How long have you been doing CrossFit? Who or what got you started?

I’ve only been doing CrossFit for about a year now. My husband Patrick joined a year ago as well and I decided I wanted to tag along like a clingy child. And I’m still here.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: (Family, career, hobbies, interests)

I’m a thirty-year-old Colorado native who just graduated with my Master’s in Literature from CU Boulder (currently waiting to see if I get accepted into PhD programs). Before pursuing graduate school, I was a hairstylist for ten years. Currently, I am jobless and questioning every life decision (joking, kind of).

What is your favorite memory at Alpine CrossFit?

Meeting and befriending so many amazing people, people I would have never approach in a regular gym setting. I’ve never felt so welcomed in a space like this.

What was your workout regimen before joining Alpine?

I’ve done yoga for years, but other than that I’ve typically avoided gyms (books over barbells, ya know?). I was always very intimidated by gym culture. So, in short, what regimen?

 How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

I feel stronger and more confident in myself, my strength, and in the way I look. Last December I couldn’t lift a snow blower into the back of our truck and my husband had to find a worker to assist us. I felt embarrassed and useless as I watched them load the snow blower onto the truck bed. That’s part of the reason I joined CrossFit in the first place.

If you could write a book, what would it be about?

A gothic novel. Probably about ghosts or vampires. Death is mandatory.

What category would you be least excited/most excited to see on Jeopardy?

Anything sports or cars related. The only sports I’m familiar with are Celebrity Death Match and the Great British Bake-off.

 What was your first workout, and what did you think after doing it?

At CrossFit? I’m not sure, I blacked that out. In life? Depression. It was okay.

What is your favorite and least favorite WOD?

I’m going to cheat a bit and say that I favor anything cardio-related. I can usually maintain my breath and heart rate during cardio exercises. Not so much while lifting, we’re still working on that.

What are your favorite and least favorite movements?

I’m really into toes to rings/bar lately. They’re kind of fun now that I’m getting the hang of them. My least favorite is Snatches, by far. Clusters suck also.

What advice would you give a newbie just getting started at Alpine CrossFit?

Be patient with yourself and celebrate the minor achievements, no matter how small they are. This isn’t a race, it is a journey. Every day is a new opportunity to grow and become a stronger and better person. It doesn’t happen overnight. It may feel like you are making little progress, but one day you’ll show up, and suddenly that one movement will finally make sense. Or you’ll lift more than you’ve ever lifted before. Don’t compare yourself to others, just be proud that you’ve made it this far.