My name is Chris Bowerfind and I have been in the military for over eight years and have deployed three times with the United States Army Special Forces. In 2008, I decided that I wanted to change careers and signed up with the Air National Guard as a Pararescueman or "PJ". I had heard that it was one of the most demanding yet rewarding jobs in the military and that the training had an 80-90% attrition rate. Having served in a Special Operations environment already, I thought that I knew it all when it came to physical fitness but to be a PJ meant doing a little more than going for a run and then three sets of ten on the weight bench. After looking around Anchorage, I was referred to Revolution Sports Training by another PJ trainee and was introduced to Tony Reishus, owner and trainer at Revolution. It didn't take long for me to realize that this wasn't an ordinary gym and after one Crossfit workout, I realized that to do something extraordinary I would need extraordinary training. I attended training sessions at Revolution roughly three times a week, as well as swimming and running on my own, three months prior to leaving for the Pararescue Indoctrination Course or "Indoc". I can say, without question, that the training and instruction I received at Revolution helped seal my success at Indoc. Out of 117 trainees, only 14 remained at the end of the 10 week course. Our days began with a run and some form of functional workout (usually a Crossfit) before we began water training. Day in and day out, we were pushed a little harder and a little faster and the reason why I believe Revolution helped me out so much was not only because I was familiar with a high pace/high intensity workout but also because Tony and the trainers at Revolution push your attitude as well. Saying "I quit" is a common theme at Indoc but it is not something Tony, Clay, or the other trainers at Revolution will let you get away with!

I have met people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and genders at Revolution Sports Training and everyone of them is able to push themselves to their own limit but at their pace. Although Crossfit allows you to go at your own pace, don't expect to slack off. That's the beauty of Revolution. You're going at your pace, but you are still going. Not sitting on the weight bench talking to your buddy or slowing the treadmill down to hear the news on the TV display. At Revolution Sports Training, the trainers will push you but they also guide as well as motivate you in order to reach your maximum potential safely.

Now that I have made it over the hurdle that is Indoc, I will continue military training around the U.S. for another year and a half in order to become a Pararescueman. Once complete, I will return to Alaska and will need to maintain the fitness level that I worked so hard for. I will be giving Tony a call and will remain a devout member of Revolution Sports Training in order to do so.

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Hey boys, I just wanted to say hi. Colorado is great, we are skiing our asses off down here and diving right into training hard. Coach told me that my skiing is looking incredible and that he can tell that I am visibly stronger than anyone on the hill. I didnt think about it until he said that but my legs and core have not been tired at all and I am recovering very fast. I do have to say that the altitude (11,000ft) is kicking me in the nuts but I will be feeling like a hero when I get back to sea level.

The only reason why I am telling you this is because I have you boys to thank for wipping my ass into this shape. I owe this to you guys, Thank you so much! I am looking forward to hitting it hard when I get back. Take care boys.

Dan Mckay UAA Alpine Ski Team Captain and Crossfit Machine ____________________________________________________________

Hey Tony, Clay, Zack and Chris.

I hope things are going well in Anchorage. Erin and I are down in Seattle and hit the ground running at the new crossfit gym. We do miss the crew and gym in Anchorage, it's nice here but we really miss the environment and training there. We both wanted to thank you, we really enjoyed our time with you guys.

Erin and I were really inactive for almost two full years and then found your gym. You guys really made getting in shape a lot of fun and we both got addicted to crossfit which started from your gyms system, workouts and enthusiasm. The fun, intensity and competitive environment were a perfect match for what we needed to find something we could do together and stick with long term. We are going on our 5th month and I've lost over 20 pounds without changing my diet and Erin has dropped over 10 pounds.

Anyway we wanted to check in and say thanks. Plus when you get your new batch of t-shirts and sweatshirts in please let me know Erin and I will want one.

Have fun and we'll stop in on our trips back to Anchorage to see family, plus if any of you guys ever come to Seattle give us a ring.

Ron Onyon, former Olympic level Taekwondo competitor and busy parent ____________________________________________________________

Hey Tony and Clay,

I just finished a climb of Mt Stuart, in Washington, on Wednesday. Our original plan had been to do a 3 day trip taking it relatively easy. After hitting the trail we realized that we were making good time and would be able to attempt the summit on Day 1 after dropping gear at base camp. The three of us reached base camp in 3 hours with loads of 50lbs or more, and checked our watches to see that it was still only 11 AM, so we quickly outfitted for the summit attempt, a climb straight up the boulder strewn, granite of Cascadian Couloir. We climbed steadily up the 80-85 deg F sunny slope, consuming more than our share of water and energy bars. We reached the 9415 Ft summit 4 ½ hours later. The peak consists of a pinnacle atop a knife ridge with 1000FT + shear drops on either side. Very dramatic scenery with lakes and glaciers below. We only took it in for a few minutes, though, as clouds and potential rain were moving in fast, and the rock that we climbed, would not provide a safe descent in wet conditions.

We took almost 3 hours to descend to base camp with a light rain over the last hour. During our hike down, the topic of juicy steaks, pepperoni pizzas, and other delicious meals entered our conversations. The possibility of hiking out and getting to a gourmet dinner became a possibility as we neared base camp and still had enough perceived energy reserve to attempt the hike out. We packed our gear and quickly headed out knowing that darkness would be only hours away and we had taken 3 hours to hike in on fresh legs. I had a headlamp packed, but hoped not to use it. Less than a half hour in to our hike out, the loads of my two hiking partners started taking a toll on them and slowed their pace. I offered to take some of the heavier items out of their packs to help the team move along. They half-reluctantly accepted my offer and I packed some of their items and shouldered my pack which I would estimate at 75-80 lbs at this point. I trudged up the slope not sure of what I had just undertaken. The load was heavy and the slope I was looking straight up at was daunting. A loose shale and boulder littered slide that would take a good 45 min to 1 hour to climb without a pack. With thoughts of Pizza, Cheese burgers, etc. in my mind I put my head down and hiked for one very punishing hour. I varied my stride to keep from isolating and fatiguing any one muscle group and kept going without a break. My low back, quads, glutes, hams, and calves were on fire all the way, but I reached the ridge and couldn't help but think how much I wanted to thank you guys and CrossFit for the last 12 weeks of training. I feel, that I am prepared to do virtually anything now. I had just carried a 75-80 lb pack for almost two hours, with over one hour up a very steep, loose, slope&All this after I had already been on the trail about 10 hours and gained well over 11,000 ft along the way.

I spent the next hour descending to the parking area ahead of my partners watching the clock and wondering if I could find a restaurant worthy of my appetite after 9 PM in rural Central Washington. We completed our 13+ hour hike and headed out in search of food. I received many compliments and much gratitude for carrying the extra weight and making our hike out possible. All of which I defer to you: Revolution Sports Training and CrossFit.

As I write this today, I am watching my hiking partners limp around with aching joints and muscles. I personally have a feeling of general muscle fatigue, but no soreness or joint pain after my effort. Again, I attribute this to the near twelve weeks of CrossFit with you guys. I can't thank you enough. I realize that I can still improve my fitness immensely, but I am grateful for the condition that I have now reached.

See you guys back in the gym next week!

Sincerely,

Chris Kane, Hard Charger and Busy Parent

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Hey up there in the cold, it is still pretty down here, It was a blessing to have found your gym and I can't begin to thank you enough for the start you guys gave me on my change in life and now all I can do work out via regular exercise and CROSSFIT. I have some friends down here that are loving it also. I have to say that you have helped me in ways unimaginable. Thanks again, I can picture the torturer of the past and the torture session coming soon!!!

God Bless and thank you!! --

Courtney Saint Alexander Ellis, United States Army __________________________________________________________