Chantell
I started BCF towards the latter end of November 2014. Through constant periods of transitioning moving from Hawaii to Oregon, then to California and back to Oregon again; I knew it was time to establish myself in all regards which consisted of my career and health goals. I also wanted to find a place where I could meet like-minded people who were striving for balance and a better sense of self.
As a result, almost one year later, I feel that I have achieved all that I sought out to and more. I found a second home in BCF with my usual “Get Dirty with Team 6:30” class, as well as, other peers from other classes. There is no sense of divide among the varying caliber of the athletes that walk in the doors of BCF, just a sense of mutual understanding that we are all there for one thing… to be better than we were the day before.
Thanks to BCF I have found a place of solace that despite all other happenings in my life, for one hour, it’s ‘me’ time. If you were to ask who inspires me, it would be the dirty 6:30 crew and favored coach, Dawna Graham. Sometimes when I drag my feet to get to class, it’s knowing that I get to spend time with that crazy, no-filtered and highly motivated (sarcasm) group of people. And with that, I couldn’t be happier. Thank you BCF.
Dawna’s thoughts on Chantell…
Congratulations to Chantell on being BCF’s Athlete of the Month for September. Chantell is a regular at the 6:30pm class but is known to make an appearance at 5:30am as well.
They say you always have to watch out for the quiet ones and Chantell certainly fits into that category. She was already a member when I started coaching at BCF so I don’t have the “I remember when she started” stories, but what I do remember about Chantell was she usually set up her equipment in the back corner, sometimes even outside, never intentionally drawing attention to herself. But it’s hard not to notice when someone is working hard, perfecting her form, and getting stronger, faster, and more efficient every month. The last strength cycle Chantell hit PRs on all of her lifts – deadlift, front squat, and bench press. It’s not even the fact that she had so many PRs that impressed me, but that she just quietly went about her business during the training cycle, showing up consistently, working hard, asking a question here and there, taking coaching, and then come test days – killing it. She is such a powerful rower as well. I watched her splits on the last two capacity tests and was blown away at how much power her small frame could generate. Chantell has been working towards her strict pull-ups and now has a few. Her determination is contagious and makes everyone around her want to better themselves. Chantell – We love your smile, your sunny disposition and strong work ethic. Thanks for being part of the BCF community. And thank you for bringing a sense of calm to that crazy 6:30 class. 😉
-Dawna