Dope

Don't count me out,

because I don't-

Don't give up on me,

because I won't-

You might have lost it,

but I hope-

You might not believe,

but I'm DOPE!

December's M.A.D. MissFit

Missfit’s that are m.a.d. (making a difference)

Sheron smith 60 years old, hanover, Pennsylvania

On august 1^st of 2007 sheron smith made a life changing and life-saving decision after she broke the scale at 300 pounds.  At the age of 56, sheron decided that she was going to shed the weight and live a healthier lifestyle.  At first, she didn’t know what to do or where to start, but sheron knew that she had to do something.  Not having a background in exercise nor a gym membership, she started walking with a local group and was able to lose about 40 pounds.  Knowing that she needed much more of a challenge and more direction, sheron signed up for a “biggest loser” competition at a local gym.  This is where she did a complete 180 within a 6 month span and never looked back.  She dropped another 56 pounds going from 269lbs to 213lbs.  nothing appears to stop her!  Since 2007, sheron has lost 167 pounds!  She has also developed and coaches “shape up hanover” which is “a program designed around the needs of individuals who have a large amount of weight to lose.”  She also started a blog; www.next-level-weight-loss-support.com  to journal her health and fitness endeavors. 

I met sheron a couple of times at crossfit events, and we are friends on facebook.  I normally am not that impressed or surprised by the things that I read on fb, but she really caught my attention when sheron announced how she was going to celebrate her 6oth birthday.  Was she going to catch a flight to Las Vegas and party like a rock star?  Nope.  Was she going to have a festive celebration and indulge in a huge cake?  Nope.  How else does one spend their 6oth birthday you ask???  They celebrate in style…by doing a 5k tire flip…duh!  Not only did she flip a tire for 5k, but she also elicited a flipping partner…a crowd of loyal supporters…and raised money for the multiple sclerosis foundation! 

If mrs. Sheron is not the epitome of what it means to be a missfit making a difference…then I don’t know what is.  Once I read about her insane (but super cool) goal, I had to speak with her and get to know her and ask her about this accomplishment.  I contacted her via fb, and was able to get her on the phone.  Below is a rundown of the interview:

How did you come up with the idea to celebrate your 60^th with a 5k tire flip?

Ss:  it all started as a joke years ago with my trainer with dan, owner of crossfit hanover, that I would one day flip the big tire from the old gym to the new gym location.  Every year I look to do something to challenge my mental toughness, and that sounded pretty tough.  The more I thought about it, it felt real.  My friend, ross, said that if I did it he would do it with me…and well we started planning. 

You also turned this into a fund raiser.  What was the motivation behind that?  And how much money did you raise?

Ss:  I figured that since I was doing something this extreme I should find a cause to help in the process.  I decided that I would raise money for the ms foundation.  I have no ties to the cause personally, but it’s a cause that I think is worthy of charity…so that’s why I picked it.  Ross and I were able to raise over $1,200.00.

How much did the tire weigh and how long did it take you to complete the 5k?

Ss:  there were 2 tires, 1 for me and 1 for ross, and they weighed 235 & 285 pounds.  We started the tire flip on October 23^rd at 8 am sharp, and finished 11 hours and 39 minutes later at 7:39 pm. 

What was your mental attitude and did you ever think of quitting?

Ss:  I said to myself that I was going to finish even if it were on my knees.  Dan motivated me by saying “1 flip at a time…1 flip at a time.”  I wanted to do this for myself and no one else, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it.  And I did!  I never thought about quitting.  That was not an option when planning this.  I did it for the point of mental toughness…and that’s just what it helped to build and reinforce in me.

Will you do it again next year?

Ss:  no.  once is enough.  I would like to pick something new to do every year for my birthday.

What advice can you give to aging women out there in terms of starting a fitness program and staying active?

Ss:  I hate to say it, but like the saying goes “you are only as old as you feel!”  I hate that saying, but it’s so true.  Age is not just a number…time is running out.  Don’t wait!  The longer you wait to be active, the harder it will be.  I didn’t know how much fun exercise was, because I never did it prior to 2007.  Now I don’t know what I’d do without it.  I never knew until I tried.

What advice would you give to girls and women of all ages in regards to fitness, exercise, and trying new things?

Ss:  just do it!  Just try what it is that you’ve wanted to try.  Make up your mind to do something, and do it.  It’s easy to find excuses to not do something.  I know from experience, but I didn’t know I could lose all of my weight until I tried.  I didn’t know I could do a lot until I tried.  Find support from others if you need to, but don’t give up.

Since speaking with sheron on October 27^th, she competed at the American Masters Olympic weightlifting competition in Georgia and was given the gold medal.  Sheron is an inspiration, and an example of mental tenacity.  She seems to be getting stronger and tougher each year, and is marking her own path by making a difference.  Sheron smith is most definitely a missfit!  
   

Don’t let anything get in the way of what it is you want to do.  Age shouldn’t be an excuse.  Ability shouldn’t be an excuse.  Lack of experience shouldn’t be an excuse.  Don’t put limitations on your life and your abilities.  Don’t be afraid to try new things and set big goals.  Anything is possible if you just try.  Use sheron’s story as inspiration the next time you think that your dream is impossible, because nothing is.  Thank you sheron!

*Empower. Inspire. Encourage.*

Nothing Wrong With Trying

Earlier this week I was thinking about a conversation I overheard a while back.  The topic of this conversation was about trying.  An olympic weightlifting coach quoted Yoda when stating; "Do or do not, there is no try."  He was coaching an athlete to pick up the heavy weight that she was hestitant to snatch because it was...heavy.  His argument was that there is no such thing as trying...you just put it in your mind and do it...simple.  I respectfully disagree with his thinking.  First, let's define the word Try shall we...

According to http://www.merriam-webster.com/  the definition of the word Try is;
                 - to examine or investigate judicially
                 - to conduct a trial
                 - to put to test or trial
                 - to make an attempt at
                 - to attempt trying something for the 1st time
synonyms; strain, stretch, tax, test

Here's my stance.

You must try...excuse me...I mean attempt the action to figure out if you can!  If you can...then you did, and you're done and you didn't have to try.  But what if you can't?  What if you took Yoda's wonderful advice but did not?  What then?  What then YODA???  Do you shrug and say "oh well, I guess I'll find something else to do..."  No!  Not if your super ambitious, competitive, or goal oriented.  If you're a determined woman like myself, you will do exactly what you set your sights on.  If not now...later down the road (after many, many tries).  Thomas Edison stated it best, "I failed my way to success."  So basically he tried A LOT (over 10,000 times) before he succeeded.  What if he heeded Yoda's advice...would we have reaped the benefit of incandescent lights?  Who knows.

To try is healthy, it is human.  When you set your sights on a particular task, at 1st it appears impossible.  But when you set a goal and make small "attempts" to "do it" before long the impossible is now possible.  Barriers are broken.  Personal limitations are overcome.  This is where 2 examples can be used to defend my argument.  Marathon running and deadlifting over 300 pounds.  You must make attempts or "tries" at both in order to successfully achieve.  If you've never done either of these feats it almost seems comical to think of accomplishing them, but you could if you would just give it a try. 

If you want to run a marathon, (I don't know why anyone would want to run that far, but maybe that's just me) you 1st have to test how far you can run.  After you do a trial run you set a plan into action making small attempts towards your goal of completing the marathon.  Same goes for a deadlift.  You must 1st determine the maximum amount of weight that you can pick up, and from there you take part in a series of tests, trials, attempts, and tries.  Yes, I said the word try!  After trying, correcting, and trying again (possibly hundreds of times) you can reach your goal of 300 pounds or more.  Ever heard of the saying; "if at 1st you don't succeed try, try again." or as the late great Aayliah sang, "dust yourself off and try again."  You see...success is only reached by trying.  If you don't try you can't win.  And I'm all about the W!  Winning that is. 

This is where I quote Henry Ford by stating, "whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."  Do you get it yet?  It's not about trying versus doing...it's about believing.  It's about having a positive mental attitude.  It's about having child-like faith that nothing is impossible if you BELIEVE.  But you have to try, because if you don't try...you never will.  Do you believe in yourself?  You should.  All you have to do is try...and you will.

Thought of the Day

"The best gift you can give this world is a healthy you."  Take care of yourself.  Love yourself.  There is nothing wrong with being exactly what you want to be.  You were made for greatness. 

MissFIt Manifesto

1.        It is your natural birthright to be happy, healthy, and fit.  So live everyday by smiling, treat yourself right, play a sport or do an activity that sparks your passion.

2.       If you want to gain more, give more.  That means give to the world by believing in yourself and living out your dreams.

3.       NEVER, NEVER, NEVER EVER give up!  If you fall down get right back up!  Failure doesn’t mean you can’t succeed, but quitting does.

4.       Set goals.  Do one thing each day that will get you one step closer to the vision that you have for yourself.  Sometimes our goals may feel like a puzzle, but when the pieces are all placed properly…a beautiful picture is revealed.

5.       Be true to yourself.  Stick to your convictions.  If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.

6.       Quality over quantity.  Work hard and take pride in yourself. 

7.       Pick up something heavy often. The challenge will make you feel human.  Plus, being strong is sexy!

8.       Each day empower yourself by empowering others.  INSPIRE, MOTIVATE, and ELEVATE.  Be a leader by encouraging others to be their best.

9.       Meditate, learn new things, eat healthy, sweat often, and stretch.  NO ONE will do it for you.

10.   If you want to know the answers, you have to ask the questions.  Live with passion…don’t hide in fear.  You were put on this earth with a purpose in mind.  Figure out what makes your heart pound and your mind race.  You owe it to the world to find your destiny.

11.   Never let anyone tell you that you can’t.  Never let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough.  Never let anyone take your joy.  It’s your life.  Live it.

12.   Smile daily.  Play with children.  Look in the mirror and make funny faces.  Sing silly songs.  Dance around the house naked.  Don’t take yourself so serious…lighten up.

13.   The world does not revolve around you.  Help others.  Give back to your community or do something for someone in need.  People will not always remember what you said or what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

14.   Patience is a virtue.  Slow down.

15.   Walk the walk. Talk the talk.  Raise the bar. Set the standard.  Never back down from what is right. 

16.   Get strong by any means necessary!

17.   Learn something new.  Try something new.  Travel to a distant land.  Meet new people.

18.   Squats everyday, help keep the doctor away.

Determination

Today I am Missfit, because I am DETERMINED!  I will not be moved by distraction.  I know what I want and I will not let anything stand in my way.  When I woke up this morning the first thing on my mind was my goal and how wonderful it is going to feel once I achieve it.  There will always be obstacles and challenges that present themselves…but that is a part of life and nothing can slow me down.  I must reach my dreams!  I am determined. 

In the morning when I am tired, I will get up and get after it.  No matter the weather...rain, snow, or sleet are not determining factors as to if I go for my run…I am my determining factor and I am determined.  If I have to work late or handle family obligation I will, but I will also handle my personal obligations.  My obligation is to not quit!  I set the standard…I am the standard.  I am a force.

Better Than You

I'm better than you.
I hope you know who I'm talking to,
because I'm talking to you.
You might not believe it now.
But when it's all said and done...
everyone will know it's true.
I'm faster. 
I'm stronger. 
I work harder. 
I work longer. 
You can't match my skill. 
I know you wish you could,
But let's be real! 
I'm just better than you.
-L. Brittney Russell

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

MissFits Get "Nasty" Too

Are you in need of motivation for today or tomorrow's workout?  Check out Annie, Nicole, and Eva T crush this workout...they are absolute inspiration and true examples of hard work and determination.

What's Your Excuse?

Melissa's inner strength is a reminder that we can do anything if we continue to believe in ourselves.  The challenges that she was faced with did not stop her from dreaming BIG.  Let her experience be an inspiration to you in your life.

Committed

Today I am MissFit because I am COMMITTED.  I’m committed to the cause!  You might ask yourself what that cause is.  Well, let me tell you.  The cause is me!  I am committed to being a better me physically, mentally, and spiritually.  I am committed to being a better athlete, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, lover….a better woman.  Every minute, Every second, I am committed to the cause.  Even when I don’t feel like doing anything, I must push myself and take action in order to reach my dream.  Not completing my goals is not an option.  I must push through and accomplish the tasks that I set out to do, because that is what makes me better in life.  That is what creates a better me, and like I said…I am committed to the cause.  Today is my day to show the world that I am committed. 

I commit to being a better me so that others can see what is possible and aspire to be better themselves.  If one pebble can create a ripple in a pond…can you imagine the effect that one woman can have to inspire another woman?  Commit to your cause.  If you have a dream…commit.  If you have a goal…commit.  If you want to lose 25 pounds…commit.  If you want to get a muscle up…commit.  If you want to back squat 200 pounds…commit.  If you want to run a marathon…commit.  Commit, commit, COMMIT!  You never know what greatness lies ahead if you don’t push forward whole heartily.  Put 100 % into being your absolute best so that when the day is over you have no regrets and the world can see that you are MissFit.

"It's not what I can do; it's what I will do."

~Kyle Maynard (congenital amputee)

A True MissFit "Standing up" to Raise Awareness

An estimated 250,000 women die every year from cervical cancer, and 45-year-old Michele Baldwin recently found out that she may be among those statistics within the years end.  This mother of 3 was informed that her diagnosis of cervical cancer is metastasizing aggressively and fast.  Michele has decided that she is not going to take this laying down.  As a matter of fact, she wants to raise awareness about HPV and Cervical Cancer by standing up...stand up paddle boarding that is...down India's Ganges River.  She plans on beginning her 700 mile voyage October 21st.  This brave MissFit has a goal to raise $100,000 during the course of her journey for the Global Initiative Against HPV and Cervical Cancer http://www.giahc.org/. 

When asked why she is doing this, Michele thoughtfully replied that she wanted "to inspire others to live to the end."  To learn more about Michele Baldwin and her story please visit her website, StarryGanga.com and contribute to help this MissFit "live to the end."

Mama Said Knock You Out...

Actions Speak Louder

"I decided it is better to scream.  Silence is the real crime against humanity."

~ Nadezhda Mandelstam

These young ladies are a true testiment of what it means to be MissFit.  They are fearless in chasing their passions and dreams.  Even though they face great risk...they will not be silenced!  Check it out.

A MissFit is:

ACTIVE, adventurous, athletic, strong, courageous, confident, BEAUTIFUL, smart, PASSIONATE, giving, POSITIVE, energetic, hard working, healthy, radiant, happy, true, MOTIVATING, inspirational, driven, focused, tough, determined, sharp, sexy, FEARLESS, captivating, unapologetic, A LEADER, intense, honest, thorough, FIT, bold, breathtaking, UNMISTAKEABLE, self- made!

She defines herself and follows her own path... 
That's what makes her a MISSFIT!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

~Eleanor Roosevelt

A Beast on the Bar

                                                          Go Nadia Go! 

"It is the belief in a power larger than myself and other than myself, which allows me to venture into the unknown and even the unknowable."

~Maya Angelou

100% AWESOMENESS!!!  100% CROSSFIT!!!  100% MISSFIT'S!!!

YUP...That's One Strong MissFit!

These Ladies Show That MissFit's Can Take It To The Snow...

Age Doesn't Matter to a MissFit

"I am not afraid...I was born to do this."

~Joan of Arc 
A true MissFit

Bring It!

Today I am feeling strong.  Real.  Freakin'. Strong.  I am invincible.  I can do all that I want to.  I have the eye of the tiger.  There is nothing I can't do.  If I want to PR on a deadlift...then I will.  If I want to do 100 pullups...then I will.  If I want to run a 10k...then I will.  If I want to climb a mountain...then I will.  I will!  Do you get it yet?  Nothing.  No one can stop me.  Mentally, I am as tough as nails.  Physically, I am a beast.  I train for the sake of training.  I train for the unknown and unknowable.  That means that I'm a freakin' beast.  That means that I'm ready for anything that life has to throw at me.  Did I mention that I'm strong?  Did I mention that I'm fast?  Did I mention that I'm powerful?  That means that I'm not scared.  I'm not scared of anything.  Your heavy weights don't intimidate me.  Your long runs won't slow me down.  Your steep hills won't hold me down.  You don't scare me!  I'm ready!  Bring it!