This weekend we were joined by a couple Empower originals in town from Australia for a quick visit.  Not only were Jock and Shutterbug among my first dozen CrossFit clients (before Big Boss, before Dr. T) and founding members of our Dunbar Street location, they were also participants in our first ever Empower 12 Days of X-Mas events in 2013 and 2014 (Jock likes to remind us that he finished first both times).

It was very special to have them on hand this past weekend to witness our 15th annual 12-Days of X-Mas event and watch them marvel at how the event has transformed!

In those early days, for example, we had a total of 12-15 participants.  In contrast, this past weekend we had 38 athletes complete the 12-Days of X-Mas workout plus many more who came out just to watch, cheer and graze at the potluck table.

Shutterbug, whose two young daughters insisted she do the 2024 version with them also appreciated that the modern version is much more accessible with movements appropriate to various fitness levels.

The potluck table was another very welcome addition that we did not have in those early years.

They came with an expectation based on their past recollection and were pleasantly surprised to find every aspect of the event was better than they recalled.  The music was better, the organization was better, the decorations were better (they were nonexistent in those early days), the energy was better and the community was better (and bigger). 

They had to admit that the 12-Days of X-Mas has come a long way from its humble inception.  I agreed.  And admitted that I had nothing to do with any of it.  The Touch and Savitar designed this year’s version and provided the entertaining movement demo videos as filmed by Rockstar.  Coaches Savitar, The Touch, Hardrock and Motor took turns running the heats.  Shades in her role as Events Coordinator directed all the set up and clean up including decorations and potluck table and every other detail required to make the event run smoothly.  She was assisted by OG, Motor, Savitar, HeeHee, The Touch, F-Bomb and Hardrock.  F-Bomb managed all the fundraising for the Harbour Youth Foundation and helped the coaches demo the workout movements.  Salsa made sure there were X-Mas cards ready to be distributed to attendees.  Rockstar captured it all for posterity.  And our members came decked out in their festive Christmas best bringing incredible, upbeat energy!

The Empower team came together to host a tremendous community event for all to enjoy.  Thank you to everyone who helped make this an enjoyable event and for helping me demonstrate to some of our original founding members just how far our community has come.  Watching our community in action filled me with pride.

If you had a great time on Saturday, please make sure to thank the individuals listed above who worked hard to deliver another amazing Empower Christmas!

Monday WOD

WOD
5K Run

Alternative options: 5K Row, 15K Airbike