Age: 30
Occupation: Substitute teacher (K-12)and Head Volleyball Coach at Nooksack Valley High School, and part-time stay at home mom to 2 kids (Hayden- almost 4, Wyatt- 1 1/2)
Which class time do you usually attend? Noon but occasionally 7 am or 4:00/5:00
How long have you been CrossFitting? Since January 2015
How did you find CrossFit i1uvit? Angie Alvord bought me the intro class for my birthday and made me do it. I literally had no choice. But so glad she did!
What is your athletic/fitness background (If applicable): I played a handful of sports through middle school and then volleyball, basketball, and fastpitch in high school. I went on to play volleyball at Western Washington University (with Angie Alvord). My senior year we went to the NCAA DII National Championship in Kansas.
Favorite WOD: Annie
Favorite lift or movement: Double unders, box jumps, sprinting as fast as I can for 3 out of 10 sprints (haha), and bar muscle ups
Least favorite WOD: 16.something: 55 dead lifts at a million pounds, 55 wall balls, 55 calorie row, and 55 hspu. It literally took me a week to recover- both mentally and physically. It took me to a dark place.
Least favorite movement: hand stand pushups, hanging from a bar for a minute, and running with a kettle bell
Favorite life quote: This really isn't a quote but more of a way of life I try to live by: Live your life glass half-full.
Favorite “guilty pleasure” food: Wine, beer, nachos, pizza, pasta, french fries, bacon cheese burgers, bacon in general.. Let's just say it's a good thing I exercise!
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness? During and after having babies, I didn't work out for roughly two years. I made every excuse not to exercise. My identity was being smothered by being a mom. And don't get me wrong- I love everything about being a mom, BUT CrossFit has helped me bring back a part of me that was missing: being an athlete. Although I'm not wearing a jersey, I'm competing against other "crossfitters", but more importantly- myself. CrossFit has showed me it's ok to get a babysitter and make time for just myself. There are times I can hardly sit on the toilet, I'm so sore. But it feels good. Plus, I feel like I'm showing my kids, especially my daughter, that women can be strong and have big muscles. I NEVER talk about weight or image. Instead, I talk about being healthy. Mom doesn't exercise to lose weight- she exercises to be strong and healthy.
Who or what motivates/inspires you to keep coming back? I don't care about my back squat or dead lift max but what REALLY motivates me is reaching my goals, like my first pull-up or first bar muscle up... or ok ok... beating Angie in a WOD (which is kind of like a lunar eclipse these days but every once in awhile it happens... like when Cragle live broadcasts it over Twitter. Hahahaha!) Also, I'm really inspired by people who consistently give their all- leaving it all out on the floor no matter their "crossfit level."
What is your proudest CrossFit achievement? Bar muscle up for sure!
Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit? Ring muscle ups! And I want to do pull-ups with a weight hanging from a belt (that is bad a@$)
Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit? Camping with my family, trail-riding, women's league volleyball, dating my husband, and girls nights
Any advice for new members? Dive right into the WOD! Don't hold back! Also, listen to the coaches because they have great advice.
Any additional thoughts/shout-outs/comments: Shout out to Matt, Kaylee, Chris, Erica, and Patrick. Your positive attitudes and enthusiasm are contagious and so motivating!