Athlete of the Month: Dana Donovan

Salus • January 2, 2015

This month we are excited to feature our first brother/sister duo as the Athletes of the Month! The drive they both have is inspirational and we want to spread that good positive vibe all over the box by showcasing their stories! Give Ed Morton and Dana Donovan a chalky high five next time you see them at the box! Here’s to an awesome 2015!

1. When and why did you start CrossFit?

I started CrossFit in May of 2013. In 2010 I had a personal “aha” moment and I realized that I needed to get healthy. I worked hard to lose over 50 lbs, and while I felt great, I still wasn’t really enjoying my workouts. I had a college friend who used to post things on Facebook about CrossFit and I was intrigued. I had been sort of doing my own thing-workout DVDs and some kickboxing, but was looking for something different. I have probably tried every kind of exercise class or personal training out there, but nothing really stuck. I was a bit intimidated by CrossFit initially, but…

once I tried it, I was hooked.

2. How has your performance changed since you started CrossFit?

I am at my strongest and fastest since I started. I had an injury that sidelined me for almost six months, and since that time I have seen a big difference-especially in the last three months.

3. Are there exercises you can do now that you couldn’t do before?

Yes! When I started, I could barely hold on to the bar, and now I can hang on for a little bit and even do toes to bar. I started with a 12″ box jump and have worked up to 20″. I consistently seeing progress in my lifts as well.

4. How has your body physically changed since you started CrossFit?

I can see muscles that I never knew I had! My arms have definition and I actually have abs-still a work in progress, but they are there! I no longer want to wear baggy clothing when I work out.

5. How has CrossFit changed you in other ways?

I never thought that I would or could enjoy working out. I didn’t realize how much I need my workouts until I was injured and couldn’t do anything! If I go too many days between workouts, I just don’t feel well-mentally and physically. When I am at the box, I can focus on myself and not worry about other things that might be going on in my life. It is important to me that my son see me taking working hard and taking care of myself. For a very long time I was not living an active lifestyle and I make that a priority now. For the first time, I’m no longer trying to be skinny, but to be strong.

When I am at the box, I can focus on myself and not worry about other things that might be going on in my life.

6. How do you describe CrossFit to your friends?

I describe it as a kind of addiction! In all seriousness, I usually show them the workout on Wodify and explain what we do.

7. What keeps you motivated to continue?

The way I feel after I finish a WOD. Even when I finish last.

8. Favorite WOD or lift?

I like the WODs that are a bit gymnasty because they bring out my inner ten year old. I also like dead lifts.

9. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining CrossFit Salus?

Keep coming back.

Work hard, and remember that everyone has been new before so don’t feel bad about scaling or finishing a WOD last. Your only competition is with yourself.