Just know that whatever your reason, no matter how busy you are, CF can fit into your life, too.
In the summer of 2014, about a year after my husband and I had our 3rd child, I was working full time as a night shift nurse while training for a full marathon. Though life was extremely hectic, I decided this time I needed something to help me cross the finish line feeling STRONG. My very supportive husband and best friend had recently joined CrossFit Viral and though my free time felt limited, I decided to take the plunge. For many reasons, this was one of the best decisions I could have made. While training through 50+ mile weeks, I found myself falling in love with CrossFit and even more so with the community at Viral.
When mileage was my sole focus, I would put in months of hard work, hoping it all fell into place on race day. Though I did enjoy running, after several marathons, I found that I truly enjoyed the process and mindset of CF even more. I felt challenged every day and could see little improvements (mentally and physically) on a much more frequent basis. I continued to be a “runner who did CF” into the fall of 2015 and toed the line at the Chicago Marathon. I ran an all-time PR that day and attributed a lot of that to my strength and nutrition, thanks to the help of my coaches at CFV. Though my plan was to run Boston the following year, God had other plans and we found out we were expecting baby #4. After the surprise wore off, it was time to refocus. Running didn’t feel great early on in the pregnancy, but at CF I could modify any and every workout. I was even able to compete late into my third trimester. At 34 weeks, while competing in the the scaled division of the CF Open, I PRd my squat snatch. It is no joke when I say, every person there who was cheering me on, made me feel like I had won a gold medal at the Olympics.
As it does for most of us, life has presented some challenges over the years. A postpartum autoimmune disorder diagnosis threw us for a loop. CF was still a saving grace. Our kids’ schedules feel absolutely overwhelming. We’ve added a 5th (and final 
) baby to our family and little sis rocked herself to sleep in her car seat multiple times while mama got a workout in. But CF remained a saving grace! Sometimes people work out FOR their kids. I know I do. You want to be able to get down on the floor and play, set a good example, keep up with them, or race (and beat ) them. I personally want my daughters to talk more about how much they back squat than any number they see on a scale. I want all of our kids to know the importance of investing in yourself so that they can be their best for those around them. I’m so thankful for a husband and friends who help me to set that example.
) baby to our family and little sis rocked herself to sleep in her car seat multiple times while mama got a workout in. But CF remained a saving grace! Sometimes people work out FOR their kids. I know I do. You want to be able to get down on the floor and play, set a good example, keep up with them, or race (and beat ) them. I personally want my daughters to talk more about how much they back squat than any number they see on a scale. I want all of our kids to know the importance of investing in yourself so that they can be their best for those around them. I’m so thankful for a husband and friends who help me to set that example. On the other hand, sometimes people work out to get a break from their kids. I have plenty of those days, too! Just know that whatever your reason, no matter how busy you are, CF can fit into your life, too. You can be a runner who likes to CrossFit, A CrossFitter who likes to run, a working parent or a stay at home one, someone who modifies every workout or someone who likes to RX it. The one thing I’ve found is that no matter the season of life, putting your health and fitness at the top of the priority list is one of the best things you can do for both you and the ones you love.
