The other day, I mentioned to Rich (Dr. Severe) that the Workout of the Day was from 2009 or 2010… and he said that he was in his 6th year of training at the shed.
I was like, "What? No way it's been 6 years!"
Well, it has… and there are several other shedheads who have been training with us longer than that. Sometimes it's just hard to believe it's been that long… I mean Caitlyn is 7… I used to put her in her carrier (car seat), and set her up in the garage supported by a bunch of wall balls… and we would train! She would sleep right through all of the noises of the WOD! Seems like it was just yesterday.
From 2008 to today, we have been to and hosted many events… and experienced the trials and tribulations of the social, community-oriented movement we endearingly call CrossFit. If you visit the archives link on our blog, you will see the evolution of our community, coaching and family of athletes. I use the word "family" because it's what many of us have become to each other.
I would venture to say that over 50% of our membership is comprised of couples, and over the years one of the strongest advocates of our RedShed Philosophy has been The Garrys. Scott is now one of the leaders of our Basic Training Program, and Janice holds her CrossFit Level 1 Certificate. My link to some cycling athletes brought them to the shed… and the rest is history!
I am not one for posing for pictures, but there are plenty of me out there due to my role in the community and within our RedShed Family. Try to find one without me wearing the pink bracelet on my wrist… you will have to go back quite a bit to find one. That bracelet is on my wrist to remind me of Janice (and Ro), and what they each had to endure through their battles with breast cancer. I sport the pink to never forget about their passion to persevere and win the battle. It's a constant reminder of their journey, along with that journey I experienced with my own mother. Nothing we do in the gym can come close.
Over the years, we decided to dedicate October to Janice and Ro… and created the "Jani-Ro" Event… which raises money for Friend2Friend, Sussex County Women's Forum… which is extremely important and gratifying. But equally important (to me) is celebrating Janice and Ro… and having them with us.
So, on October 10th consider joining us to participate in Jani-Ro… or just be with us, donate to a great cause and celebrate Janice, Ro and all of our survivors… as well as remember the ones we lost.
RedShed is more than CrossFit… it's a family… a community of strength… where love makes the difference.
Ahh yes. Cait could sleep anywhere through anything. I have memories of many Wods and events where she was cuddled up on a yoga mat, wrapped in a hoodie, sleeping while all kinds of fitness was going on around her.
It’s been over 6-1/2 years we’ve been at the shed and this community is our family. Pat and Janine were told about Janice’s breast cancer before our own families. We’ve made our closest friends here and looking forward to meeting more in years to come. We love being involved with the shed and would do anything for it.
Thank you!
Beautiful post and the strength of those who have battled breast cancer is just amazing!
I now believe that Cait wanders into our bed at night to get back at us for all those years she endured being a part of our training.
Love you both dearly, Janice and Ro!