**CONGRATULATIONS VALERIE MERRITT, Our July CrossFitter of the Month**
About Valerie:
To start, I want to say what a honor it is to be named CrossFitter of the Month. Never did I think I’d have such an honor. So many fellow CFW members I see walk through those doors everyday and how I think everyone of them deserve it.
I started CrossFit last August and for the first time ever I enjoy going to the gym. My husband brought up the idea of starting CrossFit and I was a bit apprehensive to start, even to look into it, feeling intimidated by the idea and way out of my league. My husband finally got me to go down to the gym to check it out and after 5 minutes of watching a workout and talking with Ron and Rob, I was ready to start! Intimidated by just the on ramp classes and so very nervous to begin actual workouts, I’m thankful that I took that leap and tried something new; I stepped out of my comfort zone, as the coaches would say and have loved being there ever since. I was welcomed into the CFW family with open arms by everyone and that just makes the gym that much more enjoyable. I learn so much each day I walk through those doors from not only our amazing coaches but from the members as well. Getting up at 4:30am for the gym seems impossible to most, but for me it’s easy; that’s how much I love challenging myself with each workout.
With the prospects of becoming pregnant and then it actually happening, I was upset to think that I would have to put CrossFit on hold for at least 9 months, not knowing that the two can go together if done right. Being now 7 months pregnant and still going strong at the gym (with no end in site for the near future), I could not have done it without the constant support, encouragement and skills of coach Ron and Rob, as well as Brian, Greg and Mike. They were never anything but thrilled when the news came out. They are there to help me scale appropriately my workouts, still getting a VERY good workout in as well as being safe. I may be pregnant but, as my husband pointed out to me a few nights ago, my confidence has boosted and my drive to make gains and meet goals have become stronger. I want to thank not only the coaches but all of the CFW family for the support I’m given to keep going. Words can’t express how much your words of support and encouragement are helpful, doing this pregnant or not. I also need to thank my Husband, Matt, for all his support, love and encouragement. Not once has he doubted me and is always there to encourage me each and everyday.
Again I want to express how honored I am to be named CrossFitter of month and although only one person is chosen a month, each and every member deserves this honor.
**Congratulations to Val for earning CrossFitter of the month. We would also like to say thank you to her for trusting us with her fitness during the pregnancy. We are very proud to have Val at CFW and there is not a harder worker!**
