Since I began CrossFit last August, I have met many people who have impressed me for one reason or another. Some have overcome physical handicaps, life challenges, illnesses, and so much more. These new friends set the bar high for all of us, with their persistence and perseverance.
One person who has been rather unique among us has been Jamie. Within months of joining the CF2a morning crew, she announced that she was pregnant. Though we were all thrilled for her, I do not think any of us knew what to expect for her continued appearances at our 6:30 WODs as her condition “expanded”.
I do not know Jamie’s background, but I soon came to realize that though she is petite and gentle in her appearance, she is really a fierce and determined competitor.
She progressed through her entire pregnancy as a CrossFitter without missing a beat. If a WOD demanded more than her expanding baby bump would permit, she figured a way to scale the WOD to remain challenging, to maximize the effort required, and to minimize any issues with baby.
Throughout this pregnancy, I found myself in awe, as Jamie would sit a loaded barbell on her shoulders and knock off five heavy back squats for four reps, swing a kettlebell, run 200m and 400m, flip tires, push a sled, etc.
Jamie and James had a photographer, Suzanne Davis, follow this pregancy, and I have been delighted to see some of the photos previewed on Jamie’s Facebook page. There is one photo that sticks in my mind; a black and white photo of a very pregnant Jamie with a barbell, going into a back squat. There is another of her, up against the wall, doing a handstand.
In recent weeks, we all grew increasingly anxious as the due date drew near. In the back of our minds, I think we were all curious about whether CrossFit would induce labor. Apparently it didn’t. When would Jamie stop coming? She didn’t. She kept coming and giving it her all right up to the due date. And precisely on the due date, little Josephine was born at 10:42pm on the 4th of July. 6lbs 8oz.. I think Jamie is taking a rest day from the gym today.
Congratulations to Jamie, James and baby Josephine.
Jamie, thank you for being such a remarkable source of inspiration to all of us at CF2a. May God bless your new family.
Thanks, Chuck, for writing about my sister, Jamie. She is a gem of a human being with a huge feisty heart. Pregnant doesn’t equal injured. Pregnant or not, any one who works with their body mindfully, not fearfully, can feel strong and connected to their vehicle called a body. Love every piece of it without judgement, is what I say. Can’t hold onto it.
Kim, thanks so much for writing. We love Jamie and we look forward to seeing Josephine, and we eagerly await Jamie’s return to the gym.