What can you really do in six months?

[markdavis]

Today is August 1, 2009. I joined Crossfit OldTown Feb 2, 2009.

Here is me, or at least me last fall. 185lbs, which is my PR. Body fat was 22%. Cholesterol was 205 while taking Lipitor as well as Allegra, Advair and Albuterol. Notice the round stomach, love handles and face. 1, 2, 3, 4 chins and it looks like I am wearing a fanny pack. Also notice that I am sweating and winded while playing a mindless game with some neighborhood kids. I don’t really remember being round like this. My image of myself was of someone fit. I worked out a couple of times a week and did spinning classes, so of course I was fit.

My dad works out 4 times a week too. Notice something familiar. Was that my future?

With the new year, I was getting ready to turn 40 in May and I was freaking out. CFOT moved to Royal St. and I happened by. Signed up and did an intro class with my friend Bruce, and about six other people that day. Rachel and Josef were there too – that’s 3 regulars starting the same day. Anyway, before class when I told Jerry about my 40th birthday 4 months away, he looked me in the eye and said “Yeah, 4 months, we can do something in 4 months.” I did not believe him at all.

I took some early notes about those workouts and looking back they seem basic. But my notes from the first weeks includes phrases such as “felt sick, can’t walk, pain all over, had to walk on the 400, really sore, stairs suck” But I stuck with it and tried to make a schedule of 3 times a week.

After a few weeks, the intense pain subsided. There were still times when I thought I my heart would explode, like after my first (15:00) Fran. But I just kept at it. I was slowly but very consistently improving, getting stronger, and becoming super addicted. Convinced my fit co-worker Chad to join in, and then we started pushing ourselves to go 4-5 times a week.

What was your time….or what did you lift….Let the competition begin.
Chad and I have built a running competition. We are not at all evenly matched. He is a metcon speeder, and I am stronger. Yet it is oddly working. He is getting stronger, and I am getting faster.

So August 1 is six months since my first intro class. Compared to the other CFOT machines, I am not the fastest, nor the strongest. My technique is average, and I have a long list of things to improve upon. That is my current mindset, which is ironic, because I am now hands-down in the best shape of my life. Current weight 166lbs. Bodyfat 12% (maybe less now). Taking no prescriptions at all. Had to buy all new pants and belts. Cholesterol is 175 (without Lipitor). My doctor called me a “poster child for exercise” and my daughter called me “Popeye arms.”

I was just thinking about what the next 6 months could possibly bring. I know progress will not be as dramatic, but good things will keep happening. Just this week I set PRs in Strict Press, Push Press, Push Jerk and Deadlift. Guess things are starting to click.

So thank you CrossFit Oldtown. Thank you Jerry, Danny, Andrea, Chriss, Melissa, Danya and Keturah. Thank you to everyone of you that shows up and encourages me through their words and their actions.

[markdavis]

Jeff - You know all my secrets of success and seem to be doing the same. You are pushing yourself past comfortable and showing up consistently. That is the secret. Following the Paleo/Primal diet helps me, in so much as I have more energy to keep showing up at CF. Putting forth big efforts is kind of fun and lets be sure to keep pushing each other.

[Jeff]

Got to say that hearing more details (cholesterol was a big one) about your quick progress in a relatively short time (thought you had been there much longer) helps keep me in the game.

Looking for yet another major transition in my ever increasing, but still relatively brief, workout life.

Already broken the long held weight lose plateau in my < 3 months. Of course I haven't worked out the 6 days a week thing yet but more then happy with the progress. Getting close to my weight not being as significant a factor.

When you see half nude pictures of me you KNOW I've made it! I'll spare everyone until then.

[markdavis]

Thanks everyone. I am feeling great which is the most important. See you all at CFOT.

[Adrienne Hoar]

Mark, this is such an awesome story. You're doing great and looking great. Awesome job.

[Blain Rethmeier]

Mark,

What a story ... awesome results. Your dedication is an inspiration to all of us.

[Adam]

I'm sure speedo also make a thong. ...Just FYI

[Christine]

Mark... speedo makes board shorts too :)

[markdavis]

Not going to happen Chad.

[Chad N.]

Markie D. Showed the picture to Sue and she wants a pic in speedos. Nobody's more glad than I am that you started at CFOT! You talked me into going, and I'm loving the competition, except when you make me look like a 6 year old on anything involving the shoulders!!!!!

[Christine]

Yeah Mark! Especially the off the meds stuff! So when is your dad going primal??? So glad my crazy summer schedule has let me work out a few times with you. Your intensity is inspiring.