I started CrossFit in mid 2011 with no aspirations of continuing past the first month, and then, like so many of us, was sucked in by the competitive atmosphere that I missed from my youth sports. I moved a few times in the next few years and changed boxes accordingly, but each location was relatively small with one or two relatively competitive athletes, at least compared to CrossFit EaDo.

I got used to being a relatively big fish in relatively small ponds. I had high aspirations. I wanted to make it to the Games (heck, I still do) and although I should have the mental game to train in a dark closet and still be competitive (shout out to Mikko Salo), I just don't. I need to compete, I need someone to chase, I need someone to chase me, and I need to have fun.

I had the privilege of joining the EaDo Elite program early this year and completing the Open with the EaDo Elite athletes. I was unprepared for the depth and level of the program. Where before I could have an off day and still expect to place in the top three females in my gym, here I was coming 16th on a good day. In 15.1a I clean and jerked 195# and felt really proud of myself, only to have that effort barely put me in third. In fact, it is the only workout where I broke the top three throughout the Open. It was humbling to say the least, but no one rubbed it in. In fact, the opposite was true. Following each WOD, regardless of who placed ahead of whom, athletes congratulated one another and shared strategies for success. Although we were all still competing with one another, I felt truly welcomed.

And challenged. There is nowhere to hide your weaknesses here. Where I used to be able to back off in the areas I disliked (i.e. running, or the Devil’s bicycle) and rely on my strengths to finish well in WODs, now I have to push hard everywhere. Because there is always someone better than I am at my good stuff, and someone ready to lap me on my weak stuff. I have to keep pushing, because if I don’t I’m going to get left in the dust. Not on one WOD, or in one area, or by one person, but overall by a group of incredible athletes. It’s motivating, and really fun to be able to train with this community.

2015 with some of the EaDo Elite women — 2015 with some of the EaDo Elite women

Now, seven months later, I am so grateful to this community. Ironically, I feel closer to making my goals now at seven months post-partum than I ever have been. I had amazing coaching and programming at my previous gym, Brand X, but something magical happens when you get this type of talent together in this volume combined with excellent programming and coaching. I am so excited to see where we will all be in a few years. One thing is for sure, I know we will all be better together. #movebettermovefaster

Camzin Martin has qualified twice as an individual in the SoCal Region and competed once as an individual and once as a member of the Brand X Team. She has aspirations to compete on one of the EaDo Elite Teams in the 2016 season at the Regional and Games levels. #braddavidsonnutrition #lifeasrx

Iron Sharpens Iron, the EaDo Elite Difference