So a few years ago we decided to run a Groupon promotion to grow membership. We’ll never do it again but we’re happy we did it. Why? because we struck gold with that Groupon.

Here are a few words from our only remaining Groupon client, Carrie Chapman.

October/2012

Funny walk down memory lane this Friday morning while getting ready for yet another 9-5.

A few years ago, I took my Dad for a doctor appointment – per typical “Dad style”, we had to be an hour early. His need for earliness totally backfired on him this time. There was a swanky over priced boutique next door, and I had birthday money to burn! I dragged him in, and proceeded to horrify him by purchasing a pair of $200 designer jeans (that were too small, but I’d get into them eventually, right?) I can’t tell you how many times when I visited my Dad, he would say with disgust, “Are those THOSE jeans??” I would say “no” and shamefully admit “they don’t fit”, and he would just shake his head at the waste of money.

Fast forward to this morning. I pulled out THOSE jeans & put them on…painlessly. Of course, I was laughing as I recalled the shopping trip and multiple subsequent rips I had endured over the cost of THOSE jeans. While I was thinking how I wished I could call him and say “hahaa, I am getting my 200 bucks worth Dad!!”, this internal gloating quickly led to thoughts of the bigger picture and how I got to this silly prove-your-parent-wrong-moment. It all started with $20 groupon for “unlimited fitness”….which I of course waited until the last possible minute to redeem. Not having seen the inside of a gym for almost a year, I walked into Motor City CrossFit, very much without a clue. I had no idea what crossfit was. I thought I would die for sure after 5 minutes into the warm up.

I continued to show up somewhat randomly and torture myself (on many levels) quietly in the corner for several months…gradually pushing myself, and being pushed (thank you JD) out of my comfort zone, again on many levels. I have been introduced to a boat load of fabulous new people, amazing athletes, watching, learning and listening. Listening to this Paleo talk and this Whole 30 business and thinking OH HELL NO. I like to eat, and I like good food! (pouting) I was convinced this would never happen for me and there would be no way. Gaining inspiration and encouragement from some of those previously mentioned fabulous people (thank you Amy), eventually beat myself into thinking, OK maybe I can do this. I then proceeded to shock and impress myself by committing, planning, shopping and cooking…for 27 whole days (close enough). I feel better in general, can make it through the afternoon without wanting to sleep at my desk, and dropped a few pounds in the process. My whole attitude about food has changed. Who knew it could be done???

Another bratty pouting moment occurred this week when I showed up (unknowingly) for a 5K WOD. I was panic stricken. WTF? 5K? Are you kidding me? But I hate running…I can’t believe I drove to the east side for THIS! (stomps feet) Well, it was no record breaker folks, but I ran it in 30:33…this would not have happened if it weren’t for the 3 ladies running in front of me (Susan & Emily, and Monica who was out of sight 5 minutes in). What was amazing to me was I ran it with zero shin fire, zero knee pain…4 months ago I couldn’t run 2 blocks without flaming legs. I was shockingly impressed with myself.

So on this TGIF morning I am grateful…grateful to Groupon (lol) and to Motor City CrossFit. And most of all, to those fabulous and funny CrossFit peeps who unknowingly have contributed to pushing me to make positive change on so many levels, and for continually pushing my bratty pouting self out of all of those comfort zones.

And ps. YES Dad, I am finally wearing THOSE jeans.