Dan Furnas

 

Last March, my friends Trey and Tawn joined CFVP. At that time, the three of us took “before” photographs to mark the beginning of our journeys to improved health. Their strategy was to go to CrossFit classes three times a week and monitor/restrict their caloric intake to lose weight. My strategy was to do my typical “Atkins” (no carbohydrate) diet and exercise on my own, consisting of lifting weights and running three to six miles a few times per week. After a few months (and hearing them talk about their workouts), it became evident that their strategy was working better than mine! They’d both lost weight and improved their strength and cardiovascular performance. I, on the other hand, hadn’t been consistent with my diet and my workouts weren’t giving me the results I wanted. Weight training was tough (to really push myself) without a lifting partner and running became boring. And when Trey kept talking about class structure and variety of lifting and cardiovascular exercises involved, I decided it was time to learn more.

This brings me to my first CFVP experience: I came to Trey and Tawn’s class the morning of July 22^nd and watched them for the entire hour-long workout. Afterwards, they watched me do my “baseline” workout with Herb. Eight minutes and 24 seconds later, I was done. Holy Crap! I couldn’t believe how out of shape I was! After that short workout, I was exhausted and sick. I couldn’t even get into my car for 30 minutes because I felt sick. At that moment, I realized I needed to change. I really liked what I saw during the class (weight lifting and intense cardio exercise) and decided to sign up!

I started coming to class and immediately started to experience significant improvements in my strength and moderate improvements in my cardiovascular shape. After six months, my maximum deadlift had gone from 285lbs to 400lbs and my overhead press (three rep max.) went from 125lbs to 155lbs. My “baseline” workout only took me four minutes and 34 seconds to complete, a whopping 46% improvement!

With all of those accomplishments, I was still frustrated that I had only dropped about 8lbs in weight. In the WODs, I was consistently getting last place (and still often do), especially when the exercises involve “body weight” movements. I knew I needed to do more than just go to class…I needed to change my eating habits as well. Informal discussions with Herb, Brandon, and Dan (along with other CFVP members like Mike Edwards) regarding diet led me to the thought of trying the “Paleo” diet.

About a month ago, I spoke to Herb and asked him for help with my nutrition. He told me to keep a food journal for a few days and email it to him. I did just that. Herb’s response was very truthful (and brutal) and showed me all of the flaws in what I was eating. In fact, none of my meals over four days were acceptable. But after giving me some advice on how “Paleolithic man” would eat, I decided to give it a shot and trust in his wisdom. After about one week of sending Herb my food logs, I began to better grasp the Paleo diet and how to eat better.

For the Next Level Challenge, I have been sticking to the plan. In two weeks, I have dropped almost 10lbs and am close to being under 240lbs . My personal goal for the challenge is to get down to 220lbs while improving my strength movements by 20%. Hopefully the weight keeps coming off! I am amazed I’ve lost more weight in the past two weeks than in six months of CrossFit classes alone. It definitely makes me wish I had taken my eating more seriously back then.

With all of that said, I want to thank Herb, Dan, and Brandon for all of their help and support over the past seven months! It is awesome to have the perspectives of three excellent individuals with diverse backgrounds and specialties. I sincerely appreciate them (and the other CFVP members) continuously pushing and encouraging me for improvement.

I also wanted to thank all of the CFVP members for your constant encouragement. And I appreciate everyone staying after their workouts to encourage me to finish mine. But beware!!! Soon I will be finishing ahead of you and will be encouraging YOU to finish your WOD.

I am honored with this recognition and sincerely appreciate it! I am definitely hooked on CrossFit and plan on being involved indefinitely!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Tawn]

You go girl! I'm inspired by you every time we workout together!

[Melissa Hurley]

Truly inspirational Dan. You're doing great and are so focused/determined. You'll hit your goals, no doubt!!

[Jennifer Kahle]

Keep it up Dan! You are doing great. Your will and determination inspire all of us.