Written by Barbara Hensley, of Rockwall, TX
August 2008
I have been blessed with incredible energy and overall good health throughout my life. As a teen and young adult I was always slim and never had a weight problem. My stomach likely had a cast iron lining as I could eat most any and everything.
My mid forties arrived much too soon and I started adding about five pounds a year, not much at first, but the years netted a full blown weight problem. I have also been blessed with a strong amount of will power so I lost that weight, gained it back, and lost it again many times.
Slowly over the past ten years, or I think actually quickly, life happened and my personal health and fitness took a back burner. Among other things, I sold my multi office real estate firm and went through the totally unexpected experience of trying to deal with a new identity. My mother had a stroke and I became a major care person for her through years of major health problems.
Bottom line, I did not like who I was in this overweight and unfit body, but I was not doing anything about it. I had always been a social person and I no longer wanted to do the things I had always enjoyed.
I woke up on October 11 last year knowing the day had come. I weighed a shocking 200 pounds! I started a diet that day that I have continued for all the months since. I started losing weight at a steady pace of 5 pounds a month. I knew I was looking better, but I did not have that “real” energy I needed to be the person I wanted to be again.
My daughter, Liz Wolf, had supported me in my diet, encouraging me to keep doing what was working for me. She had started CrossFit with Mary and raved about it. I was not interested in it for me as I thought it was more for younger people. I thought I could not do it. Neither could I work up interest to do any other type of exercise program.
Liz, in her take charge/bull dozer manner, gave me the gift of my life! She gave me some private sessions with Mary. My excuse had been that I needed to be at work early. Liz arranged for Mary to come to my house at 5:45 AM, yes – AM! I dreaded that first morning!
Mary knocked on my door in the dark that first morning and the miracle started happening. She put me at ease and immediately made me feel that I could do this! The warm-up about killed me! Each day, I started feeling just a little stronger. I treasured each session with Mary. She made me feel younger each day. At the end of my gift sessions I purchased more private sessions and kept going.
Both Liz and Mary encouraged me to join the WOD sessions. I really did not think I would enjoy it. I knew everyone was likely light years younger than me. I made a commitment to myself to try it for one month. I was hooked the first week. I love it! I am already addicted and am committed to attending four morning sessions each week. As soon as I can catch my breath each morning, I quickly go to feeling great the rest of the day. My energy level is increasing daily and I feel in control and powerful again as I did when I was fifteen+ years younger.
I suddenly have a new interest in life. I enjoy going out with family and friends again. I no longer worry about how long I will have to walk to get to an event, such as a concert. I would have never dared to try to sit down on the ground or floor because I knew I would not be able to get back up. It may not yet be a pretty sight, but I can do it! I find myself doing every day things effortless such as getting in and out of my deep bath tub (I am a bubble bath freak!), normal housekeeping chores, and shopping. I sometimes fly with Liz and my son-in-law, Tim Wolf, and it had been a struggle getting in and out of his plane. I always had to hold on to Tim for support and assistance. Now I can do it!
Recently I took my eleven year old grandson, Carson, to Alaska. We carried our luggage on and I was able to handle it easily walking through airports We did a lot of walking, went dog sledding, panning for gold, and fishing. I felt strong the entire trip and enjoyed being able to do things with my grandson that I could not have done several months ago. What a blessing that entire experience was! I would not have attempted it before starting CrossFit.
I have lost forty pounds since starting that diet on October 11. Adding Mary and CrossFit to that mix has increased my energy and mobility immensely. Liz, what a gift you gave me! I may have given you life but you have now given me a new life! Thank you! Mary, thanks to you, I know CrossFit is an important part of my life.
No matter the age or level of fitness, Crossfit just works!
