When did you first start training at FOCF?: July 2011
Favorite WOD: Anything that doesn’t consist of running with additional weight! 🙂
Least Favorite WOD: I actually love the way I feel after all of the workouts so I would have to say prior to and during the WODs I have a love/hate relationship with them, but afterwards the sense of accomplishment is amazing.
Tell us about you sports & fitness background: I played volleyball, basketball and track (thrower, not runner) in high school. I played volleyball in college. In my early 20’s I competed in bodybuilding and power lifting which took up a tremendous amount of time. I finally got burnt out with the gym and was a “weekend warrior” for several years. I never really had the motivation to work out the way I used to.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? I attended a health seminar at PNNL a few years ago and Fallout Crossfit had a poster there. I really wanted to try it, but was intimidated thinking that everyone would be lean, in great shape and looked like Tim. 🙂 I think he was the one promoting it at that time! I finally talked a friend into trying it with me. I instantly loved it and knew that this was the perfect workout for me. I love working out hard, but lacked the motivation to do so by myself.
Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? The thing that I remember most was the lack of strength I had while doing pull ups and the inability to sit or walk straight for several days.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? I have noticed an increase in strength over the year that I have been coming. I feel great. I have rarely missed either session each week, which is a big accomplishment for me! I really enjoyed starting to increase the level of my work out by going from a 1 to 2, and sometimes a 3. Once I get my food portions under control, I think I will really see the changes I am hoping for!
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I have a lot more energy. Overall I just feel good. As hard as it is to get up for the 5:30am class, the benefit stays with me all day. It impacts the rest of my day in a great way.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / FOCF moments: I really enjoy the people who are part of Crossfit. It makes it fun coming to class knowing that you will have a supportive group there to cheer you on. The accountability that we hold each other to helps me to stay motivated as well.
Any advice for people just getting started? Don’t be intimidated! It is amazing what the members, who I see in the morning class have accomplished all ready. I am not much of a cheerleader, but I am constantly impressed by the growth I see in others each week. It never is easy, but it does get easier! 🙂
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I really enjoy the outdoors including camping, hiking, running without additional weight 🙂 and walking in the park with my dog. I play volleyball in adult leagues throughout the year. I love to travel and take every opportunity to do so.
