Erin Frie
Hometown: West Chester, Pennsylvania
Age: 26
Occupation: Kindergarten teacher
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? January 2018
Favorite WOD: Anything with burpees (I know…), handstand push-ups, squats and running.
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with the bike, rowing or farmer’s carry.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played soccer starting in elementary school up until I graduated from high school. I ran for a while after that and tried doing my own workouts at Planet Fitness until I found CrossFit!
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? In 2015 my husband was active duty Army and I just moved to Washington state to be with him. I did not know anyone, was shy and nervous being so far from home for the first time. I went to the gym on base and it offered various free fitness classes. CrossFit was one of the classes that was offered and taught completely by volunteers who had different CrossFit level certifications. I fell in love with the community and the variety of workouts. I met some great people who made me feel like I belonged and not alone. We are still friends to this day. We moved back home in 2017 where I joined CrossFit West Chester until we bought a house in Landenberg and I joined CrossFit Kennett Square.
My first WOD was in the beginning of July and I remember wondering why the gym did not have air conditioner (still wondering that). Washington has dry heat; however, it was one of the hottest summers on record and no AC… Needless to say, I survived and am still loving CrossFit almost 4 years later! I do not remember much of what the workout consisted of. I do remember liking that everyone was working for the same goal (to finish) and that pushed me to keep going and finish it. I like that CrossFit is different every day and pushes you further than you think you can go.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Before I started CrossFit, I was trying my best to stay in shape and eat healthy. I have always found that important. However, I realized I was not eating the right amount of proper foods to sustain the workouts. Since starting CrossFit, I have found my cardio is still great, even if I am not running 6 miles a day. I am stronger and prouder of how I look. I have gained muscle mass and am able to do things I could not before.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I am still using the strategies taught by Jared during the Nutrition Challenge. I enjoy eating healthy because it makes me feel good. I also am very self-conscious and CrossFit has helped me try to change my mindset.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Completing my first ever Open workout!
Any advice for people just getting started? It might seem so difficult at first, but it is worth it in the end! Keep trying and remember you are stronger than you think you are, don’t underestimate yourself.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love to read and could do that all
day if I had the time. The beach is my
favorite place and where I relax the most. I enjoy spending time with my husband, dog
Duke, my family and friends. My husband and I love to travel, hike, find
new and local restaurants/breweries/wineries.
I also love country music.
Lincoln Blackwell
Hometown: Parkesburg, Pa
Age: 36
Occupation: Tax Analyst, JP Morgan
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? April 2018
Favorite WOD: Anything with a push press or tire flips – super fun.
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with burpees, WOD -s pecific Devil’s press
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
I was a high school athlete a long time back, but since I really hadn’t been very athletic regularly until joining CrossFit.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel?Karan had often times mentioned it in the office, and we got to talking about it, and he convinced me to come in and check it out. I’d long needed to get healthier and more active, and this was exactly that opportunity for me. The hardest part was coming through the door, but I’m so glad I did, as it’s become a part of my life I now can’t imagine not having it be a significant part of it. The structure and support was and remains incredible. The first WOD was heavily scaled, and I remember it having power cleans and burpees to a box. It was tough but marked the start of something great for me.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? The changes took a little bit to start showing, but overall my health has improved dramatically, my clothes fit me much better (starting to need smaller ones), and I feel so much better. I’ve lost over 30 pounds so far, and I feel stronger than I have in many years. I feel very strongly that joining CrossFit and sticking with it has saved my life, and is adding healthy years to it. I had chronic knee problems when I started that plagued me for years, and I have seen this pain all but completely disappear. It gives me a real sense of pride to see how far I have come to this point, and gives me a lot of motivation heading forward. The thing I needed to learn in addition to regular attendance is the diet component, it is completely true that you cannot out-train a bad diet.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I really didn’t expect a few things when I joined, that have really made an impact on me, and continue to do so: 1. the outpouring of support and encouragement from the coaches and fellow athletes in this journey. I see why this is called a community, and I am deeply appreciative of all the support and help I have received to this point. And 2. I never thought I’d catch on and get the movements down and keep attending regularly. In the past, I would start strongly, but would fade and lose interest. But since joining CrossFit and committing myself to attending it has been the exact opposite. If I was told a year ago that I could come close to completing things like friday night lights and the Murph, I would say that it was crazy. But now I look for my next challenge and getting better every day, it has been a process to get to here, but it’s really changed me for the better in a lot of ways, and it’s made a real impact on me.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: Friday night lights. I was sooo nervous, but it was fantastic, and marked a real turning point for me in my journey.
Any advice for people just getting started? Patience is key, huge changes don’t happen overnight and one can’t
generally go ‘all-out’ from day one. it took me some time to learn to be
patient and scale and develop skills and strength over time. Often
times starting out I pushed myself too hard too fast, and aggravated my
knee. It was really helpful to take a small step back and re-focus with
the help and support of the coaching staff, I know I would not still be a
member without their patience, support and encouragement.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I play guitar and I sing a little. I enjoy playing and
watching competitive sports, football, baseball, hockey and basketball.