Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
It’s been one year since I started the Crossfit Asheville workout program, and I figure it’s time to take stock. In short, I can report that I’m in the best shape of my life. Stronger, but no less sore. Crossfit still – still – kicks my ass.
And that’s what I love about it. There’s no end to the challenge, because it’s both mental and physical. Mentally, I wonder if I’ll be able to cast away self-doubt and outside thoughts to get to my top physical performance. It can be emotional, and elusive. Physically, there’s technique to master and bars to push overhead. It’s hands-on and right in front of me. I love all of it.
A lot of people ask me, “What is Crossfit?”, and I have a hard time explaining. In simple terms, its a combination of weight-lifting, running and agility moves, mostly done at high intensity, that is all designed to improve your overall strength and fitness – your “power output,” some like to say.
I’ve been working out in gyms all my life, but I was never close to being a college-level athlete or anything beyond, so I was never all that concerned about technique. And until now – I’ll be 45 in September – I never really worried much about what I ate. Crossfit is all about technique and while there’s no formal training offered regarding diet, most of the top Crossfit folks follow a low-carb diet that eschews dairy products, processed grains and sugar.
The other difficult aspect to explain is the people part. Owners Shanna, Corey and Randy are simply great people. Friendly. Helpful. Smart. Funny. Just meet them and you’ll understand. And the people that have joined Crossfit, the people I exercise with, are all the same. Supportive. Kind. Fun to be around. There’s a kinship built around a group that puts itself through the ringer day in and day out. We feel each others pain. Literally. And we’re all better for it. (And no, Crossfit doesn’t pay me to say any of this. I’m just a crazy convert. Don’t take my word for it all – just give it a try.)
I joined Crossfit Asheville not long after it opening in Asheville, and just as I’ve grown, so, too, has the organization. Crossfit is a small business that is growing. Yesterday, the organization announced a price increase; the addition of a Crossfit Kids Asheville program; and the fact that the owners are working on securing a lease for a new, larger location (Crossfit Asheville is located in the old WEGA gym on Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville).
As usual, success breeds growth, and because I was in on the group when it was small, I feel like I own a little bit of it. And I don’t necessarily like the fact that prices are going up, and that the group is going to move to a bigger location.
But all in all, Crossfit Asheville has helped me get my body in the best shape of my life. I’ve seen my body literally change shape (for the better) over the last 12 months. I can run a 10K race in a respectable time without much running training. I feel strong enough to compete a spring triathlon, and finish in under 90 minutes. I feel confident enough to mow my lawn without a shirt on. And, with the support of some Crossfit Asheville friends, I’m really to tackle the Shut-In Trail race later this year.
Thank you, Crossfit Asheville, for giving me all of that. I’ll see you tomorrow for the next WOD, and I promise to try not to puke in the chalk bucket.
Want another testimonial? Read this over at www.advphilanthropy.org/blog/.
Congrats Jason.
I’ve been a Crossfitter for about 2.5 years now. My wife and I work out every day in our garage since our local CrossFit gym closed. However, we are in the best shape of our lives — at the age of 53.
You don’t have to be a young thing to love CrossFit.
Power on!
Based on your postings some time ago, I, too, joined Cross Fit. It has changed me in a profound and positive way.
I look forward to my first year anniversary. Only about 8 more months to go… 😉
Yeah. I noticed. 🙂
Thanks for the follow up, Jason. No need for the before picture, was really wondering what kind of cardio shape you were in before which you answered.
Where are they moving?…hope they will stay close to downtown!
I love reading about crossfit working for other folks. Every time I’m there I think it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but each time I am so glad I did it. Thanks tons for the link too. Way cool. 🙂
interesting stuff!
Cheers for one year stronger! Always a pleasure to see you at CFA, and I swear it is not just because I want inside dirt on what is happening in town.
Here is my ‘testimonial’ for CFA – wrote it after my 90 day Paleo challenge but towards the end it talks about why the program works for me.
http://becomingelite.blogspot.com/2010/06/intensity.html
dang boy!
Awesome
hey-congrats on the accomplishment. i am almost done with the on ramp class this summer-wondering how often you CF-daily?? THANKS!
Jason, this is awesome! Very impressive. Congrats.
Sean, i searched for a "before" photo and couldn’t find one. I’d say I was in decent shape, but soft.
Before joining Crossfit, I was swimming laps three or four times a week for about 45 minutes at a time and doing very little weight-lifting. I had run one or two 5k races, and that was it.
In the first three months after joining Crossfit, I had lost 12 pounds and felt good enough to enter 5k races on a regular basis. And I competed in the Asheville Triathlon, a sprint tri, and finished in one hour, 23 minutes. (400 m swim, 11.5-mile bike, 5k run).
That’s quite and endorsement. Good job. Out of curiosity; what kind of shape were you in when you joined? The ‘after’ picture looks great. I’m curious about the ‘before’.