1. How did your journey with CrossFit Northland begin? How long have you been a member of CrossFit Northland? What made your dice to join a CrossFit gym at that time?
I have been a member at CFN for 7 years. At that time, I had gone through a divorce and become a single mother with three young boys. One evening at wrestling practice I met my now-husband Shane and he invited me to the KC Police Academy CrossFit box for our first date. I had a very rough introduction to my first WOD which came complete with rope climbs and pull-ups. We still laugh because his romantic words to me were, “If you need to throw up, there’s a bucket over there”. He and I parted ways for a brief time and even though I didn’t have him, I wanted to keep up on those awful (and awesome) workouts so came to CFN on the recommendation of former member and student teacher of mine, Sara Spisak.
2. Tell us about your fitness/health background?
Growing up I was a swimmer and not-so-great gymnast. When I went to college, I fell off the workout wagon completely, gained weight, and thankfully had to take a class called Lifetime Fitness that required 150 minutes a week of exercise and a signature from someone to verify my participation. That led to signing up for some hard core aerobics classes which I continued throughout college. After college, it was weightlifting and a little bit of running. I even won two bodybuilding contests but discovered I liked food too much for those, ‘hangry’ ALL the time. Then it was the short-course triathlon phase, the marathon phase (5), and now it’s CrossFit. This one’s going to stick because I LOVE it!
3. How has CFN played a role in your life outside of the gym?
The workouts, coaching staff and friends at CFN are OFTEN what keep me feeling sane when life is chaotic. I have more confidence in all that I do because with CrossFit comes with regular short-term and long-term goal setting and doing hard things every time you show up!
4. What are some changes you’ve noticed in yourself during your time here at CFN? (Physically, mentally, capabilities, daily life, etc.)
My time at CFN has happened alongside finding my ‘Plan B’ in life which is better than I could have imagined! I have become stronger both physically and mentally. When I started doing Crossfit, I could not climb a rope, do a box jump, get a 14lb ball to the line more than a few times (just ask Jason!), or do a single pull-up or toes-to-bar. At 47, I can do all of those things! Mentally, Crossfit has helped me through some of the toughest hurdles life has handed me so far. At work, my strength and energy helps me keep up with the students I serve as a speech pathologist. I’ve learned many lessons from the coaches and members at CFN about working hard, persevering and giving myself grace when it’s needed.
5. In your opinion, what is the most valuable aspect of Crossfit Northland?
It is absolutely the level of coaching provided to perform movements safely and get through even the toughest of workouts. It is also the sense of belonging I have because of the upbeat, positive environment I encounter every time I come to a class. CFN is full of warm, caring, genuine, like-minded people!
6. What is your favorite CFN memory?
I have two. The first is the Crossfit 816 Halloween Throwdown two years ago. I was on a team with Vincent Cascone and Brian Otte and actually had FUN competing even though it’s not usually my thing. Another favorite memory was making it to the top of the mountain on the 14er trip. I’d never hiked or even owned a pair of hiking boots until a week before. The group of hikers and positive words from Jason and David helped me get to the summit.
7. What would you tell someone that is considering joining a CrossFit gym?
For CFN specifically, I would tell them they CAN do it and not to be scared! The coaches will help you every step of the way and always give options that work for your skill level. In general, I would emphasize the community feel of a good CrossFit gym that makes it so different from a regular gym. It’s like a large family to help encourage every bit of progress.
8. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation