Loryn Furey
Hometown: Pleasantville, NY. I am a New Yorker at heart but have lived here in Kennett Square for 7 years. I love it here and think it’s a great place to raise a family. I may even eventually turn into an Eagles fan.
Age: 43
Occupation: Inventory Planner for Estee Lauder
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? April 2017
Favorite WOD: Anything involving running or burpees
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with thrusters.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played Field Hockey in High School. Running has always been a passion of mine and I have run the NYC Marathon 4 times.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I had lots of friends and neighbors that had tried CrossFit but I was always too intimidated to try it. Kelly Rubincan finally convinced me to try it. I honestly have no idea what my first WOD was, but I do remember being so intimidated by all of those 5am-ers that I am now happy to call my friends.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Having struggled with an eating disorder in my twenties I have always had a difficult relationship with the scale. Having never really lifted a weight in my life I admittedly struggled at first with how my body was changing. However, as I have gotten stronger I am amazed at what our bodies can do when we take care of them. I have learned that it is so much more about how you feel than the number on the scale.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? CrossFit has taken me completely out of my comfort zone and pushed me to do things I otherwise would never have done. It has given me confidence both in and out of the gym.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: We were doing a repeat workout and Everett had challenged me to beat my previous time with more weight. I knew I was going to be close and with about a minute left Everett just stood over me and encouraged me to keep going. I struggled, but I beat my time and felt such a sense of accomplishment. Thanks Everett!
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I have two young boys that keep me on my toes all day long. I look forward to spending time with them and my husband on the weekends when we all get to slow down for a bit. I love to go for a run when I can fit it in.
Any advice for people just getting started? Listen to the coaches. Be patient and don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t be afraid to do things that take you out of your comfort zone.
Brian Regenye
Hometown: Unionville
Age: 46
Occupation: Sales – Graphic Design and Print Production Services
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? June 2016
Favorite WOD: AMRAPS – make a chalk line for quick counts, then dig in and go!
Least Favorite WOD: I’m torn on this one because I have a love hate relationship with Chippers. There’s nothing better than finishing those high reps, but getting started is just the absolute worst because my mind is focused on the numbers.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Tennis was my main sport in High School and beyond, but I haven’t picked up a racket in many years. I expect I’ll get back to it after all the kids sports and coaching slows down.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? Mike Haggarty invited me to join when I was coaching his son Matt at KAU Little League, but it took me a few years to actually do it. My first workout I can only remember box jumps, push ups, shortness of breath and the realization that I really should have listened to Mike and started this a few years earlier!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?
Increased physical strength is an obvious change, but the increase in mental strength and stamina is the bigger win for me. Running was never a favorite, but just this past week we did a mile run and my approach and focus on the goal would be a complete 180 from what I thought on my first 1 mile run. Even beyond that, I know that I can do better on the next one.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? The CFKSQ community is amazing and the friendships created were way beyond expectations. There’s so much more than the get in, get out, get on with your day mentality I’ve experienced in the past. I look forward to the next workout!
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Ken Blackburn dressed as Everett – complete with mac keyboard, red sweatshirt and hat on backwards – plus Ken was on time that day!
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love spending time with my wife Isla (20 year anniversary this September!) and kids Jack, Sean & Sara. We have a lot of sport events and our weekends are packed with cheering on the kids. I also enjoy motorcycles and the “therapy” provided during a road trip, so I challenged myself to tour each of the lower 48 states before I turned 48 – I’ve got 2 years and only 8 states to go!
Any advice for people just getting started? It’s a journey. We all have different starting points and goals along the way, but you’ll notice that everyone here is encouraging you to keep going.