Lifting More Than Weights: RF2 Goes to The Games
When we landed in Albany for the CrossFit Games, it felt like stepping into a chapter of my life I’d once only dreamed about—except this time, I was walking into it as a woman completely transformed. We weren’t there as casual fans. We were there as a team—seven of our closest friends and fellow RF2 board members—representing a mission that has become as much a part of my identity as my own name. And we weren’t just funding it ourselves; CrossFit paid for our trip because they believe in what we’re doing and the impact we’re making. That alone still leaves me humbled. RF2 now has ten affiliates inside Colorado’s prisons, with two more in the works, and this trip was about showing up for the community, sharing our vision, and letting people see the change we’re fighting for from the inside out.
I kept thinking about how far my life has come in just over two years. Back then, I was trapped in a cycle of drinking and unhealthy habits, trying to numb the dissatisfaction I felt in my own life. Choosing sobriety changed everything—it set me on a path toward health, discipline, and self-respect. Not long after, I met Taylor, who brought me into the world of CrossFit. The funny part? I’d always wanted to do CrossFit—dating back to 2014—but I never had the support system to make it happen. Now, not only was I in it, but I was deeply involved—being part of a program that uses CrossFit to transform lives in some of the hardest places in the world.
The Games themselves were surreal. We worked out alongside Rich Froning, chatted with Roman Khrennikov, Saxon and Scott Panchik, and met Sydney Wells—where I got to tell her, face-to-face, how much she and Brooke have inspired me. Seeing Brooke compete in her final year was emotional, especially from the incredible seats we had—close enough to hear the crowd’s roar as athletes crossed the finish line. We reconnected with friends like Roderick Lopez (Meme For Time), and and Grant Hooper (Kipping It Real), and met new ones, like the crew from CrossFit Shatter and Thomas from Organic Gorilla. Thomas’ story hit me hard—he’s done seven years in prison himself, and when he heard about RF2, his eyes filled with tears. He told us that if something like this had existed where he was, it could have completely changed his reentry journey. And on a side note—Thomas’ Organic Gorilla protein bars? Probably the cleanest, best-tasting bars I’ve ever had in my life. If you know me, you know I’m picky about what I put into my body—and these were next-level good.
Outside the Games, New York was its own kind of magic. We stood at the 9/11 Memorial in complete silence, feeling the weight of the names etched into stone. We saw the Statue of Liberty, wandered through Broadway and downtown, and checked off all the NY staples—coffee, bagels, and pizza. And speaking of pizza… I found gluten-free pizza that destroyed every other pizza I’ve ever had. I wish I could bring those recipes home with me. But what I really appreciated was that there were always incredible, healthy options too—big, fresh salads topped with perfectly marinated chicken that hit the spot every time. I never once felt like I had to choose between enjoying the moment and fueling my body in a way that supports my health.
One of the moments that really stuck with me was watching Trevor, Nick, and Taylor get interviewed for The Best Hour of Their Day podcast with Jason Ackerman right there in the middle of Vendor Village. It wasn’t tucked away in some quiet corner — it was live, in the open, with people stopping mid-walk to listen in. Seeing them speak with so much passion about RF2, our mission, and the work we’re doing inside Colorado’s prisons made me so proud I could’ve burst. There was this electric energy in the air, the kind you feel when you know people are leaning in because the story being told matters. That podcast wasn’t just a platform — it was a spotlight, and the CrossFit community around us got to see the heart behind what we do.
Our cabin in Athens was the perfect home base—tucked in the woods, peaceful and quiet, yet alive with conversation and laughter when we were all together. Mornings started with coffee on the deck, evenings ended with hot tub sessions under the stars.
And in the middle of it all, Taylor and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary exactly the way I’d want—no matter where in the world we are or who we’re with. We had dinner, just the two of us, at Black and Blue Steak and Crab, then found ourselves in a flower field at sunset, taking photos I’ll treasure forever. It feels perfect that our anniversary now coincides with the CrossFit Games each year—it’s “so us.” Last year it was Texas with a smaller crew, this year New York with our closest friends. I can’t imagine anything that makes more sense than that.
One of my favorite little moments of the whole trip was watching Taylor navigate New York and New Jersey like a seasoned traveler. Just a few years ago, he was navigating prison life after 11 years inside, and now here he was—confident, calm, and leading us through busy streets without missing a beat. It’s the kind of transformation you don’t fully appreciate until you zoom out and remember where you both came from.
Leaving Albany, I felt full—of gratitude, of purpose, of pride in the work we’re doing. We left having deepened friendships, expanded our network, and reminded ourselves that RF2 is bigger than just us. It’s a movement, and every person we connect with—whether it’s an elite athlete, a CrossFit affiliate owner, or a man in vendor village selling clean protein bars—is another link in the chain. This trip wasn’t just about watching the Games. It was about showing up, being seen, and remembering exactly why we fight so hard to do what we do—inside and outside prison walls.
-M
