How were you introduced to Crossfit?
I found Crossfit through my friend Amy McFadden. I would see the pictures and read her status updates on Facebook and thought “I would like to try that.” I didn’t think it was a possibility having had both shoulders operated on, chronic pain in the right and besides the occasional drumming, absolutely no upper body work.
Biggest accomplishment in the gym so far:
It seems like there’s a new accomplishment every day I go. When I started in mid January, I could not lift my left arm straight out to the side parallel to my shoulder. Now I can lift it straight out and above my head (it clicks a bit) which took me over 2 years to get on my right. It took me two months after joining Crossfit, 13 months after the surgery. What do you want to accomplish next in the gym: There are some movements where my flexibility comes into play that I have serious problems with like the kipping, I have to do pull ups under handed, and the handstand push up. I’d like to work past the limitations if possible.
Favorite WOD/lift:
Angie kicks my butt, but it’s very satisfying to finish even if it takes me a while. As for lifts, that would have to be the shoulder press. Every time I get a little more weight above my head I feel a great accomplishment.
I have always wanted to:
Jump out of an airplane, but that has nothing to do with Crossfit.
One word people use to describe me:
smart-ass, does that count as one word? Outside of the gym I like to: I read a lot, I’m also an avid gamer. It helps me relax and it’s cheaper than the bar and safer than fight club.
Something nobody knows about me or would be surprised to know about me:
People who meet me now are surprised to learn I had a pretty bad drug problem and smoked 2 packs a day unfiltered. I ran my first marathon in NY for my 40th birthday. My shirt said “race to a mid-life crisis”. People who knew me then are surprised I’m still breathing.
Favorite physical activity outside of Crossfit:
I love running and Crossfit has cut into that somewhat. I tried making it part of my routine but I was bonking by the time I got home. As my body adjusts more to Crossfit, I’m hoping to work a good run back into my daily schedule
Favorite place to eat in Richmond:
Strange Matter is one of my favorite places right now. I’ve been vegan for over 16 years and don’t think I could ever adapt to a paleo diet, though I am trying to work more of the paleo philosophy into my eating habits.