Physical fitness and weight training have been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. Sometime after my freshman year of high school, I started weightlifting religiously. I’d heard a coach say the only way you’d earn playing time, and make the field, was by spending time in the weight room, so I jumped in.
Expanding on my innate thirst for all things physical, the military footed the bill for my certification in personal training, and a slew of other credentials, in order for me to lead our unit’s fitness training program. This occurred while I was stationed at Scott Air Force Base (AFB), Illinois, seventeen miles east northeast of St. Louis. I spent most of this time learning and developing an affinity for the art of exploring, teaching, and training all things physical.
How I Met Christi Marie
With that distinct frame of knowledge, I’m particularly intrigued when I see people jumping up to grab a pull-up bar and knocking out sets. It had been years since I’d first noticed Christi Marie in the gym doing just that. Her no-nonsense approach and down-to-business attitude were the first things that I admired. Some people come to the gym to converse; conversely, some people come to the gym to put in the work. Christi falls in the latter group. Seeing her ripping out pull-ups, it was evident that she was on a mission. I’d just never fathomed the depths of what she’d endured.
After sitting down and hearing Christi’s story, I realized where she had “disappeared” to, from the time I had seen her rather routinely frequenting the gym, to her curious reappearance after a marked hiatus. Prior to our chat, I’d only briefly spoken with Christi about her past experiences. Come to find out, her most recent sickness and hospitalization were just the latest in a range of proverbial mountains she’s had to climb.
Listening to Christi’s harrowing journey, and conceptualizing from whence she came, promises to render even the most casual observer helpless to do anything but pay homage to this woman. Her understated persona juxtaposed with her outspoken attitude toward life is her tour de force; furthermore, it’s her testament to everyone that no matter how difficult life is, you’re more than capable of obtaining the life you desire.
