MADE WITH WANDERLOVE

Back in 2014, I was on the hunt for a local CrossFit gym that not only challenged me physically but also offered a sense of community. I had visited several gyms in Dallas, but none of them seemed to have the right mix of intensity and camaraderie that I was looking for. That is until I stumbled upon CrossFit Odyssey and met John Mariotti and Ellie Bishop McKenzie

From the moment I walked through the doors of CrossFit Odyssey, I knew I had found my tribe. The members were welcoming, the coaches were knowledgeable, and the workouts were intense. But what really set CrossFit Odyssey apart was the fierce woman behind it all – the one who had dreamed up this trip, done all the hard legwork of planning, and brought it to fruition.

I felt an instant connection with her when we first met. It was as if we were kindred spirits, brought together by fate. And when she said her name was “Ellie”, I was sure I found my box. My cousin Jan had just given birth to my first niece Ellie May. I knew it was divine magic.

As I continued to attend classes at CrossFit Odyssey, I watched this fierce woman in action. She pushed me to new limits, encouraged me to challenge myself, and inspired me to never give up. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to her members were truly admirable. She gave new meaning and intention to aging gracefully strong.

So when she mentioned the idea of a group trip to Mount Kilimanjaro , I knew I had to be a part of it. Ellie very similarly to me has created a life-list of things she wants to experience and push her body and mind to accomplish. I trusted her implicitly to plan an unforgettable experience and tomorrow morning, we begin our extraordinary journey.

So here’s to the fierce woman that has inspired me for the last 10 years. Thank you for being a beacon of light in our lives and for creating a space where we can thrive and grow. You are truly an inspiration, and I am grateful to have crossed paths with you at CrossFit Odyssey!