Featured Athlete - Leah S
1. How long have you been doing CrossFit? If not with CFWP, how/where did you start?
I have been doing Crossfit for about 10 months now. I did barely 2 months of CrossFit last summer and I thought it wasn't for me because the gym wasn't a good fit for me. I have done about 11 months of CF at CFWP and did 2 months of CF last summer at a different CF gym.
2. What was your life like prior to your CrossFit training and why did you decide you wanted to start working with a coach?
I was active - I like to hike a lot, I (tried to) run every now and then. But I hadn't worked out in a couple of years. I decided to start working with a coach because I will never just go to a gym and work out. I wanted to make changes I knew I would never make on my own and I am much more motivated to make progress if I work with people who will hold me accountable.
3. What have been your greatest challenges (physically, mentally, emotionally) since you began your CrossFit training?
My greatest physical challenge has been asthma that I developed this last year. It is really frustrating when I can't finish a WOD or dread a workout because it involves running or wall balls or jump roping. Mentally I tend to doubt myself a lot and think I won't be able to do something, which keeps me from excelling from the start. But you will be surprised with what your body can do if you think positively.
4. How has your life changed since starting CrossFit training? Has CrossFit transferred over into any other areas of your life?
CrossFit has given me a lot of confidence over all in my everyday life. I'm not as nervous to try new things, and more importantly I'm not embarrassed if I don't succeed the first time - in whatever it is I am trying for the first time. But most importantly, the people at CFWP have played a big role in helping me be comfortable in my own skin, not just during CrossFit, but in everything I do. Being a part of a community of people who help each other, cheer each other on, encourage you to keep going, etc. is a blessing for me and it has made my outlook on many aspects of life change for the better. So thank you CFWP!
5. What is your favorite thing about CFWP?
Hands down the people. And how much we all laugh (except while I'm doing double unders). I love the positive and friendly atmosphere. I really like that CFWP is about improving your life as a whole, not just physically. (I know I have yet to attend a goal setting meeting - but I swear I really will!)
6. Favorite movement?
Cleans
7. Least favorite movement?
Squat snatches
8. What advice would you give to others?
Please don't give up. It took me almost 11 months to do a ring dip or hand stand walk (and that was on accident - I don't even know if I can duplicate what I did on purpose). But I will keep trying!
9. What are some personal goals you are looking to achieve in the coming months?
There are some big accounts at work I have been working on for a long time and would really like to get their business by the end of next quarter (end of February). I want to take my nephew skiing at Eldora. Annnd get my shopping obsession under control, maybe - seriously who needs 9 pairs of jeans and 500 shoes? I do.
10. Do you have a special moment/memory from your time CrossFitting you’d like to share (something you’re proud of accomplishing, were inspired by, etc)?
I don't exactly have a huge victory to be proud of yet where I was so happy I screamed and jumped up and down, but I had sort of an "ah-ha" moment when I did my first strict ring-dip. Although, Kristina happens to always notice my first strict anythings and screamed loud enough for me (also happened with my first strict pull up). It was just a happy moment for me because for some weird reason I didn't think I would ever be able to do any strict gymnastic moves. So I was really glad I proved myself wrong. I still have a hard time believing they will happen (like a muscle up), but I know eventually hard work will pay off and it'll happen.
11. Who is your favorite CFWP coach and why?
Not to be lame, but really they are all my favorite. I take away different pieces of advice from each of them that stick with me during future classes. I love that I look forward to working out with all the coaches.
12. Finally, if you could design your own WOD, what would it be?
Literally anything that doesn't involve running. Or double unders. Or wall balls. Or rowing. But does involve a milkshake afterwards. Or a burrito from Adelita's.