Invictus Member Story: Terran Travis

Interview by Melissa Hurley

Invictus Sea of Green Member Terran Travis joined Invictus with the goals of general weight loss and a measurable increase in strength and endurance; he has successfully hit both goals since joining 8 months ago! Terran took steps, one foot in front of the other, to achieve his goals and I’ve had the pleasure to see his journey. He has not only gained strength and endurance but also more confidence. Once a somewhat shy member, Terran now stands a little taller and grins from ear to ear – and I love it! Here is his awesome story below.

Melissa: You’ve come so far in your journey with CrossFit. How did you get started? Do you recall how you felt your first month of regular classes?

Terran: A friend of mine joined another affiliate here in Downtown San Diego, and recommended that I check it out and give it a shot. My wife Teena and I live here in Little Italy, and we saw Invictus while walking around the neighborhood. We decided it was time to get serious about our fitness and overall health, and figured we are worth the investment, so we just jumped in feet first. The first month of regular classes, I felt like a lost puppy! I had no idea what was going on half the time, and just reading the board was challenging in its own right.

Melissa: What overall lifestyle changes have you taken on since joining CrossFit?

Terran: My overall nutritional health has been the biggest change. The technology available to people nowadays is incredible and can help you meet whatever nutritional goals you might have. But on top of that, we’ve really gotten more active outside of the gym, whether going on a hike or a quick run throughout Balboa Park! Typically in the mornings I play a game of pick up football with some guys that involves a lot of sprinting – I’ve come to the realization that fitness doesn’t have to live solely within the gym. Get out there and go crazy!

Melissa: Were you active before CrossFit?

Terran: To a very limited degree, I was. I’m currently in the Navy, and I was remaining active enough to meet the Navy’s standards but not much more. Since I’ve taken up CrossFit and running, an active lifestyle has become a necessity where I start “itching” to go and do something, haha!

Melissa: I see you practicing your double-unders whenever possible after classes; was this one of your goals when you started CrossFit or did you have a different “1st achieve” goal you desired?

Terran: The Dark Beast that is Double-Unders… I honestly don’t know why I set out to “conquer” the double under problem beyond the sheer frustration that comes with first starting them. A more realistic “1st achieve” goal though was general weight loss, and a measurable increase in strength and endurance. I’m happy to say I was able to trim my 1.5 miles time from 12:16 to 9:47, all within a fairly short window. Goals are a lot easier to attain when they’re measurable and specific, and double-unders became one of those goals for me.

Melissa: How much weight have you lost since starting CrossFit? Are your clothes fitting different? Have you noticed any change in your energy levels or mood?

Terran: I’ve been working on getting things stable for the past six months, both in my workout routine and nutritional habits. When I started CrossFit in January I weighed in at just over 204 lbs. As of today, my weight is sitting at 182 lbs! I’m happy to say that I’ve lost over 22 lbs with my recent lifestyle change, and couldn’t be happier. While there are general aches and soreness from CrossFit, gone is the knee pain and sluggishness of before. Clothes that I haven’t worn in years are fitting to the point where I’m in serious need of picking up some new clothes appropriate for my new size. I’m feeling better mentally and have a lot more energy compared to when I started – The benefits are numerous!

Melissa: Is there a story behind your Spiderman shirt that you love to wear while you workout? It looks super soft.

Terran: Have you seen those thighs?! I want a Spiderman Status Squat and Deadlift – the guy is an absolute beast, haha! I don’t know what his PR is, but I’m sure the guy can deadlift like a boss.

Melissa: Can you tell me something about yourself that might shock others?

Terran: I use to bowl competitively! I actually went to nationals some years back, and even had the opportunity to travel internationally to Australia and New Zealand for bowling!

Melissa: If someone was unsure about starting CrossFit, what would you tell them to encourage them to make the life changing challenge?

Terran: Don’t get caught up in making immediate leaps and bounds and having absolute mastery of everything – your initial results might not feel the most impressive, but we’re amazing creatures capable of amazing things. Don’t be afraid to do amazing things! Your physical and mental well being is worth the investment of time and sweat – stick with it and you’ll shock yourself at what you can accomplish! I know I have!