Gretchen Hovde

   

Age: 32
Occupation: Stay at home mom to Quinny(5) and Drew(3).
Which class time do you usually attend? I shoot for 9:30(T/Th) or noon.
How long have you been CrossFitting? I went consistently for 2 years...took a 14 month hiatus, and have now been back for 3 months.
How did you find CrossFit i1uvit? Honestly, I don't even remember how I found about i1uvit. I think I heard through word of mouth that there was a new Crossfit gym opening up 3 miles from my house, and that was all I needed to know. I emailed Matt and told him I was coming in, and that was that.
What is your athletic/fitness background (If applicable) I played recreational and select soccer from the ages of 12-19.
Favorite WOD: I love Chippers.
Favorite lift or movement: Front and back squats.
Least favorite WOD: Ugh, hands down Kelly. I'm also not a huge fan of the 21-18-15-12-9-6-3 thruster/burpee wod.
Least favorite movement: Snatches
Favorite life quote: "It's a good day to have a good day."
Favorite “guilty pleasure” food: Food trucks, specifically taco trucks. I also have a huge sweet tooth.
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness? In every way possible. I am a much happier/nicer person because of Crossfit. (My husband will vouch for that 😜). I am more aware of what I eat and drink. (Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym...blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda). And I feel like I'm able to handle curveballs in life a little better. (Maybe because I'm less anxious and stressed out?) As far as level of fitness, I don't have the endurance I had when I was 18, but I am a heck of a lot stronger then I was when I was 18.
Who or what motivates/inspires you to keep coming back? My daughters are the driving force behind almost everything I do. I want them to know that it's ok if they're not the strongest or the fastest person on the field, or in the gym. What's important is that they show up, they try hard, and they don't give up. Results will happen, you just have to give it some time. This second go around at i1uvit has been amazing for myself, as well Quinny and Drew. They love coming to the gym and watching the classes. They would sit on the stairs the whole time if I let them. They know that going to Crossfit makes me happy, (and sweaty, lol). And that's something that I want them to associate with working out, HAPPINESS.
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement? I think my biggest achievement was taking that first step back into i1uvit. After taking 14 months off, I was so nervous and intimidated to come back. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, and I knew I was out of shape, and more then likely, I would be sore everyday for a long time coming...but I went back anyways. And I'm SO thankful I did. Every week each movement is getting a little easier, and I'm getting a little stronger, and I'm really proud of that.
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through Crossfit: my goal is a bar muscle up. I wasn't able to get them last go around, and I'm determined I will get one before the new year.
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit: Lots of camping in the summer with my family. We also spend a lot of time at the beach. Both my parents and Dane's parents live on gooseberry point. So we are always out there exploring and having fun. I also love reading, a lot. And folding ungodly amounts of laundry every other day.
Any advice for new members? Have fun, and don't give up. It's a lot easier to quit then it is to keep going...don't sell yourself short. Crossfit is as much a mental challenge, as it is a physical challenge. Set little goals for yourself, and soon enough those little goals will turn into bigger and bigger goals. Also, keep in mind...Crossfit is a lot cheaper then a therapist. 👍🏻😉
Any additional thoughts/shout-outs/comments: Without my husband Dane, I would never started cf in the first place. I needed to do something after I had Drew, and he encouraged me to give i1uvit a try. Here I am over 3.5 years later...and I'm hooked. There are days when me going to class may not be the most convenient for our family's schedule, but Dane knows how huge of a priority i1uvit is to me, and he always helps me make it work. Matt and Kaylee, you two have created a place and atmosphere that many, many people love so much. Thank you!! And also, thank you for adding back the Tuesday/Thursday 9:30am class. That was really the deciding factor in my return to i1uvit. (Coffee club reincarnated). Erica C. you are truly a saint...on any given Tuesday or Thursday you can have upwards of 15 kids in childcare, and you handle it like a champ!! All the i1uvit coaches, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to come in and help every get 1% better each day. Because of i1uvit, I have made some incredible friends. Mel, you are one of my favorite people in this whole world. You are constantly looking for the good in everyone, and you never ever complain about anything!! Tar, you are physically and mentally one of the strongest women I have ever met. Your ability to put your head down, and push through the pain is remarkable and awe inspiring. Dana, I am so happy you drank the crossfit koolaid, and love it as much as I do! You always give 110%, and are game for whatever tomorrows workout has in store for you!!

Honestly, I can't say enough about the all the amazing i1uvit members. In particular, the super STRONG women that attend i1uvit classes. There are so many of you awesome ladies!!! Just know, you all inspire me to run a little faster, push a little harder, and dig a little deeper everyday.