Friday

"No way. Never. I just don't understand what you like about it.  I am a distance runner, those workouts sound crazy. I think I will stick with this."

"Uh huh, we'll see. It's only a matter of time until you join CrossFit.  I just know it."

Fast forward 8 months and James and I are sitting in our kitchen having a conversation that is slightly different than the one last spring. 

"Why hasn't the workout been posted yet?? It's six o'clock.  What do you think he        will have us do tomorrow, cleans, squats, rowing? I wish he would just post it already!" To which James looks at me and responds, "I think you are more obsessed with CrossFit than I am."

For those of you that know my husband James (that guy who is allergic to shirts and walks around showing off his 8 pack, I mean really, 8? That's a little excessive), you know he is a completely dedicated CrossFit guy, can't get enough. So for him to be saying these words to me? Well you know something special must be happening in that Southington box to make this runner, who didn't know the difference between a dumbbell and a barbell, become the biggest CrossFit junkie in the Bannon household.  

James and I came with different workout backgrounds but what drew us to SCF was the same thing, a desire for community.  Prior to the grand opening of SCF, James had been crossfitting for years in the high school gym, following the workouts online.    When he heard that a box was opening in Southington he was overjoyed.  At the time, I didn't understand why he had to join a gym when he could just do it at his school. Things started to make sense to me after my third visit to CrossFit to watch a Saturday class with my boys in tow.  I will never forget walking in and already feeling so welcome by all the people at the box.  My boys and I were greeted excitedly and we got a great spot to watch a clean and jerk ladder. That day changed my mind about CrossFit forever.  I remember watching as these amazing men and women progressed up a clean and jerk ladder.  I was so impressed by their ability and their strength.  I was in awe of the support and encouragement of all the athletes. I wanted to be them.  I wanted to be a part of that.  A short time later, in June of 2012, I joined the Southington box and I haven't looked back since.  

This past year at SCF has brought so much to enrich the lives of us both.  We love the thrill of pushing our physical limits day after day, the competitive nature of the w.o.d.s, and tracking our progress over the months. However, I know we would both say that the number one reason we have gained so much this year is because of the encouraging community of incredible people we have joined.  Some of you know that James and I are both teachers. I work in Madison and he works in Branford.  We recently sold our house and despite the "obvious" location one might think we would be moving to, the only town I type into the real estate search engine is "Southington." Most people probably wouldn't understand why two shoreline teachers, who for the last 7 years have made plans to move down there, are now not even considering that move. However, anyone reading this blog can understand exactly why we are staying.  Because of you all.  Because of the amazing trainers, the supportive friends, and because when we walk through these doors each day we feel like we are walking into our family's home. As James and I continue our search for our perfect home we do so with the knowledge that we have already found our lifelong friends and a perfect community to call home forever. 

- Holly