She’s been a member with DBCF since 2020, but we first introduced her on our social media back in July of 2021 for Feats Friday as our “Meet the Athlete”. It’s been over two years in the making and as the final athlete spotlight for 2022, we are excited to reintroduce Melanie Chagnard as our November Athlete of the Month! Melanie is a regular attendee of our 0530 class and you can normally find her working out in her favorite corner of the gym. She comes in quiet and soft spoken but once the clock counts down, Melanie is full on beast mode! It has been amazing to see her progress over the last two years, not only speaking to her strength and CrossFit skills but to see her overall confidence to accomplish things she thought was not in her grasp. What’s great about Melanie is that she is coachable, works hard, and most importantly, a good friend and supporter to others at the box. Congratulations Melanie and keep crushing it!

I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and moved to Virginia Beach almost 5 years ago to be with my husband who is in the Navy. I graduated college and the next day packed up and moved 16 hours away from home. I fell into a rut of eating whatever I wanted and hardly moving my body. After 3 years of living like this, I knew I needed to make a change.

I knew I found my place from the first step I took through Drop Box’s doors. Coach G didn’t ask about fitness when we first met; he asked about my life and that made me realize this box was more than just fitness. After I finished the intro class, I watched the Saturday morning class with my jaw on the floor in amazement as people were climbing up 2 boxes. It looked like so much fun and I remember JC saying “It’s rewarding and addicting” and he was right. Being a regular 0530, I start my day with the most incredible people doing something for an hour that I truly love. I’ve lost around 40 pounds (depending on how much ice cream I eat that day ) but honestly it’s not the weight that I define my journey by, it’s the confidence, strength, energy, balance I’ve been able to find in my life, and the people that I reflect most on in my 2 year CrossFit journey. I have always been incredibly shy and never believed in myself but I have slowly become more confident and I’m doing things I never would have thought possible. I’ve run 2 half marathons, something that I’ve wanted to do for years but I always feared I wouldn’t be able to finish. I completed a sprint triathlon, learning how to swim 4 months before the race. I did my first CrossFit competition and had so much fun. I remember when I first started CrossFit, every movement scared me. I would stare at the box for what seemed like forever trying to convince myself to just jump. The process hasn’t always been easy and some days are harder than others, but showing up everyday and giving it my all has been the most rewarding experience.

To all the coaches, I am so thankful for each and every one of you. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your patience, dedication, and guidance. To all the athletes, I am so thankful to share this journey with you and watch you all do amazing things. You all inspire and encourage me every single day. Keep crushing those goals! Thank you to my husband who throws me water as I run 15 miles, braves the cold and heat to watch me compete, and encourages me to spend hours doing what I love. Thank you Drop Box for being the best part of my day <3