Paige

1. Hometown?
   Well, I’m from Santa Fe, but I consider
   Alvin my hometown, I love living here!

2. Occupation?
   Consumer Service Coordinator for RiceTec, Inc.

3. Family (spouse/ children)?
   Husband – Rob & Daughter – Presleigh

4. What is your athletic background?
   Uhmmmm, I don’t have one??  I have never been an athlete nor have I ever really exercised on a regular basis.  I am pretty much anti-exercise, ask my family & friends!

5. How long have you been doing CrossFit and where did you start?
   About a year…I started CF in October of 2013 and I started at the very, VERY bottom.  I was not able to do most of what everyone else was doing, but…everything was modified to my needs and I started from there.

6. What did you know about CrossFit before you came in?
   I knew that it got results and that is something that really appealed to me.  I also knew it was going to be hard, but at the same time I was pumped to get in there and try!

7. 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?
   I started the 4:30 class because it was right after work and right on my way home, which gave me ZERO excuses on why I couldn’t make the class.  I started out going 2-3 times a week…and almost died from being so sore.  Now, I’ve found some buddies and I usually go to the 5:30 class (cuz the 5:30 class ROCKS with awesome personalities (wink wink to Jenn and Christi) and I go 3 times a week.

8. What did you think after your first WOD and/or after your first week?
   I thought, oh Lordie, what HAVE I gotten myself into, lol!  It was a bit overwhelming at first, but my CF Coach, Shannon aka Fergs, was very patient when I was not.  He has helped me tremendously with form and, well, just about everything.  I still need help and he STILL helps me.

9. How does CrossFit compare to any other training you’ve done?
   I have tried it all in the past and it never, EVER, lasted beyond a couple weeks.  I would look for excuses to stop and would totally dread they gym & complain about going.  With CF, its different…it’s like a team effort, everyone there is so encouraging and helpful…everyone there WANTS you to do well.  It’s like a family and I really dig the team thing!

10. Why did you start?
    I made up my mind one day that at 45 years old it’s time to get fit and healthy, so I started a Couch to 5K program in June 2013.  I had a knee injury, so I stopped the running program in September 2013, but I had the fitness bug and did NOT want to stop. I started doing CF in the interim to strengthen up my legs, which totally worked because running a mile or two is no big deal now.

11. Why do you keep coming back?
    I come for the team building, for the camaraderie…but mostly, I come for me. I want to be a better, more fit ME.  It’s really the first thing I have ever done that was JUST FOR ME. I have struggled lately with my motivation, but...I’m still coming and that is amazing to me!

12. What are your biggest accomplishment(s) or what are you most proud of? Go ahead, brag a little!
    When I first came to the box, I could not jump up higher than a weight on the ground. Now I can jump 20”. I’m still working towards the 24” box, but it was HUGE deal to me. I also was able to lift the recommended weight for a WOD for the FIRST time the other day, usually I have to modify the weight. It was a rush! I have lost a total of 22 inches over my entire body and I’m down 2 pant sizes. I can do things now at 46 that I couldn’t do at 26 and I am WAY proud of that fact!

13. What is your favorite CrossFit movement?
    Deadlifting is my favorite…it just feels natural to me.

14. What is your least favorite CrossFit movement?
    Power Snatches (UGH UGH UGH) and some of the other lifts that still feel a bit awkward, even after a year, but I’m still working on them.

15. What are your strengths and weaknesses in CrossFit?
    ONE of my many weaknesses is pullups, but hopefully,  I’ll get there. My strength is my probably my deadlift.

16. Have you changed your diet since starting CrossFit?
    I was already eating fairly clean, but I’ve cleaned it up even more. Lots of chicken and veggies!  The holidays were a killer though, so I’m back at it…my husband pleads for more beef at dinner because he is “chickened out”!

17. What is your guilty pleasure/ favorite cheat meal?
    Mexican Food!!! Chips and salsa is my weakness!

18. What is your favorite healthy meal?
    Grilled chicken or fish and grilled veggies.

19. What do you enjoy doing away from the box or tell us something else about yourself?
    I love going to the movies, spending time with my friends and family. I have an awesome support system!

20. Any advice for new members?
    Just keep coming back, even when you don’t want to…you will NOT regret it…DRINK THE KOOL-AID, you’ll love it and become one of us, lol!