CrossFit Strong  -- Athlete of The Month   Strong Heart, Strong Mind, Strong Body

Sharla Guess-Question & Answer   How long have you been Crossfitting? — I'm just starting my 4th month. Started in August of 2009. What is your occupation? — I'm a middle school counselor in Carrollton. Where are you from? — Temple, Texas. How did you hear about Crossfit Strong? — My best friend in California started a year and a half ago. She LOVED it and was seeing AMAZING results. I was totally bored with my workouts that I had been doing for so long and was seeing absolutely NO results. So, I went out to see her and actually tried my first workout there. I totally loved it too. Then, my friend Shawn heard about CrossFit training on the radio. We started talking about it and he actually discovered the CrossFit Strong gym and told me about it. I was so excited because I had just been telling my friend in CA that I HAD to find a place here to try it because I liked it so much. November Featured Athlete   See Her Profile

Sharla's Transformation   How have you seen yourself change – mentally or physically – since being a part of CFS? -- Can't EVEN begin to tell you the HUGE changes I have seen. I have definitely started seeing the physical changes. The inches have already started dropping and my body is DEFINITELY getting stronger each and every workout. NOTHING compares to the mental changes that have occurred since I started CFS. Honestly, every day is a mental battle for me. I have never been an athlete in my life. When I first came to CFS, I thought...there is NO WAY I'll be able to hang with these people...they are SERIOUS athletes! But, I had read the motto on the website of "Strong mind, strong heart, strong body" and I knew there had to be something to that! That's really what I wanted for myself....a life that reflects those three characteristics. So, I guess you could say that it's good to be stubborn every once in a while. Because of the people I met and the encouragement I received EVERY day I walked into the gym, I decided I would fight the mental battle and that I would be successful in some form or fashion. Each and every day I have to remind myself that the battle is not with those around me, but only within myself to continue to grow both physically and mentally to the very best of my own ability and no one else's. What is your favorite move? — Push Press What is your least favorite move? — Definitely a pull up....will I EVER get better at those??!! What has been your favorite WOD so far? — Nicole's birthday WOD...The Warden's Clincher. When I saw that one on the board I thought to myself, there is NO WAY I can finish this one...that's way too hard...hence the mental battle. I was so proud of myself at the end that I actually made it and had somewhat of a decent time (I certainly didn't want to do the Burpee penalties for not finishing in the right amount of time:-) What has been your least favorite WOD ? — day we did the 100 Burpee's and then a WOD after that...can't even remember the WOD because I was SO exhausted from the Burpee's. Still need serious work on my Burpee's!!   What are some of your goals that you have for yourself in the next year? — 1. The reason for starting CrossFit training was to begin a lifestyle change. So many programs offer us the "quick fix." I have NO desire to do that because the results never last. I want to continue to change my lifestyle to live a healthier, happier life. 2. I would love to think that someday I would be completing the level one certification for CrossFit and beginning to train as a coach as well....that would be a feat I would have never in my life thought I could complete. I will give it my best to work towards that. How do you see CrossFit as different from other programs? — As I just told my friend today, I'm so thankful I found this program. It is different from other programs in so many ways. First of all, you can't beat the community. In the time I've been at CrossFit Strong, I have met more people, developed more relationships, and had better training/coaching than the ten years I spent going to your local gym. Secondly, nothing can compare to the workout! I love that I don't know what we are going to do each day...that helps with the mental battle. I go in and know that I will give it my best no matter what. I have NEVER worked so hard as I do during my CFS WODS. Lastly, nothing can compare to the results both mentally and physically!   Did you think a sport of elite fitness would ever be for you? — If you told my friends in high school and college what I am doing now, they would laugh out loud! I'm probably one of the most uncoordinated, non-athletic people you could meet! I would never have thought I would be where I am today...EVER!   How can other people relate to your story? — As I've heard Ashley say a million times, "If I can you do this, you certainly can!" She has certainly given me encouragement that I can be successful at CrossFit which we all need and can relate to. I think other people can also relate to the mental and physical battles that I have experienced. I think we all know how hard it is to push ourselves past our comfort zones...it's a lot of work. But what I hope they relate most to is the fact that results do come and you become a much stronger person due to the hard work you put forth. Believe me, if I CAN do CrossFit workouts, anyone in the world can too! Just remember...."Check your ego at the door!" Sharla, Thank you for being apart of our community. We are all so proud of you and hope you continue your chasing your goals with all your friends from CrossFit Strong. -- Coaches!