SARAH: 2012 Success Story

I started coaching Sarah in Relentless Boot Camp last January and since that time she has changed inside and out. She is fierce, strong, and determined. Sarah has a heart of gold and has truly transformed her life as well as the lives of individuals she interacts with daily. I am honored to coach this lady every Tu/Th in the 6:30am Level 2 boot camp at O.Henry Middle School. Meet 2012 Success Story!

Read Sarah's story below...

I had what I thought was an active, healthy lifestyle. I rode horses several times a week and worked out at the gym but there were no real results. My emotional and mental fitness actually declined as my disappointment grew with my lack of achievement. Even after training and running a ½ marathon, I still felt “soft” & out of shape. My diet was low-fat, and high carb consisting of grains, dairy, lean protein & some veggies, which I thought was on track.

I won a month’s worth of Relentless Boot Camp as a raffle prize at a charity event. I held onto the gift certificate for almost a year, but being at my heaviest & feeling pretty frustrated with my body, I was ready to try something different than the sporadic gym visits mixed with an occasional run at Town Lake.

Since joining Relentless Boot Camp my results have been amazing. My energy is consistent through the day, and I have never felt better. The physical changes have been dramatic, but the mental benefits were my biggest surprise. I feel like I can power through any challenge that comes my way during a workout or at anytime throughout my day.  I also feel a genuine sense of accomplishment as I am held accountable to my goals.  My diet is now primarily Paleo/Zone and is the foundation of it all.

I lost 26 pounds and dropped from a size 8 to a size 4

Every time I go into a class I feel I’m growing.  My mindset has changed from, “I can’t do this”, to“maybe I can survive a little more” and now, “I can & I love it!” I enjoy seeing how far I can push myself now and the boundaries being blown away. It keeps me moving forward, wanting to do good work because of the support and encouragement I get from my amazing Coach Megan Parsons, my partner Carrie McDonald, my supportive boyfriend, and the whole amazing group at O.Henry. Without the confidence and enjoyment I’ve gained from Relentless Boot Camp, I would have never also added CrossFit Indoor classes to my routine.

 

Body comp check-in

If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes.  ~Andrew Carnegie

I did a body comp check in this past Saturday with 2012 Success Story athlete, Michel. After she left I thought to myself, "now this is how one should conduct a body comp." She showed up with 2013 goals in the making, expecting improvements from her last body comp, and allowed a little extra time to discuss what's next on her fitness journey.

Michel is putting in the work, and she's not settling for being content with where she is. She wants to continue to get stronger, leaner, faster, but now these goals are more defined with action steps. After she left I was encouraged knowing that Michel is making lifestyle changes that will last forever.

How do you approach body comp check ins with your coach? Personally, my athletes earn their follow-up body comps. The first one is encouraged/a requirement; however, moving forward I make certain the athlete is doing the work--> showing up to class, putting in additional workouts, food logging, pushup challenge, etc.

Train with a purpose.

MICHEL: 2012 Succss Story

I have had the privilige of coaching Michel for 3+ years now. I will never forget the first time she showed up to class and was so nervous. The warm up was challenging for her and the thought of doing burpees seemed mind boggling. Little did she know that her life would change forever. Here she is now as a 2012 Relentless Boot Camp Success Story.

Meet Michel!! Her story is below---

Prior to boot camp, I was pretty much at my all time heaviest, and I was eating and drinking to make myself feel better.  I felt weak and sluggish both physically and mentally.  I was emotionally disconnected from friends and family because I just wasn’t happy. I kept saying I was not in a good place mentally as a crutch to not commit to any fitness endeavor.  The first thing I noticed after joining boot camps was the mental clarity. It’s amazing how still my mind is when I’m concentrating on my body and that kettlebell—best stress relief ever. I was able to focus at work; I wasn’t zoning out for long periods of time.  I was not angry anymore, and I actually woke up feeling happy for the first time in months.  I was so impressed with the emotional benefits that I decided to take it to the next level and I enrolled in Fuel 21.  I wanted to capitalize on the “high.”  I lost 13 lbs and 9 inches in 21 days and I felt amazing.  I committed to something that scared the crap out of me and I stuck with it, and to my own surprise, I loved it.  I truly felt that I could do anything.  I’ve never been happier and according to my latest blood work, I’ve never been healthier.

My new year’s resolution this year was to try new things and work on self love.  I enrolled in Coach Megan Parsons’s 5:30 am T/TH O’Henry class.  The first mental barrier broken was the “I can’t wake up that early to exercise” barrier.  I was a 3 to 4 time snooze hitter so that was a huge success for me. Next barrier down , the “I can’t do that’ barrier.”  That was the game changer for me.  I can do anything for 20 seconds.  I can do anything for 60 minutes.  I can do anything for 21 days.  I can do anything I set my mind to.  I know it’s not going to be easy but that makes the accomplishment that much sweeter.

I lost over 20lbs, 23 inches, dropped 6% body fat, and went from a size 12 to a size 8!

 

Congrats, Emily!

I  had the privilege of coaching Emily when she first joined our Athletic Training class at Little Stacy Park. She kicked off a new chapter in her life with attending class 2x/week and signing up for one of our 6-week challenges.

Fast forward over a year later and she has transformed from the inside, out. Emily has lost 14 pounds and gone from a size 14 to an 8! And to top it all off, she quit a smoking habit she had been battling for years. Read Emily's entire story HERE.

I am looking for the next Success Story for 2012. Will it be you?

Go, Michelle!

I have the honor of coaching Michelle for over 2 years. She is a joy in and out of class. Her story inspires me because she has always been an athlete but has seen results mentally and physically with Relentless Athletic Training. Just like she states, I never thought anything would rate higher in my life than saying I am a marathon runner and an Ironman Triathlete until now.

If you are looking for someone to challenge you, encourage you, and encompass balance, then this girl is your person. A big congrats to Michelle and all her success and her future. Endless possibilities.

Check out Michelle's story HERE. 

Who will be the next Success Story in 2012?

Holiday Hustlers

Rachel thanked me with farm-fresh eggs from her chicken coop and Kale salad. Rachel lost 2lbs, 2%  body fat, and 11 inches!!!

Marcy took matter into her own hands and had me take before & after pics. Marcy lost 5lbs, 3% body fat, and 6 inches! Pictures say it all.

I truly enjoyed the Lean Turkey Challenge. I had the opportunity to coach athletes I would never coach. The Holiday Hustlers kicked A$$ over the 6 weeks! One of the biggest lessons learned over the 6 weeks was balance--it is absolutely possible to lean up amongst the the holiday season. No need to have an all or nothing attitude and relying on the statement, "I'll start in the New Year." These 6 athletes proved it can happen NOW!

We got 4th place on the workout yesterday and everyone saw significant results. Debbie lost 5lbs, dropped to 19.7% body fat, and lost 5inches. More results from Ashok, Kelly, & Autumn will be posted in a few days.

Nice work, Holiday Hustlers!

The Pictures Don't Lie

July 2009

August 2010

Jenifer is in my Tu/Th 6:30am Deep Eddy Relentless Boot Camp. I literally just opened her email with the pictures from above and could not wait to share with everyone. When people say a picture is worth a 1000 words, they could not be more correct. I love even more that she has on the same dress and looks completely different.

Jenifer jumped into Relentless Boot Camp full speed ahead with her very first class in February. She signed up for the Trojan Challenge in May and has not looked back. Shedding 1:20 off her mile time, crushing workouts in class, using a kettlebell like a pro, and losing 11 inches & 10lbs in 3 months, this girl is well on her way. I cannot even wait to see the results on her next body comp in October.

Be on the look out for this girl. She is finishing up the 24 Day Challenge and there will be plenty more updates on her progress over the next few months. As Jenifer and I both said--hoLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLer!!!

Mike O' Workout

Mike is in my Tu/Th 6:30am Relentless boot camp at Deep Eddy Park. The picture above is him performing sand bag carries up the stairs at Deep Eddy during our week off from class last week. Now that is what I call a Relentless athlete.

Since joining class a year ago, Mike has lost over 20lbs and 6% body fat. He never misses a class, has referred countless friends to our Relentless and CrossFit Central programs, and leads by example to his friends across the country and in the work place. Check out Mike's success story from this past December. He continues to improve daily. The workout below is in his honor.

The Mike O' Workout-
2 rounds- 2 of his co-workers workout in the same class with him
21 KB swings - for losing 21 lbs, and he loves kettlebells
20 burpees- 1st class on May 20th of last year
6 sprints- for losing 6% body fat, and he is the fastest guy in class

16in smaller

(Lunch of a Champion)

The results are already pouring in from the 7-week Trojan Challenge. I knocked out a few of my athletes body comps today. Jenifer is on Team Crush It and lost 5 inches over the 7 weeks, and a total of 16 inches since February. "The good news is that I’m stronger-I can definitely feel a difference in my workouts. Better at step-ups, push-ups, sit-ups and certainly arm, back and shoulder strength has improved after lugging around that 26 pound kettlebell!" Read more about her journey HERE.

Congrats, Jen!!! I can't wait to see her and the rest of the team CRUSH IT on Saturday morning at Westlake High School.

Paige's Success

May 2008

February 2009

January 2010

March 2010

I have the privilege of coaching my sister, Paige, 2x a week in Relentless Boot Camps. Paige's success story is a transformation from the inside and out. She is a new person physically, mentally, and emotionally. I think that is the beauty of CrossFit. Not only do individuals become more fit than ever, but their lives are truly changed because of it. I could not be more proud of my sister and her journey over the past year. Her story below starts back in college and extends to where she is today. Congrats, Sister Goddess!

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“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

This quote represents the mindset I’ve been striving to implement in my life for the past 10 years. Being able to move on from a past that represented a world full of insecurities, disappointments, and struggles that were all based around eating, weight gain, and lack of exercise has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. Admitting that I had a problem, that I had let myself go, and that food was controlling every aspect of my life, was not a comforting issue to face, much less attempt to overcome. It wasn’t until I realized one day that my insecurities and personal struggles were not only affecting me, but they were seeping into my life at work, at home, with friends, and with family. I knew it was time for change, and I knew I was the only one that could make it happen.

I must say, I consider myself extremely fortunate to be blessed with such an amazing sister, Ms. Showout Megan Parsons, so it was somewhat easy to transition into one of her CrossFit Relentless Bootcamps. I say somewhat because once I arrived, I soon realized that I could barely make it through the warm up, refused to do a burpee, and was extremely out of shape and almost in tears. However, I wasn’t going to give up and let myself down once again and my sister as well. I continued participating in the Tuesday/Thursday Dick Nichols Bootcamp twice a week and eventually decided to participate in the Spartan 300 for further accountability. This allowed me to take my 2 days of working out a week up to 5 days a week. It was a total success. I was able to improve my strength, and lose a few pounds and inches along the way.

After this experience, I knew it was time to face my struggles with food and embrace a new, healthy, happy way of eating in order to take my body to the next level. I decided to consistently commit to taking my Advocare supplements. Currently, I take MNS Energy Vitamins, Thermoplus, Catalyst, Spark, and Clear Mood (and yes, it does help clear my mood, ask my family). I then decided to open up the refrigerator and write down every item my sister was eating and purchase all of them (or at least the ones that looked edible). She then proceeded to teach me all about nutrition and I was able to incorporate many other foods as well as new methods of cooking into my nutrition plan. It wasn’t until I started eating much cleaner that I really saw my body transform, and for once in my life I didn’t dread eating or stress about food. I actually enjoyed my meals and was satisfied.

My next step was to continue to challenge myself so I decided to participate in the first Relentless BootCamp Challenge. Not only did I meet some amazing ladies, but I was able to take my body to yet another level, losing more pounds, inches, and body fat; while also learning how to better improve my nutrition. I can honestly say that without the accountability of the CrossFit community; the intense, exciting, competitiveness of the workouts; the lessons in nutrition, goal setting, and living your best life…..I would certainly not be where I am today.

Over the course of 10 years, I have gone from weighing 170 lbs and wearing a size 14, to weighing 138 pounds and wearing a size 7. My struggles with eating have drastically improved and when I feel a relapse coming on, I finally know how to deal with it. My confidence as a woman, as a teacher, as a friend, sister, and daughter has transformed in ways I never could have imagined. My only advice is to never settle, to keep striving for the best you, for the best life that you want to live, and to take it one day at a time.

Sarah's Success

March 2009

Fall 2009

March 2010

Sarah is an athlete in the Tu/Th 6PM Dick Nichols Relentless class. She started boot camp in January and we did a follow-up on her measurements last week and the results were amazing. Sarah's lost 10lbs, 3% body fat, and 9 inches in 3 months. I have to brag a bit on Sarah. She is one of the few people who writes down goals and takes massive action to achieving each of them. When we met in January her goals were the following:

1. Run a mile without stopping to walk by 4/15-- CHECK
2. Do 50 situps in one set by 4/15-- CHECK
3. Complete full boot camp, no modifications by 4/15-- CHECK

Sarah has already emailed me a new set of goals, posted her before and after pics on her vision board, and chasing full speed ahead to achieve everything she desires. Sarah exemplifies a Relentless athlete. Keep up the hard work!

Jane's Success

Jane is in the 8:30am MWF Lake Pointe Relentless Outdoor Training class. A picture is worth a thousand words. I am one lucky coach! Read her story below.

"I'd been going to Boot Camp for less than 2 months when I decided to sign up for the Relentless Adventure Challenge. I knew I was completely hooked on Boot Camp and not going back to my 'big-box' gym, so I wanted to try/do even more. Being very new to CrossFit I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into when I signed up for the Relentless Adventure Challenge. What I DID know was that it was going to be tough, fun and I would get results - - all true!

Having Megan as a coach made it an even better experience. She's realistic in where you are in your life and where you CAN be if you set your mind to it. She doesn't focus on what you CAN'T have or CAN'T do - - she focuses on what you CAN have, what you WILL do, the kind of person you become when you set GOALS and work towards them. I had a hard time believing that someone was genuinely concerned about my health and fitness and wanted to see results as much as I did - - but now I totally trust Megan. I feel like the Relentless Challenge was just the start for me.

I've already signed up for the 'Trojan Challenge and can't wait to work with Meg again - - the extra workouts, food logging, hard work, and fun - I can't wait! She knows I hate to see pictures of myself on the websites and blogs, but after seeing my 'after' pic from the Challenge I believe her, I trust her and I trust CrossFit ... "

Have you reserved your spot for the Trojan Challenge? Results are not guaranteed; they are the norm.

Results are Typical

This past Saturday was the finale for the Relentless Adventure Challenge. I coached 3 teams and each of them did phenomenal. Team Showout won the race on Saturday with a time of 27:45--3:33 minutes faster than 7 weeks ago. The overall Challenge winner will be announced this week. The winner is determined based on team weight loss, inches loss, % body fat loss, and improvement on the benchmark course.

So often commercials advertise and say "These results are not typical." At Relentless Boot Camp, Results are Typical; they are the norm, and we expect nothing less. As a team, Team Showout lost a total of 26lbs, 10 inches, and 10% body fat. hoLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLer!!!

Results for Team Hot Mess and Team Holla Back Girls will be posted tomorrow. Do you want the same results seen in the Relentless Adventure Challenge? Then don't miss out on the Trojan Challenge that begins on May 8th. Registration opens tomorrow at noon!

Adventure Challenge success

(Day 1 of Challenge. Check back in 3 weeks for after pics)

Tim is one of my clients participating in the Relentless Adventure Challenge on Team Showout. He has stepped up his game and really dialed in on his nutrition and workouts. Yesterday he informed me he has lost 20lbs and 10 of them have been since the Challenge started as well as going down 2 pants sizes. That is what I call defining showout at its finest.

Watch out other teams. Team Showout is on a mission to WIN! 3 weeks left and counting...

Ginger's Success

Ginger joined the 6:30AM Tu/Th Deep Eddy Relentless Boot Camp in November. She has made huge strides forward and found a new community of friends! Check out her "WOW, boot camp's done a lot for me" moments below from 2 weeks ago, along with her own bit of entertaining sarcasm.

I had a couple of "wow, boot camp's done a lot for me." First, I was running on Saturday with a friend I've been running with for about a year and a half. Entirely unprompted, she remarked that I'm running a LOT faster. Of course, that's comparing "the movement of glaciers" to "perceptible forward motion." But still, relatively speaking, it's nice to have someone notice an improvement. Even better, I finally got to ride my bike on Sunday, and although I haven't ridden since September, I was able to do a (for me) fairly long ride and I wasn't tired afterward. More important, I've had a continuing problem with my hands getting numb when I ride. It's a pain and kind of dangerous because it affects your ability to shift and brake. Bike coaches have told me that this happens when you lack core strength. For the first time EVER, my hands didn't get numb. This is a big deal, and totally due to boot camp and your excellent coaching. So thanks!

How has Relentless Boot Camp improved your quality of life? Post comments below.

That's Fit

Mel is one of our fun, dedicated, and inspiring clients at CrossFit Central. About a week ago she asked me to write my success story. I was given a questionnaire to fill out, which helped to guide my thoughts. It is amazing how reflection is such a huge key to success for me. I often get so caught up with where I am going that I forget where I was and how far I've come over the past 18 months.

This quote by Sydney Smith sums up the past year for me. I believe with all my heart my career, personal, and physical success stems directly from following my heart, taking negative thoughts captive, and not giving up.

"Whatever you are by nature, keep to it; never desert your line of talent. Be what nature intended you for and you will succeed."

Check out the Success Story HERE.

Michelle's Story

BEFORE

AFTER

Michelle is one of my Tu/Th 6:30AM Deep Eddy Relentless boot campers. When I see clients 2 and 3 days a week the changes in their physique are not as noticeable to me; however, after seeing Michelle's photos today...WOW!!! That is what I call showin out in no time at all. 3 months to be exact. Below is Michelle's story...

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I am CrossFit!

I am CrossFit!

I am a Marathoner!

I am an Ironman!

I never thought anything would rate higher in my life (maybe “I am a mom” someday) than saying I am a marathon runner and an Ironman Triathlete until now. Before CrossFit I was an endurance junkie. I needed my adrenaline rush and needed to sweat to feel good. I felt ok, I was “content” with my body…..I thought I could only be fitter if I was training for another marathon or an Ironman. I ate healthy…whole grains, low fat dairy, lots of fruits and veggies and some lean protein. I was active and healthy but didn’t feel great…again I was content enough and basically settled for that…. CrossFit, however, has taken me into uncharted waters- I've increased my physical and mental strength (didn’t think was possible stemming from previous Ironman training), I'm discovering new muscles, and I am experiencing an overall sense of well-being and confidence that is hard to define other than that I FEEL GREAT! And yes, I still need to sweat to feel good, and still love the adrenaline rush, it is just different now. My mindset has changed..and that is a good thing..actually a great thing!

Within 3 months I've:

• Changed the way I eat…PALEO has changed my whole outlook on food -Paleo really works for me! I love to cook and have been inspired to create new recipes and am having fun and eating well in doing so.

• Increased my min per mile pace running (Averaged 7.39 min/per mile pace at a recent 5k). Previously averaged 8:30 to 9:30 min/mile.
  

• Lost inches and body fat. I've gone from 15% to 13% body fat and lost approximately an inch almost everywhere!

• Need new clothes!

I am physically, emotionally and mentally stronger.

I am happy, healthy and feel empowered.

I am CrossFit!

I am CrossFit!

Goals:

• Continue to work on technique and firing up fast twitch muscles

• Stronger and leaner

• Maintain between 11-13% body fat

• Continue Paleo as an eating approach in life

• Learn the Pose running method

• Try an indoor class

My favorite part about CrossFit is that there seems to consistently be something NEW to learn…..a new move, a new technique, new facts about nutrition, new running form (still have a ways to go on that one) ---I am challenged and inspired by my coach Megan and peers. Thank you for helping me change and “re-shape” my life and attitude!