CFSB is damn lucky to have Chris and Scarlett as part of our family. Scarlett is just about as tough as they come (which by proxy would make Chris a close second). You will never hear her complain, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’ve learned to recognize some of her grimaces to realize when I can tell her to push through the pain and when I have to tell her to stop. She’s come a long ways since I put her through her Elements classes 6 months ago. Today she is one of CFSB’s best athletes. Read her post below about what she has overcome and think about it next time you decide to slack.
On February 28 of this year it will be 2 years since Chris and I were involved in a motorcycle accident that changed our lives, bodies and ways of thinking forever. While traveling westbound on Wilshire blvd in heavy traffic we were struck on the left side by a vehicle attempting to go northbound on a side street crossing Wilshire. It is a miracle we survived.
4 hours after the accident
After several weeks spent in the hospital, 3 surgeries, several months on crutches and canes, months of physical therapy, several hundred thousand dollars in medical bills, countless hours spent dealing with insurance companies, attorneys, bill collectors, and tens of thousands of dollars in lost wages, we are alive. And we are grateful. Because even though this accident could have taken our lives it didn’t. Even after the wounds healed, the wheelchairs, crutches and canes were stored away, the physical therapy was done and everything was back to ‘normal’, we could have chosen to allow our lives to be taken by the pain we still suffer with today. We could have chosen to sit. We could have chosen to say ‘it hurts too much’. We could have used hundreds of excuses in order to remain idle. But we haven’t.
Scarlett's leg 3 weeks later
Today, I am proud to say that our lives are fuller than ever and we are in better shape than we have been in years. I am proud that we chose motion over stagnancy. I am proud that we have chosen to not live in fear of pain or injury and are moving forward in courage. I am proud of every drop of sweat shed, every pound of weight lifted, every step taken forward, every challenge overcome. I’m even proud of the scars I have and the pain I still feel today. These scars remind me that my body can overcome anything. This pain reminds me that I am alive.
Chris's leg one week later
Never take your lives or bodies for granted fellow Crossfitters. We are capable of so much more than we know. Do not allow your challenges to become your obstacles. Do not allow your pain, problems or even your past to get in the way of your life. Consider each challenge as an opportunity to change. With change there is growth. And with growth, a whole new life awaits.
That which does not kill us truly can make us stronger.
Scarlett and Chris, CFSB loves you! Also make sure to watch Scarlett in one of her recent roles on Criminal Minds airing on March 10th.
WOD 2/25/2010
A. Max Pull-Ups x 3
2 Min Rest between sets
B. “Scarlett”
600M Run
3 Rounds
5 Ground to Overhead (anyway you can i.e. snatch, clean & jerk) (155/95)
15 Ball Slams
600M Run
C. Bench Press 1-1-1-1-1
Split Jerk 2-2-2
Backsquat 1-1-1-1-1
Scarlett is my hero! Love ya mama bear!
Aww shucks. Thanks for posting that Forrest. Even though I might have to kick your ass for that first photo…
And it doesn’t escape me that the “Scarlett” WOD involves so much running. Oh, irony!
PS-Criminal Minds airs March 10th
You are definately a role model to all of us. Not only are you the toughest female at cfsb, but one of the sweetest. Keep it up bad ass!
Damn I don’t know if I’m the only one, but reading the story makes my skin tingle. It’s definitely inspiring to see how people appreciate CrossFit in so many different ways. Being new to the CFSB family I really enjoy coming to classes each day (sometimes 2x haha) and how welcoming/friendly everyone is. Scarlett, yours and Chris’ story is what inspires me to work harder and faster everyday, b/c there’s too many people that take it for granted.
Scarlett is amazing!
Scarlett and Chris you know how much love I have for you. It has been so great to journey with the both of you from the old CF to the new, more full of life CF. I admire who the both of you are and the inspiration you give to everyone at CFSB. I truly believe that certain people are meant to be on this earth and serve a deeper purpose; you both are incredible examples of survivors and I am blessed to have met you!!!
And from here on out I am not complaining about my back-WOW!!!!
Next time you guys see Chris get him to show you his now crooked left leg (that the doctor swears is straight). He’s lucky he didn’t lose it when we got hit. That leg took the direct impact of the car bumper and is the kind of injury that could have cost him his leg. Pretty amazing guardian angels we have!
Scarlett and Chris kick-ass! You would never have known this happened based on how you guys step up everyday. Now just get Chris back in, cranky or not.
Oh and for the ground to overhead, can you do a clean from the ground and a thruster to overhead?
Very inspiring! It’s always great to see Chris and Scarlett in the gym–the energy they bring is palpable.
Chris and Scarlett have come in and had concerns with small injuries they have had that still bother them. We all have kinks to work out in our bodies, but this story speaks for itself. I am continually impressed with their dedication and continual attempt to pursue the betterment of themselves. It is a wonderful couple we have as part of CFSB, i’ve never heard anybody besides Chris say “that was a 250 back squat? lets go to 340″ or seen anybody hold a hand stand for 2+ minutes and be solid as a pole of carbon fiber wrapped titanium alloy (Scarlett).
John M – Yes you can thruster it overhead if you can do 155# thrusters.
Quote of the day: “I was going to get my eyebrows done, but then I decided that I should probably come to CrossFit instead”
-Constance
HA!… How did i miss that comment!!! hahaha… go Constance… good choice.
Ps… loved this WOD!
are we doing the ” a ” exercise then the ” b ” exercise today ?
yes…then “c”….
Sean –
Part A is the strength oriented portion,
Part B is the metcon
Part C is an alternate workout if you want to work out on strength stuff, but that is to be done at a time other than the group workouts (the normal schedule).
Part C really isn’t necessary, as all of the movements done will be incoporated into Workouts anyways. I don’t recommend doing part C and part B in the same day.
just wait til you see today’s “c” …it’s a fun one!!
And Constance is my friend-hahahah!!!! So funny
hrm .. so whens the best time to go there and do C if I wanted to ? since I figure no one is there besides the scheduled times to be there ?
Scarlett: This story made me a little teary because it reminds me how lucky I am to know such GOOD people. Your dedication and positivity rubs off on everyone around you. Thanks for sharing your story.
Scarlett – get in here so I can hug you!
Chris and I are the lucky ones to have found you guys. Thank you all so much for your support and friendship!
So sorry I couldn’t be there today to experience ‘my’ WOD. But if it makes you feel any better, I’ve been working on a commercial with about a dozen toddlers since 7 am this morning. -That in and of itself is a WOD. I’m exhausted!
Thanks for sharing Scarlett & Chris. We’re all better people for getting to know people like you