Big Jim Phelps

Here is yet another great testamonial to the power of CrossFit and also the great coaching staff we have. Thank you Jim for your never say quit attitude and inspiring all those around you.

Jim Phelps

Sometimes in life we just don’t know how good we have it.   Recently I found out what a wonderful CrossFit gym and coaching staff we have right here at CrossFit Relentless and CrossFit033.

Two weeks ago while in Boston for business, I decided to go to CrossFit Boston Southie vs. just going to the hotel gym.   I arrived at the Dorchester Avenue location about

4:45 pm and inquired about taking a class.  After paying the class fee and filling out paperwork, Boston Southie Coach Chris told me about two classes.  The novice class started at 5:00 pm and the advanced class started at 5:30 pm.  I decided to try the advanced group because I thought “What do I have to lose”.

After loosening up and doing the class warm up exercises, I was introduced to the Whitman WOD.  This is 15 Box Jumps (24in.), 15 Kettle Bell (2 Pugh) swings and 15 Power Cleans (95lbs.), 7 Rounds for time.  Coach Chris inquired if I could handle this and wanted to see my Kettle Bell swing.  After a couple of demos Chris stated I looked good, at which I commented “I always finish but it does take a while”.  Chris responded “Yeah, but we have a 25 minute cap rule”.   I thought ok go for it.

Ten people were in this class and the closest person to my age was 24 years younger.  I started to think, what the H*** did I get myself into?   Throughout the workout I kept hearing Coach Tony’s kind encouragement in one ear, while Coach Merle was yelling in the other to get it done.  I completed the WOD in approximately 20 minutes and three other individuals were still trying to finish!

Coach Chris congratulated me on the achievement and complemented my excellent form and technique.  I thanked Coach Chris for his kind words and stated “Not bad for a 58 year old”.  Coach Chris almost fell over, he couldn’t believe it!  Coach Chris said I have great coaches in CT and should keep it up.  I replied “Yes, thankfully we do and I am part of Coach Merle’s Mercenary in Training Group”.

I want to thank everyone at CrossFit Relentless and CrossFit033 for their help and devotion to dealing with an uncoordinated adult.  This November will mark my third year as part of CrossFit.  If it wasn’t for the patience and guidance from Merle, Glenn, Tony, Lynette, Rich, Seth, Dave, Dan, Doug and Joe along with proper class support from my peers, I couldn’t have done what I did at Southie.   Our coaches are amazing and everyone is so nice and encouraging at both CrossFit Relentless and CrossFit 033 that it feels like my family.

On top of all this, I originally lost approximately 30 lbs., kept it off and have stopped taking medications for hyper anxiety.

Thanks,

Big Jim Phelps