Featured Athlete – Katie Doubt

My name is Katie Doubt, and I am 26. I am so honored and humbled that Neal asked me to do this testimonial. I have read and re-read all the other testimonials on here of real life people like me and the incredible changes and challenges they have embraced and overcome. It is
incredible to be a part of something so amazing.

I began CrossFit 6 months ago on August 1st, 2012. I was scared to death to walk into the gym for my first on ramp session. I hadn’t performed any type of significant physical activity for a long period of time since I was about 16 and had orthoscopic hip surgery for a torn labrum. However, after lots of encouragement from my husband, Matt, and his unfaltering belief in me, I signed up and committed to this incredible life change. Once I stepped into the “box” at CrossFit Beaumont, I never looked back.

I literally hit the ground running, or rowing on some days. When I first heard about CrossFit through a coworker about a year or so ago, I weighed in at nearly 230# and lived on a diet of carbs, starches, and sugars. And to be honest, the thought of such an intense workout scared me to death. I would never be able to do something like that! So, I started dieting, mostly crash diets, on my own. I did lose some weight but was moving nowhere fast. After about 6 months, I had enough of it. I got over my nerves and emailed Neal. He set me up for my on ramp classes, and the rest is history.
At my on ramps and through my first couple weeks of classes, I was the definition of an out-of-shape beginner. I was scared to death of jumping, even if it was just a 10″ box. I felt awkward in every single barbell movement, and ran a maximum of half of what was suggested. And it STILL kicked my butt! But with great coaching by Neal, Kara, and Toben, motivation and support from all the members of our CrossFit gym, and determination, I have challenged myself daily and pushed myself further than I ever believed possible. The community at the gym, the family that I have become a part of, pushes me to my physical limits and helps to exceed goals frequently! What can get any better than that? I still remember my first week at CFB. Sheree, my CrossFit “mom” as I call her, took me under her wing and taught me the ropes. She partnered with me for everything, quickly taught me what scaling meant, and showed me how to push hard and improve with each movement. Everyone I met that first week, and everyone I have met since, has supported me, encouraged me, and pushed to exceed all my own expectations. The members of CrossFit have become my family; we push each other, challenge each other, and scream the heck out of each other’s names to get through that challenging workout we sometimes feel we would otherwise never finish.
Six months ago, I couldn’t run 200 meters without getting winded, I couldn’t lift weights on a barbell, and I couldn’t even get through the warm-up without having to take a break. But today, I can proudly say that I have run a mile in under 8:30, I can back squat 210#, and I can push myself to RX a workout on a regular basis. My weight is dropping (over 50# in a yr.), my body is beginning to shape up (from a size 20 to a size 8), and I have real muscles with definition! Not to mention my health! Both my cholesterol and my triglycerides have dropped over 100 points. Talk about excited! CrossFit is my addiction. It is a need, a want, a desire to become more. It is a drive to become better.
What I dreamed impossible is now a reality. I enjoy working out and pushing for that next level. I challenge myself with each daily workout. My passion to improve and perform better than yesterday is how I approach every day. Even though I have work left to do, I don’t get discouraged or bored. Each day is a new one. I owe what I have become to my incredibly supportive husband, family, friends, and my CrossFit Beaumont family.