"I never imagined just how much the mental aspect of CF would impact me. I’ve always been athletic and confident, but CF has helped strengthen my mental capacity to push through."
Hometown: Lots of places, but Kennett Square for now.
Age: 51
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? March 2018
Favorite WOD: Murph
Least Favorite WOD: Fran
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played baseball, soccer and
wrestled in high school. After college I really didn’t do more than running for fitness.
It became boring and it never felt like I made any progress. I was craving something
different.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD…
what was it, and how did it feel? I was talking with a friend about my high school
wrestling days and how I would love to find something that replicated those
workouts. He explained he recently started CrossFit and it was the best workout he
had experienced since his days playing D1 football. So, I gave it a try. I joined
CrossFit Chadds Ford and loved it. My first WOD was Fran and I thought I was going
to die. But I kept coming back and I was hooked. When CF Chadds Ford went out of
business, I was so disappointed. I had finally found a fitness lifestyle I loved, and it
was gone. Then I found CFKSQ. The coaching and environment was superior to
anything I had experienced before, and I felt immediately like I belonged here.
Annie Osborn coached my first WOD at CFKSQ and I remember how welcoming
she and the other athletes were on my first day here. I’m so glad I joined CFKSQ.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since
starting CF (before/after)? I am in much better shape than I was before CF. I’m
stronger and my cardiovascular health is better. However, most importantly, I have
found that I am generally happier when I stay connected to my fitness routine at
CFKSQ. For me, there is a direct correlation between a consistent, rigorous workout
routine and my mental well-being.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on
something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I never imagined just how much
the mental aspect of CF would impact me. I’ve always been athletic and confident,
but CF has helped strengthen my mental capacity to push through when my body
wants to quit.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: The first time I
completed Murph and the first time I was able to do a bar muscle up.
Any advice for people just getting started? Just show up and don’t feel inadequate
if you scale your workout. Listen to the coaches. Proficiency will come with time
and effort. My goal is to get to CF 3-4 times a week which is a challenge because of
work and family commitments. Sometimes I’ve missed an entire week. But, every
time I go back I’m glad I did. So, just stick with it.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? My
favorite thing to do is spend time with my family, no matter what we’re doing. I love
history and I love visiting historic places. I love to play golf and my game has
definitely improved because of CF.