Danny Maitland
Hometown: Claymont, Delaware
Age: 36
Occupation: 7-12 Principal Avon Grove Charter School and Real Estate Investor
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? January 2017
Favorite WOD: Anything with Muscle-ups, push-ups, or toes to bar
Least Favorite WOD: Assault Bike workouts ( I truly hate that bike)
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I played baseball, basketball, and football for as long as I can remember. In high school, I focused on basketball, but as I got older, my interest turned to weightlifting and flag football. Throughout my mid-20’s and early 30’s I traveled throughout the east coast participating in flag football tournaments. At this point in my life, I rarely play football and most of my fitness revolves around CrossFit. Moving forward, I hope to continue to improve the skills I need to become a more well-rounded CrossFit athlete.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? Big John got me to come to the box on a Sunday morning for an endurance workout. Going into it, I thought I was in pretty good shape, but after I realized how out of shape I really was. After that workout, I am pretty sure I went home and didn’t move off of the couch for the rest of day. I literally could barely move!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have a completely different few of what fitness means and looks like. I now know what my strengths and weaknesses are in the spectrum of fitness. I truly believe that Crossfit is training for life, and I look forward to continue to train for real-life situations. From a fitness standpoint, I am in the best shape of my life. I hope I can say the same thing well into my 40’s.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? By nature I am a pretty confident person, but Crossfit has humbled me a bit. To not be able to perform some of the movements really bothers me, and is evidence that I still have a long way to go with Crossfit. Additionally, Crossfit has taught me the true meaning of mental toughness.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: I enjoy the competition that Crossfit provides each day; however, getting to have a good time with Ham, Big John, and Landen is important to me.
Any advice for people just getting started? Don’t buy into the stories that are out there regarding the negative aspects of Crossfit. We have great coaches who teach technique, if you listen you will excel.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? It’s all about my family outside of my job and Crossfit. My job entails a lot of time and real estate compounds those hours, so any additional time goes to my wife and kids.
Jennifer Tetlow
Hometown: Langhorne, Pennsylvania
Age: 45
Occupation: Sales Operations & Mom of three
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? April 2017
Favorite WOD: I like the long WODs – especially if it gives me the opportunity to improve a skill I’m trying to master. We did a nice, long hero WOD named Trevor. It was 300 pull ups, 400 pushups, 500 sit ups & 600 air squats in a team of four. My quad (#team Becky, Corey, Jen & Liz) were awesome and we all pushed each other to work hard and finish quickly.
Least Favorite WOD: WODs that are heavy on burpees and thrusters – but I remain committed to getting them over to my favorites list someday!
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I was active growing up, rec soccer, softball, field hockey and running. In my twenties, I was mostly running on and off. I didn’t truly get fit until my thirties when I tried everything like strength training, running, heated yoga and kickboxing.
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 trying to get back in shape after baby number three and met Corey Daddezio at a Boot Camp class. She mentioned that she just started CrossFit and asked if I wanted to go. It took a little convincing, but I was hooked after the first time! I think my first WOD was a few rounds of Clean and Jerks with a 200-meter run.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? When I started CrossFit, I was carrying all the weight I gained during pregnancy, even after three years. While I grew stronger through CrossFit, I wasn’t dropping weight and was prone to injury. The ‘aha’ moment came after completing the Nutrition Challenge; I finally understood that I can’t exercise my way to health and that I needed to improve my diet. Since then, I’ve become more flexible, quick and strong. My overall health is great, and I feel amazing.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I’m probably repeating what others have said, but I definitely have more confidence and motivation. I’ve challenged myself to show up often, work hard, honestly critique myself and find ways to improve each day. It has become a habit in my daily life.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: There are many! My first Friday Night Lights last year, getting double unders, Nutrition Challenge, and watching my friends get PRs. Also, Ken Blackburn dressed as Everett for Halloween was pretty memorable.
Any advice for people just getting started? Keep going, even when you feel like you’re too sore, tired, etc. Improving skills is a process and the coaches and fellow Crossfitters are the most supportive and helpful people I’ve met. They can help you scale and will give their time to help anyone who asks.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I’m a total book nerd and read whenever I get a few minutes of spare time. I enjoy volunteering, gardening and I co-lead my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. My husband and I like to attend local events like Brewfest, Wine Tastings and the Mushroom Festival. Travel is my true passion though, and we try to do it whenever we can. This year I/we have trips planned to England, Iceland, Mexico, Vermont, and Rehoboth Beach – I’m super excited for spring and summer!