The “Athlete in the Spotlight” is a selected CFP member that has really impressed the trainers with their work ethic, determination, and strength. This athlete has gone above & beyond the expectation at CrossFit Portsmouth and deserve to be recognized.
KIM
1) How did you get involved in CrossFit? What was your first WOD/experience?
I have always done sports and worked out, but since moving to New Hampshire, I had a hard time finding a reliable work out partner and was left to work out on my own. Initially I did well, lifting, running, spinning on my own at the gym, but after a few years my workouts started to get stale and I found myself doing the things that were easy for me and not pushing myself like I use to. Not being someone who typically takes the easy way out, I started looking for something different that would get me out of my rut, and fortunately came across CrossFit Portsmouth. I read through the website, and loved the sounds of it, and reached out to see what it was all about. Once I actually came to my first Free intro session with Sophie, I left feeling motivated and excited that this gym was exactly what I was looking for.
It is hard to remember my exact first WOD, since I am happy to say I have completed so many since I have started. What I do remember is how wonderful everyone was to me that first day. Sophie and all the members in the class were so friendly, encouraging and supportive. Everyone introduced themselves, helped me through the parts of the workout I was not so clear on, and cheered me on as I completed my first WOD. I remember leaving exhausted, as well as impressed with the athleticism of those I had just worked out with, and so happy that I had found a place with such a positive atmosphere to challenge myself and achieve my goals in.
2) When did you start coming to CrossFit Portsmouth/ how long have you been CrossFitting for?
I have been Crossfitting for almost 6months. I started my Elements classes in mid June 2013, and came to my first official CrossFit class sometime in mid July.
3) When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
As I mentioned previously, I instantly liked CrossFit after my first intro session with Sophie. However, I continue to know that I am in the right place for numerous reasons. Here are the top 3
Reason #1 – Its because of the coaches who I am confident in, and who are all wonderful and knowledgeable and know just how to push us, encourage us, and help us get stronger and fitter so we can meet our individual goals.
Reason #2 Its all the amazing Crossfit members,( especially the 7am crew that I am lucky to work out with), who know how to laugh and have fun, know how to inspire by example, who show strength and determination to never give up no matter what the challenge is that day, and who continue to motivate and encourage each other every single class until the last person completes the WOD.
Reason #3 It’s because I am absolutely hooked on CrossFit… I have seen myself get stronger with so many exercises, things I once thought impossible I now see that day by day I am continuing to get closer to achieving them. I love that I feel challenged every day, feel motivated and inspired by those who can do things I have yet to do, and the feeling I get when I have completed a WOD knowing I gave all I had to it. I like the fact that when I have to miss a workout for work or a trip, that I am upset I can’t be there and I am eager to get right back into it when I return.
For all of these reasons…I know I have found the right place for me.
4) What are you short-term and long-term CrossFit goals?
Short term – Get all the body weight exercises…i.e. pull ups, kipping pull ups, toes to bars, hand stand push ups, muscle ups etc so I can do them without scaling
Long term – Would like to continue to gain strength in my Olympic lifts and be able to RX a few more workouts
5) What is your favorite / least favorite WOD/movement?
Favorite – Box jumps, back squats, muscle ups (I am no where close to doing it but I really do love trying!!)
Least Favorite – Overhead squats, wall climbs
6) What do you do for a profession outside of CrossFit?
I am an orthopedic/sports physical therapist at Exeter Hospital, as well as work as the athletic trainer for Seacoast United Sports Club in Hampton/Epping.
7) What are your hobbies outside of CrossFit?
Love to be outdoors (when the weather is nice) hiking, biking, running, and playing with the dog. I enjoy traveling and exploring new places any chance I can, whether its local or far away. My newest hobby is I am about to help restore a 1950’s camper that my friend bought so her and I can go on road trips, camp in our “glamper”, and do a lot more hiking.
8) What is your favorite paleo/non-paleo meal?
I have to admit I have not really done the paleo diet yet, but have been reading more about it since joing CrossFit.
My favorite meal that also qualifies for paleo is grilled chicken and steamed vegetables
My favorite non-paleo meal would be my normal breakfast which is always greek yogurt with fresh fruit, and a piece of wheat toast. Sounds silly but not eating yogurt will be one of the hardest parts when I take the paleo challenge!
9) Fun fact?
Although I was born long after the time when they were popular, I have a collection of over 300 8-tracks which I love to listen to…that is…when I have a working 8-track player!! Hard to believe, but when the player breaks, good luck finding someone today who knows how to fix it.
