Jade and the CVCF Community-

Now that I have found a spare moment during my transition to Ft Rucker, Alabama, I just wanted to thank you all for the excellent training and camaraderie that I have experienced in the last six months. Coming to CVCF has completely changed not only the way that I train, but the way that I incorporate training into my life. Working out, or PT as the Army calls it, used to be more of a mandatory ordeal for me, something that I had to attend in ROTC and walk through the steps just so I could leave, go home, and start the rest of my day. Not to say that it wasn’t difficult at times or worth while, I just didn’t see it as a part of my ritual.

After about a week at CVCF, I began to feel like my day wasn’t complete if I had not mentally and physically pushed myself through a WOD. My time at CVCF pushed me to do complex movements that I was hesitant to try in the past, and having other like-minded individuals around me provided the confidence to go for it.

I have only one regret, and that was not joining earlier. I wasn’t sure what to make of CVCF before I joined, and my experience far surpassed any expectations I had. I am attending Army Flight School now, and it will be some years before I return. CVCF has prepared me well to succeed mentally and physically in the career I am taking on, and I thank you all for being a part of that.

I plan to visit sometime this Spring, hopefully after the next edition of 100 burpee box jumps.

Christian Ruf
2LT, AV





To Jade and the members of Champlain Valley CrossFit
…..as I stepped from the boat adorned with my caveman frock, sweaty smelly  life-jacket, paddle in slightly trembling hands from the all-out exertion, I knew we had come together through our limited experience (first timers), given it our all, and done so in as unified an effort as we could manage. This had been the final of three heats which had commenced early in the morning, and finished with the finals race at 4:30. Having been nipped at the line twice by Confluence CrossFit from Montpelier in earlier heats, and having the 5th fastest time going into the final, none of us had any idea where we stood since all our intent was focused in the boat as we paddled as hard as we could. When the official ran over and informed us that we had won, my feet left the ground. They never touched down till well after we made our way to the makeshift podium to receive the grand trophy. This was a feeling I shall never forget.
                Remarkable in many ways. Our incredible Captain, Kristi Lunny, started making inquiries for participants in the gym many months ago. In the most friendly and supportive way she made it known that any Crossfitter was welcome. She wasn’t concerned with getting the fastest, strongest, most experienced CrossFitters….but rather, those that had an interest in participating in the Dragon Boat event and being part of a CrossFit boat. As it turned out the team ended up being comprised of 13 women and 8 men. What stands out about this is that the other teams in the final heat were almost unanimously comprised of the minimum 8 women and 12 men. Remarkable also is that the second place boat was Confluence CrossFit from Montpelier.
                CrossFit works, make no mistake about it.  Throughout the day, members of past winning and championship teams approached me (various friends and acquaintances) and wished me luck but made it clear that they had the experience and there was no question that we would be bested. I said good luck back and went about my business. We flushed out the mistakes we made as a team, did some paddling practices, discussed technique endlessly, and quietly made it happen. We pay our dues in the gym. We work hard and it pays off. For any of you new Crossfitters who have any doubts about the benefits versus the effort….it’s not even close. 
                A couple years ago as I began to get dangerously close to a 60th birthday, I was seriously feeling my age for the first time in my life. My back hurt most of the time, my waistline was expanding, and I no longer felt the impetus to go and do like I once had. Fortunately, Jade is my son, and he opened the door to CrossFit and the Paleo diet. I just passed my 60th birthday, and am just coming up on a year of being a consistent CrossFitter (average 3.5 times per week). My back no longer hurts, it feels strong, and getting steadily stronger. My knee maladies are being addressed, and I am able to complete workouts that once appeared humanly impossible. More importantly is the eagerness for a life with vigor that has been restored and amplified. I raced my mountain bike a couple weeks ago (on a Crossfit 6 hour race team),  became part of a championship Dragon Boat team, and look forward to each day with expectation and joy (and of course a certain nervousness before super-tough WODS!). Granted, I am blessed with an incredible wife, three supernaturally wonderful sons, (all of whom will be CrossFitters as soon as the Crossfit Kids program wraps it’s arms around little Cedric…and damn, is he ready!), but CrossFit has even inspired a deeper appreciation of my family, friends, and life outside the gym.
                Thanks for making me part of the boat, part of the gym, and our amazing CrossFit community that has developed. I admire each and every one of you that stands next to me, cheers me on, and inspires me to work harder, become stronger, and experience that which might be possible. Hopefully I can do the same for you sometime.
With humble appreciation and affection for all my fellow CrossFitters and coaches,  HJ



Jade,
For the past 10 years I have suffered from lower back pain.  I’ve tried physical therapy, acupuncture, and facet injections.  None of these helped relieve my back pain. With no relief in sight, the Spine Institute recommended that I have Spinal Fusion surgery. Desperate to not undergo this procedure, with only an 80% chance that I might have some improvement, I asked for other options.  Core strengthening was recommended.  Hearing my story, Vinny Lizotte suggested I join Champlain Valley CrossFit.  
After 6 months of CrossFit, I no longer have any lower back pain. I’ve climbed Camels’ Hump and Mt. Mansfield and spent a day rock climbing – all pain free.  A year ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do that.  
When I first joined CrossFit, anything that involved bending over was a challenge.  I wasn’t able to do a single Burpee or Box Jump.   Last week, I Dead lifted 100 lbs. Today I did 100 Burpees and 100 Box Jumps!  
Thank you Jade, Betsy, the rest of the CrossFit team, and all of the CrossFit members.  You have changed my life and keep me pumped!  I look forward to each grueling session and the triumph that follows!
Cindy




Jade,
I wanted to tell you that I went to my Endocrinologist (Diabetes doctor) on Tuesday and he stated that I am by far his best patient and he can’t believe how tight my control is. Control is measured by a test called a glucose Hemoglobin A1C test, which essentially provides an average blood glucose level for the past three months. Historically, I’ve been at or around 7.0, which is good for a diabetic. Since I’ve been doing CrossFit and eating like a caveman, my A1C fell to 6.2, which is awesome for a Type 1 Diabetic. A healthy person without diabetes averages around 5.0 to 6.0, so I am almost controlling my glucose levels as well as someone with an Endocrine system that works! He was also amazed that I am using as much insulin on a daily basis as a person that weights 130lbs (I weigh 200lbs), which reflects my good diet and high insulin sensitivity (limiting the potential for future problems). It is awesome, CrossFit/Paleo is almost reversing my diabetes. I’ve had diabetes for 22 years and am in the best control of my life (where many diabetics start to see problems after 20 years). He also asked me to be a mentor for a recently diagnosed Type 1 youth, which I think is pretty cool and am honored.
Thanks man.
Ken







Jade,
I had an hour for lunch today, and decided I’d shop around a little. And…today I purchased the smallest pair of jeans I’ve owned since HIGH SCHOOL! I almost flipping cried, Jade!
I can’t thank you or Betsy enough (or Dani, or Scott, or Erik, or Bryant, etc). I feel like there’s so much more I can do now. I want to be fitter and stronger and I KNOW I can do it!
Last night was so inspiring, with everyone pushing and supporting me (and everyone!) to do my very best and believing in me so much. You have built the most amazing, positive, friendly and supportive little community Jade, and I’m so goddamn psyched I get to be a part of it.
For the one MILLIONTH time…but certainly not the last…thanks.
Tanya