Debra Raber

Hello, my name is Debra Raber and I’ve been a CrossFit member at CTRL since the beginning.  I joined as a 46 year old year old single mom out of shape and mentally broken.  I wanted my active life back and mental peace.  I grew up in a small single A school in Randolph County, I played basketball and softball. I played one year of softball in college as a walk on.  I’ve always been competitive and a decent athlete.  I have 3 daughters but since my marriage a few years ago we share 5 daughters and 3 granddaughters!

I went to college straight out of high school and became a Registered Nurse two years later.  Now thirty years later , I’m still a RN taking care of our American hero’s.  I’ve always had a big heart and love for people so being part of the CrossFit family at CTRL just felt natural from day one.  

My husband now, boyfriend when we joined together, share a love for fitness and health so this place has helped our relationship grow even stronger.  We both had been members for about 2 years when Devan Futten approached about coaching.  I was extremely nervous at first because I didn’t want to fail or mislead anyone on their fitness journey but I had a few ups and downs that I felt could really help and encourage others.  

About two years into my CrossFit journey, I started having pain in my neck so bad that I couldn’t even lift my arm over my head, long story short I had bone spurs, not CrossFit related that were impending any type of movement with that arm…. I lost all ability to do pull ups, burpees , push ups and any lifts overhead. It was  a very humbling experience and I learned so much about myself and my gym and gym family.  I was told by a specialist to stop working out but I knew that wasn’t an option for me so I worked really hard in PT with the gym owner Devan Futten. It took me around 6-8 months to start using that arm again. After this experience I can sympathize and empathize with others struggling  mentally and physically. I know for a fact that experience has made me a better coach! I love seeing new members reaching their goals and performing tasks like burpees that they never thought possible!    

In my 5 year of CrossFit I have competed in several different competitions and most of my partners have been at least 20 years younger than me and we have made the podium every time.   I turned 51 years old this year and competed in the CrossFit open in my age group of 50-54 years old and I ranked at the top in WV, I think that is what I’m most proud of so far in my journey because of everything I have had to overcome.  I love deadlifting and my 1 rep max is 360lbs. My back squat 1 rep is 300lbs.  I started out running a mile in 13 minutes  and can now run a mile in 9 minutes, so I’m more than just strong 😉

I ran my first 5K in and came in 3rd in my age group, 2 years ago.  I completed my first rowing marathon 2 years ago!  I’m doing more now physically than I ever did in my 20’s. That’s why I love coaching because I’ve been there and I can help you get where you want to be! The most satisfying thing for me as a coach is seeing others succeed and become the best versions of themselves.  

I say it all the time but I truly mean it, I love this gym and the people in it. I have witnessed so many lives be changed, it just doesn’t get any better than this! Hope to see you soon!