"I love surprising myself with what I can do and finding out I’m stronger than I think."
Hometown: Oxford, Pa
Age: 27
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? March 2020- about 4 days into the pandemic.
Favorite WOD: I love a good cardio or chipper workout
Least Favorite WOD: Kelly is what sticks out in my mind – although it mostly had to do with the 90+ degree heat and extreme humidity that did me in.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Growing up I was always playing a sport and enjoyed anything athletic. I played soccer for about 5 years before switching to volleyball in middle school, which I continued playing for about 6 years. I also used to rock climb pretty frequently throughout high school. Although I was always in organized sports, I found going to the gym intimidating and boring (because I only felt comfortable on the treadmill) so I never found the motivation to go.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? My first four months of CrossFit were in an old barn during the beginning of the pandemic. When my husband asked if I wanted to join a workout with him, Pat and Lauren, I think my exact words were, “Absolutely not… but I have nothing better to do so I guess.” The workout involved push-ups, some running, and I’d never felt so unathletic in my life. Even though I didn’t really think of myself as a CrossFit person (and each time I thought ‘what did I get myself into??’), I continued going because it was something different to look forward to when you couldn’t do much else. Now, 2 years later, it is still something I look forward to at the end of most days.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I definitely have gained a lot more muscle in places I never thought I’d have them. But I think one of the biggest changes about myself has been mental. I have always been a very competitive person and would compare myself to others while playing sports. Doing CrossFit has really shifted my motivation to competing with myself and focusing on my own improvements.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I didn’t realize how it would make positive changes in other aspects of my day, like making sure I eat enough throughout the day and drinking enough water to make sure I’m ready to work out and being more conscious about the way I move my body doing everyday things.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Each time I hit a new milestone/PR, especially with movements I wouldn’t have thought I could do before CrossFit or even right before I try the movement. I love surprising myself with what I can do and finding out I’m stronger than I think.
Any advice for people just getting started? Stay consistent and keep showing up. Seeing your least favorite movement or a high rep workout may be intimidating, but it makes it that much more satisfying to finish.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love a good ‘arts and crafts’ project (sewing, macramé, painting, wood burning) and spending time outside, which is usually at WayVine, my husband’s winery and vineyard. I also have a talent for finding stray cats and bringing them home.