TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF THE GYM?
I was born and raised in Indianapolis but moved to Chicago a little over 9 years ago. In the day time I work in supply chain for Ulta Beauty where I lead a supplier performance team. I split my time between our corporate office in Bolingbrook & downtown Chicago. It is not uncommon to find me 1 or 2 days a week working at my favorite local coffee shop, Ridmans! When I am not working or hanging with all my friends at the box, my boyfriend Eric and I love to travel. We make it a priority to travel at least a couple times a year.
WHAT INITIALLY GOT YOU INTO CROSSFIT AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
Like many others, for years I had a hard time staying motivated to consistently stick with any type of physical fitness. In 2014, I decided to challenge myself and signed up for the Chicago Marathon. At that point I had never run more than 5 miles at one time. Hoping to build some strength during my marathon training, and to satisfy Eric who couldn’t stop telling me how wonderful Hardware was, I decided to give Crossfit a try. Not only did it help with my marathon training, but I loved the way that Crossfit made me feel. I keep coming back because there is always a challenge and always a new goal to hit. I love the community environment that Jess and George have built at Hardware and some of my greatest friendships have been made there.
WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My goals are to just keep pushing myself and be consistent. I try to get to the gym at least 5 days every week. Even when I am not feeling my best or if I have had a long stressful day at work, I find those are the days I feel the most rewarded after class. I like the way I feel and at 35 years old I am in the best shape of my life.
WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT OR GOAL YOU’VE REACHED DUE TO CROSSFIT THAT’S MADE YOU THE MOST PROUD?
Getting my first pull-up and climbing my first rope are my two proudest moments. Growing up I was always the chubby and not athletic kid who could not do a pull-up or climb a rope in gym class. A couple days after I got my first rope climb I was on the phone with my mom and casually (not so casually) brought it up. She literally screamed across the house to tell my dad that I climbed a rope. They were proud of me, and that memory always makes me happy.
FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
My favorite movement is front squats and I like any WOD when there is some form of squatting.
LEAST FAVORITE WOD/MOVEMENT?
My least favorite movement is doing burpees! Does anyone really like doing them?!
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT CROSSFIT?
Have comfort in knowing that everyone felt awkward and out of place when they first started. Just keep showing up, listen to the coaches, and don’t take yourself too serious. You will get better, stronger, and will naturally want to keep coming back.
