First of all, I am extremely honored that the coaches at DCCF think that my experiences are worthy of being posted on the website. I am thankful for all that everyone has done to help me along the way.
Let’s start with a story. I walked into DCCF for the first time and the first thing I saw were truck tires. What was I doing here? I don’t want to be the World’s Strongest Man; I just want to drop some weight. First wod was a beginner wod (now called “On Ramp”), 21-15-9 pushups, squats, sit ups with 200 m in between. Not too bad, right? Well after round 2, without getting graphic, I ended my first wod in the bathroom. In other words, I earned a T-shirt. On the ride home, all I thought was that I had to go back and get that done. I was in better shape than that, right? Looks like I’ve got something to prove. My body and pride took a beating.
So it’s safe to say that I was at a low point as far as my health goes. I didn’t eat right, I was the heaviest I had been, and to be honest, I wasn’t happy. I’ve done the running route with great success before, but it was another chore. I didn’t really enjoy it enough to just go out and run on a whim. In reality, I never got any stronger, just starved myself and lost weight. I needed something different and the experience above brought back the competitive fire that I have enjoyed since I was in grade school. I was hooked after one day of extreme exhaustion, an empty stomach, and bruised ego.
Many of you reading this may think, “This guy must be a glutton for punishment.” But there was one thing I didn’t mention about that day. I received 3 text messages that night and even more over the week following. They all said the same thing, “Great work today, I’m proud of you.” Nobody said that to me after I ran 2 miles at home, or after a workout at LAC. Hell, I don’t even know if anyone at LAC knew my name. I wasn’t the only one invested in my success; Gilley and Slater were invested in it too. And I would soon find out, that is what DCCF is about. Everyone’s success!! How many times have you heard Flip call someone by name and push them through a wod, a good job from Mike V, or hearing Slater or Ben’s voice from the other side of the gym because you’re rounding your back on a deadlift (me, every time I do one)? I saw teammates pushing to improve the team, and I started to talk openly about “My Gym” to everyone. I was part of the team from day 1.
Working out isn’t a chore anymore; it’s like a practice or game for me. I get the same feeling I had right before a basketball or football game when I was younger just walking into the gym. And there is no better feeling than looking at a wod that seems impossible, and absolutely dominating it (thanks for the term Gilley!). Yeah, there are the rough days, but that’s what the practice is for. And that’s when your teammates pick you up.
I have accomplished a lot since I joined DCCF in July. I’ve lost over 50 lbs, I have 14 kipping Pull Ups, and I have a handstand. Those all seemed like impossibilities when I first started, but the coaches gave me the game plan and pushed me to follow it. I am extremely grateful for that, but my continued motivation comes from all the members of DCCF. When I go in the morning and see Natalie throwing up Wall Balls, I get a kick start. When I see Byron doing everything as Rx’d, I push myself to get there. And when I saw my 5 year old do a wod, and beg me to return, I knew this was no ordinary gym. You can have your motivational speaker; I’m going to the DCCF and watching a wod.
So, finally, to all you non-members perusing the internet for an exercise solution, it’s worth the money. It’s not a fee to use the gym; it’s an investment in yourself and every other member of DCCF. You’ll be given the opportunity to use the equipment, but you’ll be trained on how to use it correctly as well. The members care about your goals, and will help you attain them. Trust me, they got me there.
