Athlete of the Month: Dana Donovan

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!

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Unassisted pull-ups! My goal is to get them before my 40th birthday.

Favorite : Paleo chili. Cheat: Wine and cheese-that’s a meal, right?

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