My post from 2019 describing my Wildcats attempt and failure – https://kathyeager.com/2019/08/12/theres-no-crying-in-hiking/

My recent post, part 1 – Redemption – https://kathyeager.com/2023/07/16/the-wildcats-part-1-redemption/

As I said, I had work to do before getting my redemption. Four months after that failed hike, BECAUSE of that failed hike, I joined Black Pearl Fitness. Since November of 2019, I’ve attended group classes, with a short chunk of time doing personal training thanks to COVID, and then back to classes. Nearly four years at the gym has been amazing. I had 12 consecutive months of making the most-attended list. Even when I didn’t make most attended, I consistently showed up. I’ve made so many physical improvements since I joined.

In December of 2019, I did my first back squats and squatted 75 pounds. I haven’t redone a “max lift” recently, but in May I did six reps of 125 pounds. My first deadlifts back in December 2019, 95 pounds. In March of 2022, 205 pounds. I’m doing push presses and banded pull ups. I got my first ever double under! I’m grabbing 50 pound dumbbells for single arm rows. I ran a mile in just over ten minutes. Something I haven’t done for a very long time.

Aside from getting physically stronger, the gym has improved my confidence. I’ve actually referred to myself non-jokingly as an athlete. Something I never would have done before. I know now I can do hard things. I can push through the uncomfortable. I can do so many things that I never would have thought possible.

How did all this happen? My Black Pearl Fitness family. I know it’s cliche, but it’s so true. The coaches and everyone in my classes are family. Nick (coach and owner) has built an amazing community and culture in our gym. He believes in you, even when you don’t believe in you. He pushes you, but safely and encouragingly. Everyone in class supports everyone else.

I joined the gym to get strong for hiking. I got that and so much more. I firmly believe I would not have accomplished the Wildcat Ridge Trail without Black Pearl Fitness.

Maybe you’re thinking what’s the big deal? It’s just a gym. I really wish I could explain to you how Black Pearl is so much more than a gym. It’s a place to get strong. It’s a place to begin to believe in yourself. It’s a place to find your inner athlete. It’s a place to learn. It’s a place to grow. It’s a place to find community. It’s a place to push yourself to accomplish things you never thought possible.

So I had to write this post. I couldn’t write the post about my success on the Wildcats without thanking Nick, Ari, Jen, and Leah. Thank you. And thank you to everyone in class.

I love you guys and I can’t wait to see what the next four years in class brings. Pull ups? 🙂