Blackbird CrossFit's Power Couple: Don & Chrissy Sweers – Redefining Strength and Resilience in Their 50s
At Blackbird CrossFit, we are constantly inspired by the dedication and spirit of our members, but some truly shine as beacons of perseverance and community. For May's Athlete of the Month, we are absolutely thrilled to celebrate not just one individual, but a remarkable duo ? Don and Chrissy Sweers, our beloved Blackbird Power Couple! For the past two and a half years, Don and Chrissy have been an undeniable force within our community, a testament to the power of embarking on a transformative journey together. Their unwavering commitment, positive attitudes, and willingness to embrace new challenges, especially in their 50s, make them incredible role models and true ambassadors for active living at any age.
Don and Chrissy's journey at Blackbird has been deeply intertwined, a shared path of growth, challenge, and triumph. They show up bright and early to the 5:30 AM class, consistently 4-5 days a week, traveling over 20 minutes to be here. Their consistent presence, even amidst life?s hardest moments this past year, speaks volumes. In a short span, both Don and Chrissy faced the profound loss of a parent. Yet, instead of retreating, they leaned into the gym as their solace and stress reliever. Their resilience in the face of such heartbreak, pushing through with such grace and fortitude, has been nothing short of awe-inspiring to everyone at Blackbird. We have been so impressed by their continued hard work and positive spirit throughout it all.
What truly sets Don and Chrissy apart is their fearless approach to trying new things and pushing boundaries, a quality that many in their 50s and beyond might shy away from. Don?s decision to try CrossFit after turning 54, and Chrissy?s initial hesitation turned full-blown enthusiasm, illustrate their adventurous spirits. From competing in our in-house "Battle in Birdland" ? where Don and his partner Scott even took home a well-deserved 3rd place in the scaled division ? to Chrissy recently conquering a Tough Mudder alongside her 5:30 AM ladies, they consistently step outside their comfort zones. They've learned that they can push past perceived limitations, finding immense gratification in their achievements. This willingness to be vulnerable and embrace the unknown is a hallmark of their incredible CrossFit journey.
Beyond their individual achievements, Don and Chrissy embody the spirit of community that makes Blackbird so special. They are incredibly friendly, easy-going, and social, always bringing a warm and welcoming presence to the gym. Don's quick wit and Chrissy's joy are well-known, but they are perhaps best known for their hysterical Wodify comments post-workout, bringing smiles and laughter to everyone who reads them. This playful spirit, combined with the camaraderie of their 5:30 AM peers, highlights their appreciation for the Blackbird family. They are living proof that it's never too late to try something new, challenge yourself, and discover a newfound strength ? both physical and mental. We are immensely proud to have Don and Chrissy Sweers. Their dedication, resilience, and infectious positivity inspire us all to stay strong, stay active, and keep pushing our boundaries, at every stage of life. Meet Don & Chrissy.. .
Tell us about yourself
Don Sweers
, 56 years old. Went to college for 2 years before I joined the Navy. Chrissy and I will celebrate our 20 year wedding anniversary this October.
I?m originally from Michigan. I have 4 adult children ages 27 to 35. I own a Managed IT Service/IT Consulting company.
Chrissy Sweers
, 56 ? I grew up in Burtonsville, MD and moved to Owings Mills in 2004, where Don and I reside today. I went right in to the workforce from high school working in the
HR/Payroll/Accounting profession. I?ve been a Payroll Manager for 20+ years, with the past 17 being at COPT Defense Properties, obtaining my CPP (Certified Payroll Profession) in 2018. Don and I met on a blind date in 2003, and we will be married for 20 years this October. I am a stepmother to Don?s kids.
What was the turning point that led you to CrossFit? What keeps you coming back to Blackbird week after week?
Don- After turning 54 the local gym just didn?t seem to cut it any longer. Chrissy?s brother and Sister-in-Law have been doing CrossFit for 8 years and they always talked to us about it. I finally decided to give it a shot, and because of our friend Scott Houghton, I found my way to Blackbird. What keeps me coming back? Well, Chrissy sets the alarm clock so I might as well get up and go in with her.
Chrissy-
I got tired of the same boring routine at my local gym and my brother and sister-in-law always shared their positive experiences with CrossFit, but I thought that wasn?t for me. Don joined BB in January 2023 at the encouragement of our friend Scott Houghton and Don?s excitement about the WOD?s, the people and the atmosphere got me intrigued enough to
check it out. I keep coming back as I love the way I feel mentally and physically. And perhaps working for that 3-year Committed Club Yeti!!
Can you share a specific instance where CrossFit has challenged you in a positive way? What did you learn from it?
Don- Competing in my first competition, and the feeling of pride on finishing in 3rd place. It was very challenging and there were a few times when I didn?t think I would finish, but I pushed myself to finish, and it was very gratifying. I was definitely out of my comfort zone competing, but I learned that I can really push myself beyond what I perceive my limitations to be and then the feeling of accomplishment when I do.
Chrissy- CrossFit challenges me most days, still 2+ years later, but I?ve learned that I can push myself to do things I never thought I could do.
What is your favorite memory or experience from the gym?
Don- Chrissy and I doing our first Murph and Scott and I coming in 3rd place during Battle in Birdland.
Chrissy- I enjoyed the Powerlifting classes and hope to return to them this summer, or maybe Barbell Club, as I need a lot of help with cleans and snatches. I had so much fun being a part of the Battle in Birdland competition in 2023; it pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and try something I would have never done before.
What is your favorite CrossFit movement, lift, or WOD? Least favorite?
Don- I enjoy the barbell work. Back Squats, Front Squats, Push Press, etc. Least favorite is any complex with Burpee in the name.
Chrissy-
My favorite lift is the Deadlift, probably because it?s the one I?ve least struggled with. I enjoy
anything with Kettlebells also, there was a KB ?accessory? workout named after me when we
were going to the Powerlifting classes. My least favorite is the snatch, any variation of it. I
still struggle to get my form correct and I just find it an awkward move. This is why I should
take those Barbell classes, lol.
What do you enjoy the most about Blackbird or CrossFit in general?
Don- Like I always say, my favorite thing about CrossFit and the 5:30 AM class is when the 6:30am class walks in.
Chrissy-
I really enjoy working out alongside the people in our 5:30am class, they are all so strong and inspiring which motivates me to push harder. CF leaves me with that feeling of accomplishment when the class ends and letting the 6:30am class know how awful the WOD was, ha. But seriously, I love starting my day with CF, it puts me in a better mood for the rest
of the day! I really miss it on those days I can?t make it in.
Can you share a specific health improvement or positive change in your life that you attribute to CrossFit?
Don- I?ve been on blood pressure medication for a few years, and thanks to CrossFit I?ll be able to start scaling back on the dose and eventually stop taking it all together.
Chrissy- CF has been a positive change as it?s become a constant in my life that I enjoy and need. It has helped me not only improve physically, but mentally from the stresses of life and hardships. When my brother passed away shortly after I joined BBCF coming to class every day was the one hour in my day where I felt ok. The people in class had no idea how much their friendly faces and small talk helped me through those sad days. And Don and I went through it again in January with the passing of my Father, and February with the passing of his mother.
What are your CrossFit goals and how close are you to reaching them?
Don- I really didn?t have any specific goals. I just want to keep doing better, pushing myself and hopefully see a PR or two when I enter my scores.
Chrissy- I don?t have a particular goal, but there are many movements I hope to accomplish one day, from a pull-up to toes-to-bar or double unders. Guess it would help if I tried practicing once in a while, lol. In the immediate future, my goal is to get ALL the box jumps prescribed in the WOD. Thanks to the encouragement (or should I say pushing) from Coach Justin Meeks, I?ve recently been able to do box jumps again. I have been too scared after a foot injury almost 2 years. One day I?d like to accomplish a higher box too!
What has it been like going through this journey together?
Don-
I couldn?t imagine going through this CrossFit Journey on my own. Chrissy pushes me, is my biggest cheerleader and she holds me accountable. I love seeing her progress, and I?m so very proud of her when she pushes herself and see her confidence just grow. She is an
amazing CrossFit partner!
Chrissy- Going through this journey with Don has been amazing. It makes that wake up at 4:30am that much easier for sure. Don has been my biggest cheerleader and always giving me such encouragement. When I pay too much attention to the things I cannot do, he reminds me of all the things that I can do.
When you are not CrossFitting what is your favorite thing to do?
Don- Chrissy and I really enjoy going to wineries, traveling and spending time with Family and friends.
Chrissy-
Don and I love to travel and spend time with friends and family. We are big sports fans and enjoy going to baseball and football games. We really enjoy listening to live music as well. On weekends, especially during the summer months you can find us at a local winery or
brewery.
What is one fun thing about you that we may not know yet?
Don- I?m addicted to Hawaiian shirts or crazy style shirts. ?Insert a Chrissy eyeroll here?
Chrissy- Fun? Interesting fact is that I have a twin sister, and we have twin cousins born on the same day as us, 3 years earlier.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to try CrossFit?
Don- Just walk through the door and don?t been intimidated. There is scaling for everything, so give it a shot, you won?t regret it!
Chrissy- It won?t cost you anything to try it, I wish I did many years ago. The only regret I have since beginning CF is that I didn?t do it sooner. It?s tough trying something new especially in your 50?s, but it?s never too late! I am so thankful I gave CF a try!
How has your approach to nutrition changed since starting CrossFit? If you've worked with one of our Blackbird Nutrition Coaches, tell us about your experience.
Don- Chrissy worked with Mary in the beginning on Nutrition, so that really helped me. She would plan out meals and make sure we were eating healthy. I have noticed that even though my weight isn?t going down, my clothes fit better, and I?m definitely seeing and feeling muscle gain.
Chrissy- I worked with Mary shortly after joining BBCF, and she taught me a lot about the balance of eating carbs protein and fats, while also ensuring to get enough water in your day. I may not ?track? my macros on a regular basis, but I am aware of them and try my hardest during the week. Sometimes that goes out the window on the weekends, it?s a balance right??
The ?number? on the scale hasn?t changed much, but I know I?ve gained muscle, I feel better in my clothes and just an overall improvement on how I feel. That is what matters most to me.
What is your favorite workout fuel? What about your favorite indulgence?
Don- No real workout fuel, but I do enjoy wine, craft beer and good bourbon.
Chrissy- Couple sips of cold brew at 4:45am?haha, it?s too early for food. I just drink my Nuun electrolytes and creatine in my water before, during and after workouts. My favorite indulgence is wine and chocolate, not always together!
Results? Tell us about your results!
Don- I?m still a work in progress, but I?m going to keep showing up, and keep pushing myself.
Chrissy- It?s an on-going process, but I love the way I feel thanks to CrossFit!
FREEWRITE: Is there anything you'd like to add about your CrossFit journey, the coaches, the community, or your experience at Blackbird?
Don- I can?t say enough about the coaches and 5:30 am class. We have so much fun with our group, and everyone is great! Most of all, a HUGE thank you to Matt and Rebekah for creating a wonderful CrossFit environment for us to be a part of!
Chrissy- Don?s answer is how we both feel!! but also this... I struggled a lot in the beginning of my journey always comparing myself to others. Poor Don would hear an ear full; when will I not be the weakest lifter, I?ll always be the last one in from a run, I?ll never mark off an RX WOD, maybe CrossFit isn?t for me. With help from Don, I began to focus on me and the growth within myself. I am not the young person in class, I am a 55+ woman and proud of myself for how far I?ve come. I may still have days where I struggle with these things, but I?m so much healthier and happier thanks to BBCF!
