I didn’t realize until my first week of CrossFit but I thrive on intensity. To those who know me well, that probably comes to no surprise. I just never realized that part of my personality applied to my body. I could never, ever go back to working out without it.

I have gained a spiritual practice. MetCons are moving meditations for me. In the middle of the WOD, there is nowhere to be but where I am. I can no longer think, my mind is blank, I am completely and totally where I am. It practices in being present. Practice for the rest of my life.

I have gained joy in movement. When I started Crossfit I was looking for a place to workout that could help me embrace movement for its own sake rather as something I “had to do” to be healthy. I wanted to experience being present to my body as I moved. I wanted to experience joy in movement. I got what I wanted, in ways I never could have imagined.

I have gained a life’s purpose. I have always known that I wanted to help people. However I didn’t always know exactly how. CrossFit has connected me with my body, which was a missing link through the rest of my life. When that connection was established it was like a puzzle piece fitting into place that opened up my world. I now know I want to help other people bridge the gaps between their mind, body and spirits.

I have gained a community. I am a part of a community that believes in me, that supports me in my challenges and my victories. I am part of a community that welcomes all people and works extra hard to support those with the greatest challenges. I am part of a community with knowledgeable, talented and caring leaders (all of our coaches) at its helm.

So you can see; I have gained much more than I have lost. Each and every one of you are a part of that. For that I am forever grateful.

P.S. A special thanks to the first person I ever looked up to. She knows my story better than anyone else, about what I have overcome, about how different my life is now than it used to be. She told me about CrossFit and assured me that I could do it. I believed her and I’m glad that I did. Love you Jesher (aka Granny).



October 2009


October 2010

47 comments:

Miranda said...

So proud of you Steph! You are an inspiration to every one that walks in the door. I am inspired by you and fortunate to know you. Keep kicking a$$ and crushing times! You look amazing and you have one of the most up beat personalities at the box. Rock on girl!

Kristen SB said...

Steph, you ARE strong, beautiful, insanely funny, intelligent, positive, upbeat, and wacky (I mean that in a good way). I love all these things and many more things about you. You continue to amaze and inspire me. I am so incredibly lucky to know you. Keep kicking @$$ at the box and in all you do! You are amazing! Love ya!

Dorothy said...

Congratulations Steph. Keep up the good work. I am glad to be on this journey with you. Thanks for always reminding me that this is a journey and no matter what I accomplish I will always want more; therefore, I need to embrace each and ever moment for it's own awesomeness.

Anonymous said...

Steph - such an inspiration. You and your attitude rock!

Sam B.

Ken Blackwell said...

Steph,

Thanks for being such an inspiration! Listening to you & Vincent talk about Crossfit at Donkey's B-day party last year helped put me over the edge and decide to start coming. Really glad that I did, it's changed my life.

Mike S said...

Steph, congratulations! The words "inspire" and "inspiration" keep coming here only because they are so true and so well describe all that you've accomplished!

Mike F said...

I can only think of one word: "Inspirational". You are someone I look up to when I walk into the box.

Gina Fab said...

Steph,
Congrats!!! What an accomplishment! You are such a hard- worker and an inspiration to me every day. I would have never done the metro dash last year unless you told me I could! You make every person's day better when you are at the box!Thanks for being you!

Swine said...

Great Job Steph. I'm proud of ya. I can't think of anyone else that has your love and determination for what we do.

Kristin T. said...

Hey Steph! Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! I feel so lucky to know you and to work out with you! Thanks for sharing your personal journey. Your story is so inspiring and you truly know the meaning of getting the most out of life!

Melinda said...

Steph,

Congrats on this great accomplishment! I love working out with you and especially love your upbeat and positive attitude. You are one of my favorite people at the box even when you are making fun of me!

karen largent said...

i'm proud of you and lucky to have you in my life. you gave me my first real challenge, and i learned so much about myself from it.

while you're learning and gaining, we're learning and gaining from you.

thank you.

Lisbeth Darsh said...

Wow! Definitely proud to know ya, Steph! Keep rockin'on -- we need your energy and guidance in this world! You're an inspiration to us all.

jen said...

Stephanie, your confidence and determination is what led you to crossfit! This true happiness that you have is far more than well deserved and well earned! For so long my heart ached watching you experience so much pain. Not anymore. Congratulations! It is absolutely awesome to see you at your best! I am so happy for you! ~ Oh, and I'll never touch your deadlift#! So now who's lookin' up to who? Much love and respect steph, jesher

Anonymous said...

Steph -
Your story is EXACTLY what I needed to hear right now. Thanks for reminding me of all that I too have gained through Crossfit. Even though I am struggling now, it is temporary, like all things and I have an amazing wonderful community to support me. Time to remember all that and get to it.
Congratulations to you and many more PRs (of all kinds!!) to you!
EEL

Anonymous said...

Think everybody pretty much covered all the adjectives that describe u and what u were able 2 accomplish and still are accomplishing everyday. I'll never 4get when we were doing the Lumberjack 20 wod! The fight and determination u showed inspired me so much I found myself running right there with u! Not that u needed me 2, it's just the heart u showed during that wod pulled me in. Thank You for letting me be a part of that and congrats once again from me and my Tribe members!

Rick Baylor
Crossfit Tribe

Jason Lyons said...

Steph:

It is a pleasure to coach you. It is as exciting for me as it is for you to watch you transform, both in body and mind. You are walking proof that when you are dedicated and passionate about something, the sky is the limit. I talk about you in every single intro session I do because for me, CrossFit is about people like us, not the firebreathers. It is fun to watch people perform at such a high level but the average athlete probably makes up 95% of this community we love so for me, it is extra special when one of us exceeds all expectations. Keep on working as hard as you do and one day we will meet on top of the rings. NYeaaaahhhhhhh

Melanie said...

Steph,
Congratulations on hitting this PR! I am really glad that I have been witness to your progress. You inspire me on so many levels and find myself talking about you to other people and using your success story as an example. You are a beautiful person inside and out and you seriously glow with excitement over life and all that you have accomplished. I am so glad to know you.
Melanie (AKA fish taco)

meghan said...

Steph,

It was a pleasure to finally meet you in person at Hybrid. Well, sort of, I'm awkward at meeting people whose blogs I read, but I told you your kid was playing in the 750# tire. Does that mean we're friends? LOL.

Anyway, you are an inspiration, plain and simple. And literally one of the strongest women I know!

Best,
Meghan

Nikki said...

Steph - I can only echo what every one else has already said... you are an amazing person and I'm so thankful I've gotten to know you over the last year. How lucky are we at CFKOP that you chose our box to be a part of while undergoing your transformation!?! You've taught me sooo many lessons - about determination, the joy of movement, the value of full rom, and your secrets to achieve it. Our conversations about all these things have made me a better coach and a better crossfitter. Outside of the box you've had a profound impact too... Thanks for being an open, non-judging ear when I need a friend to talk to. Your perspectives are refreshing and always point out a truth I already knew deep down but hadn't quite been able to see yet...

Looking forward to being your partner in many more WODs, competitions, and road trips in the future!

Kathleen said...

Steph, Congratulations on your new PR! Your story and your winning attitude inspire us all! I am amazed by not only what you can accomplish when you are healthy but I don't think I'll forget those weeks after your knee surgery when you were at the box rowing with a skate board under your bad leg and with the creative ideas of the coaches finding all kinds of ways to stay active even when you were recovering. Now that's dedication!!!

Anonymous said...

The most impressive people to me are the ones who face some difficulty in life but are able to overcome those difficulties through sheer determination and resilience, the ones who get knocked down but find a way to get back up again. Those people are mentally strong, which is the only real strength that matters in life. When I think of you Steph, I often wonder what kind of courage it took for you to walk into the Box that first day - it's a courage most people could never muster. Steph, you should be very proud of what you've done. I can assure you that we're all very proud of you.

Brian R

Anonymous said...

Stephanie....I am proud to know you. I marvel at your accomplishments and the dedication you bring every day. You are truly transformational and I wish you all the success for the goals you seek for yourself.

Unknown said...

Steph,

You are an incredible inspiration for all that meet you, but more importantly for your children. You have shown them what courage, determination and motivation can truly do for a person.

Congratulations on your journey of life so far, I can't wait to see where it takes you next and am glad to be along for the ride with you.

Love,
Maura

Todd said...

Great job Steph! Thank you for sharing your story. It's truly inspirational!

Cheri Wissmann said...

Steph -- I am tearing up reading all of these wonderful messages to you. I am honored to call you my friend, and thankful to have you as my mentor. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with all of us, and letting us be part of your amazing journey. Love you, Cheri

Unknown said...

Good work, Steph! I love reading your blog and entries on FB. We only met a few times, but a lasting impression was made and I'm honored to watch you grow on your journey!

Denise said...

Congratulations Steph! This is an amazing accomplishment and I am very proud of you. You truly are an inspiration. Keep up the awesome work :)

Anonymous said...

I am HUMBLED by your comments. I think I gained a few pounds back...my heart is so heavy right now with joy. All my love.

P.S. any good qualities you see in me...are visible because they are in you too. :-)

Unknown said...

Steph - I'm so happy for you and it's been an amazing honor to watch your journey...I'm most impressed by your fantastic attitude and outlook about everything.

I'm proud of you and I look forward to reading/hearing about your continued success...

xoxo

Peterson said...

Hell yeah Steph. I always look forward to the WOD's we get to do together. You rock.

Laura Pappas said...

Congrats Steph on how far you've come, I looked at the beginning crossfit picture and could hardly believe that was you! Keep it up your positive attitude and outlook on life.

Lindsey said...

Steph - I know that everyone's basically said everything that's on my mind right now, but I have got to say that I consider myself lucky just to know you. You really are an amazing person. You have no idea how many times you have helped me get through a WOD. I can't help but admire your strength, upbeat personality, and generosity. You have so much to be proud of beyond this 100 pound PR!

Cindy said...

Steph, I love what you said about gaining vs. losing and it made me think about all we as a community have gained by your presence. I know personally that I gained a friend and coach but I think we all gained by having you at KoP. We gained a great community events organizer, a sense of humor second only to Jason's for uniqueness, a smile bigger than Julia Roberts', a heart with room for all of us and a spirit that can never be quenched. Personally I think that makes us all damn lucky to call you "ours!" Love you!!

Unknown said...

Hi Steph,

Tyler Quinn here from CrossFit St. Paul Twin Cities (MN). I saw this story via the affiliate page tonight and I just want to congratulate you on your tremendous gains (and losses) since starting CrossFit. You are an inspiration to me as a coach to do my best as I am sure you are an inspiration to your fellow athletes at CrossFit KOP. Well done, and good luck moving forward!

My very best,

Tyler Quinn

Brian said...

Awesomeness, just pure awesomeness!Congrats on your incredible and inspirational CrossFit journey. Keep it up!

Crossfit Equipment said...

Really impressive stuff. Congrats and keep up the great work!
-Ryan-

Anonymous said...

that's absolutely beautiful....KEEP GOING

Jennie Yundt said...

Love love love love your amazing story! Keep up the good work!

A-Web said...

You look great Stephanie!! I am so happy to hear of your success and can't wait until (someday) we get to do a WoD together! Lot's of love!

donkey said...

Steph: You bring it harder, with more courage, than most. One of my favorite moments in Crossfit was watching you finish the 5K/5Ton WOD. It's always a joy to work out with you because your determination always pushes me harder too...but even more valuable is your friendship. You seem to have a knack for saying the right thing at the right time. Keep going, B-A-B :)

Seo Backlinks said...

CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games 2021
Nobull CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games

Seo Backlinks said...

CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games live stream
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021
CrossFit Games 2021

Seo Backlinks said...

CrossFit Games 2021
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
How to Watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
Learn How to watch CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
CrossFit Games
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live

Seo Backlinks said...

Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live
Best Way to Watch CrossFit Games Live

Thapki Pyar ki 2 said...

Bigg Boss 16 Contestants Name List 2022, Salman Khan show Bigg Boss 16 Expected
Contestants, Bigg Boss 16 Online Common Man List Out, Celebrity Names,Vooting..

Bigg Boss 16 Latest Episode

=======

ounique said...

Bigg Boss 16, is the sixteenth season of the Indian reality TV series Bigg Boss. It premiered on 2nd October 2022 on Bigg Boss 16 Colors TV Episodes. Salman Khan is hosting Bigg Boss for the 13th time. The Grand Finale of this season will aired on 30th January 2023.