My CrossFit Journey, Reflections by the newest Snowbeast Performance team member Ashleigh Angle
What is the big deal with CrossFit?
That’s the question that I was asking myself when I was stuck at home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. I was not at school, no longer playing sports, not part of a team, didn’t have a fitness routine, and didn’t have a coach. This left me feeling lonely and unhappy with my fitness and health.
I didn’t know where else to turn.
So I reached out to the gym closest to me. It had just opened and was right down the road. This is perfect.
The first day there, needless to say, was a humbling experience.
The workout was extremely challenging. But I wanted more. I wanted to challenge myself more. And the community there was like none other.
Even if one person was lifting 200lb and I was lifting 65lb, the support was unfailing. From that point on, I went to the gym every day.
Testing my fitness, my mental toughness, and learning new skills. Making accomplishments every day, but also having some major failures.
I have shed many tears in my CrossFit journey, but that’s what makes me want more.
There were some days that I wanted to give up, but the community surrounding me ensured I did not. One of the comments that has stuck with me so much from a CrossFit friend is “someone always looks up to someone else” so even when I might not think I am doing my best, someone is seeing me as an inspiration
My CrossFit journey started during a global pandemic, and this was really hard for both me and my coaches, but I was given so much guidance and support through it all to bring me to where I am today.
In September of 2021, I had to head back to UVM to continue my education after being home for my entire sophomore year.
I was scared.
I didn’t know if I was going to lose all my progress. If I was going to find the gym that would support me in my journey to make me the best athlete I could be. And then I came across 802 CrossFit. And I can say now, that this is the best gym and community that I have ever been a part of.
Through the years of playing sports, having some really tough experiences, and starting my CrossFit journey, 802 has given me something I am beyond grateful for. I can see myself growing and excelling here from all the support and connections to the community.
Within 5 months of being part of 802, I have gotten my first bar muscle-up, PRd every lift, learned so many new skills, participated in my first CrossFit Open, qualified for CrossFit quarterfinals, and met some of the fittest people in the world.
By Ashleigh Angle