Jill Butler
I’ve always had issues with my weight to some degree but it got worse exponentially about six years ago after undergoing hormone treatments and invitro fertilization for infertility. I eventually managed to conceive and carry twins to 37 weeks after a pregnancy fraught with complications. Seventeen weeks of bedrest and 104 pounds later, Ronin and Veronica were born!
We were living in Southern California at the time and had no family nearby. My husband, Matt, and I were on our own with two newborns and two full time jobs. Everything became about them. Gone were our days of going to the gym, dinner and movies, backpacking trips, or whatever else we used to like to do. Three and a half years later, and still hovering at status quo, Bridget was born!
My husband had a college friend in Cali who he said was into the paleo diet and was a coach at CrossFit L.A., and she was doing AMAZING things! I had done Body For Life and had trainers at gyms before but this was different. We considered starting CrossFit but couldn’t figure out the logistics of life.
Something had to change. Crammed into a two bedroom townhouse with three kids, no family nearby, and my Dad in Kentucky having heart problems, I looked at my husband and said, “We’ve got to move home.” He said, “O.K.”–and that was that. With sixteen years as a registered nurse, the last ten in Labor and Delivery, I was able to find a job relatively easily. We sold our townhouse, quit the jobs we loved, left our friends, and came back to my childhood home.
While settling into life in Kentucky, I found the book “The Paleo Diet” and read it cover to cover. Something clicked. I also found out there was a CrossFit affiliate nearby. When CrossFit Maximus had the open house in November to open the new facility, we decided to stop by and check it out. Kathy and Jen were the first two people I met and they didn’t look at me like I was crazy for thinking about joining. Quite the opposite, they treated us like one of the gang instantly. This was not an experience I had had in a gym–ever.
Jill with husband Matt
Still skittish about it, I waited through the holidays but came in the end of February for an initial visit. Jen put us through the paces and was so positive, but I realized how badly off I was. I knew then and there I was joining. I immediately jumped on the paleo bandwagon, started attending Kathy’s 9:30 WOD, and I haven’t looked back. Kathy is exactly the kind of coach I need–she helps me when I need it, encourages me, but still kicks my butt hard! I also like the mornings when Seth P. joins us to assist in our lifting technique–good to get a different perspective sometimes. Everyone is awesome and it feels like being part of a team. Everyone cheers each other on and the posse comes to run with me when I’m having a slow day. I KNOW that doesn’t happen at GloboGym! I am always excited to see what the next WOD is even if it’s not one I’m going to get to attend.
So far I’ve lost 36 pounds in three months, am stronger, and am in better shape than I have been in years. 59 pounds to go to get to my goal, but I know I’ll get there. My whole family is healthier and my kids can’t wait to start KidFit next week. Yay for Tiny Skulls! Looking forward to the next Paleo Challenge. I’m gonna bring it!
The “Whiskey Chasers” are looking for someone (male or female) who may be interested in running in the Bourbon Chase this fall. CFM member Scott Teal is the Team Captain of the Whiskey Chaser’s and this is their third year running in the 200-mile relay across central Kentucky. One of their runners had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict so they need a runner to fill his spot. The best way to get more info on the run is to visit their website at www.BourbonChase.com. It’s an amazing event. If you’re looking for a challenge and want to have a great time this race is for you. The team is composed of 12-runners. Each runner runs three legs of the event that vary in distance.
