Erin
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Age: 43
Occupation: Community volunteer, owner of Brandywine Outdoor Living, recovering pharma exec
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? January 2019. But, I actually joined before in 2013… I kept injuring myself so I quit. Frankly I just had a totally different mindset coming back in 2019. It was up to me to make it a success and no excuses were allowed!
Favorite WOD: It’s a WOD with a lot of body weight exercises and variety, the garage doors are open with a nice breeze and no glue/solvent fumes from next door. Everett is NOT playing country and Kenny and Liz got there early so we got to chat before class. And McVey told me I was kicking butt. And Lauren gave me a hug on her way in. And Molly, Tina, Christine and Holly joined me for an omelet after class. GOOD STUFF, right?
Least Favorite WOD: Lifting heavy with anything overhead… my arms go dead so fast and then it’s just torture.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: Growing up we were outdoor enthusiasts. My favorite activities were hiking/backpacking, kayaking, and rock climbing. I also played lacrosse from a young age but hung up my cleats senior year to pursue other interests. This is the first time in my life that I consistently enjoy something that’s closer to a “gym” experience.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? My husband, Tony, joined Kennett CrossFit the day it opened. My first day out of Fundamentals was a little like being pushed out of the nest. I knew it was time, but it’s hard for people who’ve been there a long time to understand how overwhelming it can be to walk through the door. There are so many things to think about and so many fun people to talk to.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have traps and abs and now, rather than old lady aches and pains in the morning, I have happy/sore muscles.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Other than things like surfing the web for jump ropes at 6 AM, I’ve been delighted by the friendships with people I wouldn’t otherwise know. CFKSQ is boomers, Xers, singles, new parents, desk workers, hand workers, KCSD/UCFSD/AGSD/AGCS/OASD/DE, introverts and extroverts, specimen athletes and weekend warriors…but when you walk through the door, you’re all doing the same thing for that hour. There’s something special about that.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: I have so many. I need to do a special shout out to all the kind, funny and supportive people helping me out in the 9:15, 10:00 and 12:30 classes…your support meant more than you will ever know. I’ll never forget the way the Box pulled together and supported my School Board election campaign, and my first Murph, where I ran the first mile with my buddy Matt Henry and I felt totally badass. Also, competing in Suns Out Guns Out last summer with Tony. It was fun to scheme, outfit plan, and practice with him and the actual event was so much fun. A cold beer was never sweeter.
Any advice for people just getting started? I think you have to be completely determined that it’s something you want to do. I don’t think others can talk you into it, or you can be on the fence. Trust the coaches: they save me from myself. They save me from hurting myself on days where I think I might be She-Ra and they save me from holding back on myself too when they know I’m ready to go heavier or faster.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love to travel and do just about anything with our two kids, aged 15 and 13. I love good food, good wine and good friends. I love to cook.
Tony
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Age: 44
Occupation: Real Estate Investor
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? I joined CFKSQ as soon as it opened. I had been training with Everett at Advanced Fitness in town, and he did a great job of selling CF before the box even opened.
Favorite WOD: Anything body weight.
Least Favorite WOD: Fran. Strange how four minutes of work can make me sore for four days.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played multiple sports growing up: soccer, volleyball, basketball, skiing. I was pretty burned out from training year-round for soccer by the time I went to college and needed a break. I took up Tae-Kwon-Do.
I never did regular strength training until I met Drew Thornfeldt, a work colleague/friend who had just attended the NFL combine and was an amazingly positive jolt of energy. A bunch of us would meet at the Kennett YMCA at 5:00 am and have Drew lead us through work outs…the other early morning regulars called it “Body by Drew”. I would actually see Everett Gordon fairly regularly back then. We didn’t know each other, but he was a trainer at the Y, and worked out in the mornings.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I don’t remember the first WOD specifically. The gym was about a quarter of the size it is now. The workouts were so different than I was used to, and I had no idea how to pace myself through a WOD. As a type-A personality, I went 110% all the time, every WOD, and thought more was always better. I would go seven days a week if my schedule allowed, and my body broke down from bad form, over training, and not knowing how to take care of my body outside of the gym (mobility, foam rollers, intentional rest, etc.).
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I’ve seen tremendous gains since I started CrossFit. I’ve gotten stronger, improved mobility, and gained 20 lbs! But I also learned that I don’t need to chase a PR every single workout. I’ve been doing CrossFit for 8 years and now I pace myself/scale workouts so that I can keep doing it for 20 more years!
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? It’s my community and mental happy place. I travel a ton for work, so when we aren’t in COVID lock-down I can only make it to two or three CF classes a week. That said, I love seeing my fellow 7:00 am regulars. I feel like Norm walking into Cheers. For those 60 minutes, I don’t think about work or life stress, and it’s wonderful. Also, love the holiday parties when you get to see everyone showered and in normal clothes…people are almost unrecognizable.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: I don’t usually compete in competitions because I get too nervous, but I had a great time competing in Suns-Out-Guns-Out with my wife, Erin. I think it’s a fun and approachable format and love that it’s just our box.
Any advice for people just getting
started? I would focus on form and proper
movements first. My philosophy is to
always scale a workout if need be so that I can come back tomorrow. I would much rather someone feel a workout is
“too easy” or “too light”, than get hurt or be too sore to come back the next
day. With a good foundation, gains will
come quickly.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I
really enjoy traveling and eating. My
favorite thing is to walk a new city and absorb its vibe. Oh, and I only do CrossFit so I can eat
whatever I want and not feel bad about it.