PKS meet Crossfit

It's the best time of year for Juliet and I, getting ready and excited for the St. Lucia White Party on September 26 (see www.stluciawhiteparty.com to purchase your tickets!).  Its hard to believe that life could get anymore exciting but it just did in a big time way!   However, before I tell you the story, let me give you some background. 

During the months following Lu’s birth I would try and go on a jog once a day to clear my mind.   However, I spent most of the time obsessing on what Lu would be like as an older child, how long would she live, or whether PKS was bad karma for all of the dumb things I had done to this point in my life.  Rather than making me feel better, running made me feel significantly worse.   Around this time a good friend of mine Galo Garces introduced me to Crossfit.   He explained that every day was new, I’d get strong, the workouts were competitive, and that I’d meet a bunch of good people. 

The crew at CFPH

Galo was absolutely right about Crossfit.  It was life changing for me.   I did get in shape and I love the workouts. However, by far the best thing about Crossfit are the people.   I have made dozens of awesome friends at Crossfit Park Hill and at other gyms.   In fact, Jules mentioned one of the few places she would feel comfortable dropping Lucia off in the case of an emergency would be the gym. 

I’ve written before that Lucia attends the Saturday workout with me.   Originally, I brought her to give Juliet a break. However, I quickly noticed Lu loved the music and people would stop and speak to her.   On the way home, Lu typically chats away.   Not only have I made great friends, but so has Lucia. 

About a month ago, my good friend Amelia Dwyer called to ask whether I would be interested in competing in a 2 day charity competition as part of a six person team with four other CF Park Hill friends Laura Mahony, Brian Rossbert, Michael Davis, and Sarina Cranage.  I was so happy that Amelia and the group thought of Lu and that we would have an opportunity to raise money for PKS Kids.  We’ve named our team Lu Bird’s Bandits and I can’t wait to give it my best with my good friends.  The team has also put together a Lu Bird work out fundraiser to be held at CFPH on September 26th (details to come)!   Check out the bad ass team logo. 

This is where the story gets truly amazing.  After speaking with Amelia, I went to the competition’s website and realized that is was one of the largest competitions in Colorado and that first prize was $22,000 to be donated to the charity of the team’s choice!  PKS Kids is such a small organization, winning this tournament would no doubt change the lives a plenty kids and their families.  

I immediately asked two of my good friends who are also two of the best Crossfit athletes I’ve met, Michelle Kinney and Emily Schromm, if they would be part of a  super team for Lucia and PKS Kids.   They both said yes!  Over the next several weeks we’ve been able to track down 4 additional world class athletes who competed in the Crossfit Games, Gabriel Ramero, Steve Parsoneault, Stephanie Brady, and Robbie Davis.  Without exception, you hear nothing but great things about this group of people.   Two of the athletes have rearranged travel schedules to join the team and Lucia and I have not had the opportunity to meet any of the four in person!   They’ve all agreed to join and compete for a little girl they’ve never met!!

Michelle owns CFPH and has become a good friend since she moved here a year ago.  She has finished as high as 8th in the world at the Crossfit Games. 

Emily is one of the sweetest people I've ever met and is an awesome coach.   She's always been great to Lu.

Stephanie Brady coaches my niece's gymnastics.  She's gone to the Games a few times as part of team. Ashley says she's an amazing coach.  I've spoken to Stephanie a few times and we can't wait to meet her.

Gabriel Ramero finished 18th in the world this year.  He saw a post I made looking for athletes that could compete for Lu and contacted me the next day

Robbie Davis lives in Carbondale and is taking a red eye to Tennessee Sunday night in order to compete for Lu.  Robbie finished 29th in the world at this year's CF Games 

Steve lives in Boulder and rearranged a weekend trip to compete for Lu.  He finished 2nd in the world in 50+.   His nick name is Paleo Steve.  He's supposed to be a great cook. 

I believe we have a great shot at winning the event, and it would be huge to do so.   However, what’s most amazing is the continued generosity and goodwill of the Crossfit community.   I can’t thank Crossfit enough for befriending our Little Lu.  Part of the competition is what team can raise the most money.  To support the event, see click here  or
https://www.crowdrise.com/lubirdsbanditspro/fundraiser/jasondawkins1 
The Crossfit event will be held on October 4th and 5th at Front Range CrossFit.
These events mean the world to our family.  Go BANDITS!