1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do outside the gym?
I am a high school social studies teacher at Kenwood Academy, a Chicago Public School. I absolutely love teaching and feel motivated, challenged, and inspired by students every day. I am married to the hottest person at Hardware, Akay, and am a proud mama of a sweet pup, Kismet, and three cats: Ruth, Idgie, and Charlie. If you drive through Bowmanville during the summer, you’ve probably seen my butt sticking up as I weed and plant our corner of parkway gardens around our house. As a former college athlete, I love to play basketball and other sports, and love to stay active biking, skiing, kayaking, and exploring Chicago’s beer gardens. I also love going to Sky games!
2. What initially got you into training, and what keeps you coming back?
Two years ago, a few days before my 40th birthday, I threw out my back teaching a class, while bending over to pick up a wire basket. That was a new low. Akay had already started at Hardware and said how wonderful it was, and I took it as a sign that I needed to get back into shape. I loved it right away. I keep coming back for the community, the joy, the excellent coaching, and because it makes me feel strong, healthy, and capable. It’s a form of commitment to self, the returns of which I feel on a daily basis. Also, I love how queer and affirming Hardware is–if only our greater worlds could consistently match the welcome that this community fosters.
3. What are your fitness goals? How close are you to reaching them?
My fitness goals are simple: stay strong, mobile and capable in order to continue to do the things I love for as long as I possibly can. I don’t want to live forever, but for as long as I’m here, I want to do the active things that bring me joy. I’ll reach my goal when I’m still gardening, biking, and shooting hoops in my 70’s.
4. What’s an accomplishment or goal you’ve reached at Hardware that makes you the most proud?
I’m most proud of the habits I’ve formed. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to get my strength back, to be able to lift more now than I did as a D1 athlete, and to feel no pain when I run and play sports. But, what I’m most proud of is that fitness and movement have become part of my daily routine. I am healthier and happier because of it.
5. Favorite WOD/movement?
I love movements where I get a lot of bang for my buck. Burpees, rowing, and short runs are all favorites.
6. Least favorite WOD/movement?
V-ups, hand release push-ups, anything that brings out my vertigo.
7. Any advice for someone interested in trying out Hardware?
Over the years, I had been so turned off by Crossfit and Crossfit-adjacent gyms like Hardware. I thought that were exclusively filled with white cis-het tech bros who grunt too much and take themselves far too seriously. What a joy it’s been to discover a place that has dispelled each one of my assumptions (except for Owen, but can’t win them all :)). So my advice is to treat Hardware like the unicorn that it is and give it a try. And also, don’t let the initial soreness deter you, but also know that YOU WILL BE SO SORE.