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Home / Fashlete™ of the Month

Fashlete™ of the Month

A Leader by Example

March 2011

Name: Jason Lyons
Age: 32
Occupation: Scientist/Polymer Chemist, CrossFit Coach - CrossFit King of Prussia, Bridgeport, PA

Our Fashlete of the Month was nominated by Stephanie Vincent, an athlete from CrossFit KOP in Bridgeport, PA.  
 
 “I am nominating Jason not so much for his own success story… but for what he inspires in his athletes.  When Jason started CF he was very out of shape and overweight and couldn't do much of anything.  I think it is that start that makes him such an amazing coach.  When one of his athletes accomplishes something or sets a PR, Jason is able to celebrate with them as if he himself had been the one succeeding.” 
 
This email included a link to Jason’s bio that described how Jason, a self-proclaimed “work in progress”, has lost over 30lbs, decreased body fat by 14%, and has gone down pant 4 sizes and 5 belt loops.  Jason put his story out there accompanied by some pictures that he describes as “really embarrassing” all for the benefit of his clients.  All he wanted to do was show people what can be accomplished with a little hard work.

Jason has done that and more. Not just through words and photos but through his actions.

“Jason holds his athletes to a high level of integrity.  He encourages them to give everything they have to the workouts...and then some more.  He convinces his athletes that they can do more than they ever thought was possible.  Anyone who has ever been coached by him, will agree.   Jason has a special knack for coaching individuals who start CrossFit with challanges like he did.  He is especially gifted with these individuals because he is able to see the potential in each and every person he coaches.   He is a reflection for their potential, until they are able to see it themselves.  Jason's humor, enthusiasm, knowledge and most of all HEART inspire so many...that is why he deserves to be the Flashlete of the month.”

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Miracle in a Moment

February 2011

 Name: Stephanie Cedeno
Age: 31
Occupation: Clinical Social Worker at a High School 

“Used to be unhappy, Used to be negative, Used to suffer chronic pain because of Arnold-Chiari Malformation (brain and spinal birth defect), Used to feel hopeless, used to worry, used to be severely overweight. Used to.” -Stephanie

Stephanie has overcome a lot (understatement of the century).  The odds have been stacked against her since birth and for a while she admittedly gave in to her pain and categorized herself as a “medically incompetent person who would never find relief”.

Stephanie’s transformation did not happen overnight and it was far from easy.  She weaned herself off of her pain medication, drastically changed her diet, got involved in CrossFit, and slowly but surely she transformed from the inside out.  Though her overall gains in physical and mental strength have been beyond impressive, today we are going to celebrate a single “miraculous” moment.

“I am living proof that if you honor your body it will honor you in return.”

Stephanie’s email to me began with one very long sentence that ended with five exclamation points. I honestly felt like she was running at me full speed through the computer screen barely able to contain herself as she shared her exciting news with a total stranger.  And I am just as excited to share her news with you…

OH MY GOSH EVERYONE I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED I CAN’T BELIEVE IT STEPHANIE WAS ABLE TO LIFT THE 44LB WHILE DOING THE TURKISH GET UP!!!!!

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Transformation

January 2011

Name: Sheron Smith

Age: 59

Occupation: Owner/operator of Nana's Nest, a daycare specializing in children with special needs.

 If Sheron Smith does not inspire you to conquer your goals in 2011 then I don't know who will. Sheron is a hero (though she is so humble I doubt she would ever admit it).  I am very excited to take this opportunity to share Sheron's story with you and give her a much deserved moment in the spotlight.  

My name is Sheron Smith. I am a mother, a grandmother, a wife. Until a few years ago I was on a downhill spiral of self-destruction. I was morbidly obese and my health was quickly becoming a problem.

The realization that I needed to drastically change my life hit me quite abrupt. I stepped on the scale on August 1st, 2007 and it broke at 300 pounds. I sat on the bathroom crying mostly out of shame but also out of despair! I didn’t know what to do or where to start but at that moment I knew that if I were to continue living I needed to do something.
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You Can Call Her Larrock!

December 2010

Name: Lorraine Browne 

Age: 42 

Occupation: English Professor at Nova Southeastern University 

Lorraine is also a mother of two, a CrossFitter, and a Triathlete. I know, you're already impressed... but wait, there's more. Here's her story....

I found out about CrossFit in a pretty roundabout way. I’ve been at it about a year now.  A couple of years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with a rare disease called Cholesteatoma. This is when cysts grow in the middle ear and in worst cases, can enlarge and become fatal by getting too close to the brain. Since Brie had a very large mass on her right side, something that was growing unbeknownst to us for her whole life, she lost her hearing on her right side and her ability to taste. Although we were extremely lucky we got it out in time, I was devastated for her.

During the year of her first two surgeries, which had to be done through the back of her skull, the only way I could think of to deal with the stress was to go to a gym. Prior to that, I had been pretty out of shape while raising my young kids in my 30’s. I began at Shondelle’s gym, which is right by my house. I worked out like crazy. The timed workouts there resurrected my old athletic self and made me want to compete at something again, so I began to train for triathlons. In 2009, I went from a size 16 to a size 8 and lost 40 lbs.

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Everything You Need Is Already Inside

November 2010

Name: Haley Sztykiel
Age: 23
Occupation: Graduate Student, University of Michigan School of Social Work

I am excited to announce the very first Fashlete of the Month!  A while back I asked the Fashletics Facebook fans to write in with their favorite motivational word or phrase. Not only did I receive a lot of great suggestions, but I received a lot of great stories too.  Stories of overcoming obstacles, losing weight, achieving goals, building communities... all things that have been achieved through an unwavering commitment to health and fitness in some capacity. This is my opportunity to honor all of the hard work being done out there by people like Haley who have made great strides in life as a result of testing their physical and mental strength... because that is exactly what it means to be a "Fashlete".

Before I tell you the quote that motives me, let me do a little explaining. The day I was born, the doctors told my parents “You have a beautiful (I may have added that) baby girl, but you might want to get those legs checked out.” And that is what I have been doing for the last 23 years, getting my legs “checked out.” If you were to see me, it would be obvious that I have a different walking gait then what is considered normal. To this day, doctors have never been able to understand why I walk differently. But, there has always been this underlying idea that something is wrong. Everything from clubfeet, scoliosis, and so many other medical jargon words have been tossed out and ruled out. For most of my life, doctors settled on the name “unknown neuromuscular disorder.” In other words, something was wrong with the nerve firings, and muscles were underdeveloped.

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