“I ran 13 miles this morning at a 7 mph pace the whole way.  Before this year, the furthest I had ever run in one outing was about 8 miles.  Today’s 13-miler was notable for 2 reasons; 1) I’ve hardly done any running beyond 2-3 miles in the last several months since starting CrossFit, and 2) I didn’t even feel that exhausted afterwards.  I actually thought about returning to the gym to do today’s WOD (but thought better of it).  I think that with my legs, core muscles, and shoulders being so much stronger, simply running is not all that taxing anymore!  I’ve been very happy with my increased upper body strength as well.  My goal is to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 30 this May, and I have zero doubt that I’ll make this a reality thanks to CrossFit.  Thanks for running a great CrossFit box in Durham.” — Andrew W, member and Duke Law Student

“I ran a half marathon yesterday in 1:37:27. I’d never run long distances before starting Crossfit in May, and I’d certainly never run anything like a half. My typical week of training was one long run (my longest was ~9 miles) + one short run (~3 miles). I don’t think I’ve ever run 15 miles in a week. And otherwise, I’ve exclusively done our WODs plus the occasional CFE WOD.  Thanks to Greg, Dave, and all for getting me into shape.” — Jeff L, member and former NCAA Div. I Athlete

“I just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know that the Flying Frog Adventure Race went great: 15 miles on advanced, technical trails, 3 miles by canoe, and 5.8 mile trail run.  My CrossFit training played a huge role in letting us finish is such good shape.  I feel confident that I would not have done nearly as well without the training or CrossFit.  Some of the challenges involved serious sprinting and I was able to complete those and continue on with the bike without feeling all that tired.  Truth be told, we probably should have gone faster.  Unlike other races, where I need a nap and serious rest afterwards, I felt like I still have plenty left at the end of the day.  I think a large part of that is based on the WODs and the two workout days you had me complete. Thanks again for all your help.” – Jason T, member since Spring 2008

“I remember the last moment of my gymnastics career like it was yesterday.  I felt like a part of me had died.  I started gymnastics at age 3 and never looked back.  I graduated from college a month later, and started med school two months after that. I occasionally ventured to the gym to run or lift.  I had a serious lack of motivation and wallowed in some very unnecessary self-pity.

That all changed the day I walked into CF Durham in March. From the time I did my first pullup in Foundations (gaining the nickname pullup girl despite the fact that no one knew my real name), my passion and intensity were back. I felt more myself than I had in three years. I came that first night, and came back the second, and have rarely missed a day (other than the planned off days) since then. I can now squat and press almost as much as I could when I was a Division I gymnast, and I’m in the best cardiovascular shape of my life. I found a new team, a new family, and most importantly, I found myself again. For that, I can never thank you guys enough.” — Allison B, aka “Kipmaster B”, member and former NCAA Div. I Gymnast

“Thanks to CrossFit Durham I’ve scored higher than ever in my APFT tests. These tests diagnose the fitness levels of servicemen and women, and play a major role in career advancement. Before joining CrossFit my scores were above average. After joining CrossFit I’ve nearly reached the maximum scare on one event and made dramatic improvements in the other two. This is only after two months of CrossFit. It’s my belief that anyone in the Law Enforcement or Military community in Durham (or anyone whose job relies on their fitness) would greatly benefit from joining your group.” — Chris T, member and Officer Candidate USARNG

“I wanted to let you know that I’ve tried keeping up with things this week.  I was in Greenville, NC this weekend and decided to get a run/walk in.  Well, everything there is flat — to make a long story short I ended up running three miles without stopping.  It took forever – 48 minutes – but I did it.  Today after I told Megan about my super human experience we hit a local park and ran 2.2 miles in 30 min.  It was so much harder today because of the hills and I was ready to stop, but Megan helped me through it.  It’s fun to grumble at you during the workouts but I did want to say THANK YOU for everything you have taught me.  I never once in my life thought I could do the things that I do.” — Martha H, Too Sexy Bootcamp member since Nov. 2008

“The regular gym made me feel like I could do enough but it never allowed me to push myself further. I knew I was an athlete inside just waiting to be unleashed but I felt limited in many ways. CrossFit was more like personal coaching with camaraderie instead of me and an inanimate machine. Everyone is going through the same thing and everyone is getting assistance to do it better…you can go as hard or sandbag it all you want but the end result is that you get smoked no matter what. In the gym if you sandbag it then you feel as though you have accomplished nothing other than being at the gym. We all are limited in our abilities to be elite athletes in some degree, whether it is surgery or physical limit, but what CrossFit Durham did for me was shape my mental capacity in a way that allowed me to believe I was an elite athlete. Even if I am or I am not in real life, CrossFit has made me mentally believe that I am an elite athlete.” — Ollie G, member and former NCAA Div. I Athlete

“This is a new kind of gym, where the workouts are short…. and intense. The coaches are knowledgeable, and the instruction and guidance is consistent. You will find yourself doing things you never thought you would… or could! Once you try it, you might get hooked!” — Lori F, member and Mother of 2 teenagers

“Maj. Shane Finison is an Army ROTC instructor at Duke and a trainer at CrossFit Durham, and he believes CrossFit training can help his athletes succeed in the Ranger Challenge, an eight-event competition that includes the standard Army PT test, navigation tests, a marksmanship competition, an assault course, and a 10K march with a rifle and a 35-lb. pack.”  — from the CrossFit Journal, January 2009  See the videos here:   Part I   Part II   Part III

Got a CrossFit success story you’d like to share?  Email Us