3719. That’s how many days of FirePower since Day 1. That’s almost four thousand days of cool gym happenings, recollections, and memories. But sometimes, random moments stick in my brain like it was yesterday. One moment that has stuck with me for years is Shane Lloyd’s first Open workout in 2011, back at the old location.
Shane was new to the community, shy, and yet quietly determined. His heat was the final one of the evening. People had been filtering out already after a long night of cheering. From the remaining spectators, most were focused on another athlete whom they all knew and their cheers were loud! Shane was solo except for his judge. The only person cheering for him at that moment from her chair on the sidelines was his wife, Julia. I can still feel the emotions of watching him complete this workout while no one hardly even noticed. I pulled myself away from the other athlete – oddly I can’t even remember who that other person was, yet Shane’s off-white board shorts, beige t-shirt and glasses are still crystal clear in my mind. One by one, a few members came over to help cheer for the quiet new guy, whispering to each other, “what’s this guy’s name again?”
We don’t ask that question anymore. Coach Shane we call him now. He committed himself to consistent development, earning him a spot at the top of the gym’s roster of CrossFitters, and of course, as a well-respected member of the RCFP coaching staff. Each year, I watch Shane perform on Friday nights and remember in my mind how far he’s come since that first Open 2011. Each year Julia is at his side cheering and encouraging him with every rep. And each year I quietly envision how my article for our web site will convey my emotions for them and his personal development over the years; yet each year I protect that memory.
Until now.
Tonight we witnessed a moment of awe that will be my next multi-year memory. One of pure grit, will-power, slight shyness, but with a lion’s heart of determination. Tonight the entire gym was screaming and cheering for one person who was the last one standing on the floor – not because of being last place, but for being the only one who made it past the thresholds, earning the right to keep going. The same person who has been on the sidelines for years, cheering for her husband with every workout. Tonight was Julia’s turn to shine.
If you were lucky enough to witness it, the vibe was electric! Time on the clock was ticking towards the 24 minute cap and she went to work. Her pursed lips and ¼ smile when the snatch went up was enough for us all to know the quiet pride she felt. With ~ 15 seconds to spare, she completed her last rep, fist pumped the air and fell in to the arms of her judge, her husband Shane.
Seeing
this moment brings my 2011 memory of him full circle. Watching Shane &
Julia grow together as athletes, and moreso as husband and wife is why we
created this place. You may often
hear us say the phrase ‘Families Who Play Together Stay Together”. FirePower is
a place that strengthens bodies, minds and also relationships. I hope all families get to experience a
moment like this one day.
And I hope I’m there to witness it too.
