Hometown?
Alvin, TX since I was 5 years old

Occupation?
Nurse Practitioner

What is your athletic background?
I was always a tomboy as a kid, but I didn’t chase any athletic pursuits until 2009 when I tried the Couch To 5K running program. After 10 months of training, I ran the Aramco Houston Half Marathon in 2010. I didn’t have the greatest time, but I finished!  After a prolonged “break”, it was hard for me to muster up the motivation to start again. I had a membership at a local gym and would take a spin class once or twice a week and monkey around with weight machines before getting bored.

How long have you been doing CrossFit and where did you start?
I started at Alvin CrossFit on May 29, 2013

What did you know about CrossFit before you came in?
Very little. I discovered CrossFit while researching exercise methods that yielded the best results for the time spent doing them. I watched several videos and checked out websites and decided to give it a go. I also had decided that I wasn’t going to lift anything heavy. I laugh about that now.

Which class time(s) do you attend and how many times a week did you come when you started AND about how many times a week now?
When I first began, I attended 3 days per week, then added a day…then added a day…now you can find me there most days after work!

What did you think after your first WOD and/or after your first week?
It was tough, I was sore, but I felt great for having completed it. I actually think I have the second longest baseline time at the box but I didn’t care. I felt like I had accomplished something. I knew I could only improve. I’ve been addicted to the results ever since.

How does CrossFit compare to any other training you’ve done?
There’s a plan. There are great coaches to make sure you are doing things correctly and to help you improve. Exercises are modifiable and scalable to meet the needs of every aspiring athlete. There’s a great sense of community here. Everybody is so encouraging and I’ve made some good friends here. I’ve never been to a gym where people cheer “you can do this!” “you’re strong!”

Why did you start?
Empty nest syndrome hit me hard. I gained weight and felt a bit lost. I had been wrapped up in my daughter’s life for so many years, I forgot what it was like to pay attention to myself.

Why do you keep coming back?
It’s fun even when it’s not. Even when my body is tired and sore and telling me to quit, my mind overrides and reminds me of how strong I am. It’s really a great affirmation at the end of the day.

What are your biggest accomplishment(s) or what are you most proud of? Go ahead, brag a little!
I’ve lost 30 pounds so far and have gained muscle. I’m fitting into clothes now that I had fit in at a lighter weight before. I’m so stoked hitting new PR’s. I haven’t tried it in a couple of months, but my last deadlift PR was 205 pounds. I finally got a jump rope double-under! I’m working at stringing more of those together. I love feeling strong! I don’t need my asthma inhaler as much as I used to. I have psoriatic arthritis, which has actually IMPROVED since incorporating exercise. I have 30 pounds less to carry around and stronger muscles to support my joints.

What is your favorite CrossFit movement?
I love the barbell and lifting. There are so many technical aspects for the physics to be right. When you get it right, it’s a rush.

What is your least favorite CrossFit movement?
Upside-down moves like handstands and wall walks. Much of it is a mental game with me. I’m working on it.

What are your strengths and weaknesses in CrossFit?
Both my strength and weakness are stubbornness and perfectionism.

Have you changed your diet since starting CrossFit?
I’ve cleaned up my diet quite a bit. More vegetables, fruit and lean meat. I try to look at my food as the fuel I need, not entertainment. I like to go to farmers markets or Froberg’s Farm for fresh vegetables. I don’t need as many sweets as I used to have. I still remember what a chocolate chip cookie tastes like. I don’t need reminding that frequently. I don’t drink sodas, nor any artificial sweeteners, which interestingly enough make you hungrier. I do have the occasional indulgence, but I choose them wisely and don’t overdo it.

What is your guilty pleasure/ favorite cheat meal?
Indian or Thai food

What is your favorite healthy meal?
A large colorful green salad with grilled protein of some kind and various fresh vegetables/fruit/nuts.

What do you enjoy doing away from the box or tell us something else about yourself?
I am an avid knitter and love to read. When it warms up and there are more daylight hours for training, I’ll be participating in more 5K’s and runs. I’d like to run another half marathon.

Any advice for new members?
Don’t sweat it if your scale isn’t moving. In fact, most people see a “gain” initially that is new muscle and blood vessel growth. Your body composition will change and the scale weighs everything, not just fat. I’ve had entire months where the scale didn’t budge but PR’s and changes were happening. Take your measurements and take note of how your clothes fit. If you keep doing healthy things, your body will respond. The lingo can be confusing, but you’ll pick it up quick. There are modifications and ways to scale down exercises to fit something your body can do. Listen to your body, but not when it’s just being whiney. Dead last finish beats did not finish beats did not start!