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.
The Athlete(s) in the Spotlight for September are…
TOM & ANGELA MITA
Tom & Angela’s spirit & determination is absolutely contagious. They represent what the CrossFit Portsmouth community is all about! Both absolutely deserve to be the ‘Athlete in the Spotlight’. We are so proud of you Tom & Angela! Keep up the good work!
An interview with the ‘CFP Athlete in the Spotlight’
1) How did you get involved in CrossFit? What was your first WOD/experience?
Angela was looking for a new exercise program to get beach body ready after we moved to the Seacoast. She was doing the “Insanity” workout at home but was having trouble sticking with it. She came across the CrossFit Portsmouth website and started researching CrossFit. Angela was interested in CrossFit, but was intimidated that it may be too expensive or too difficult. Tom mentioned that several women from his office had started doing CrossFit and had loved it. He really pushed to try it out. What really made Angela’s mind up about trying it was the reviews that said it was worth the money for the personal attention and community atmosphere.
We don’t really remember what our first WOD was, but what really stuck out was how welcoming everyone was. So many people recognized that we were new and introduced themselves and offered to help out. The trainers made sure to introduce us and make us feel welcome. They did a great job coaching us given that we were new and didn’t know all the moves and terminology yet.
2) When did you start coming to CrossFit Portsmouth/ how long have you been CrossFitting for?
We started at CFP in March of 2013 and that was our first CrossFit experience.
3) When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
We realized that CrossFit was right for us pretty immediately. When we had our intro session with Sophie, we couldn’t wait to get started. Once we did the Elements class and finished with the “Roxanne” burpees, we knew we were in love.
4) What are you short-term and long-term CrossFit goals?
Tom: My short term goals are to be able to RX overhead squats and double unders. My long term goal is to be able to perform almost as well as many of the impressive athletes at CrossFit Portsmouth.
Angela: My short term goals are to do kipping pull-ups, and to be able to RX my first workout. My long term goals are to be able to do a CrossFit Competition or a Tough Mudder.
5) What is your favorite / least favorite WOD/movement?
Tom: Least favorite: Overhead Squats. Favorite: Power Cleans and Toes to Bar
Angela: Least favorite: Wall Climbs. Favorite: Burpees, Overhead Squats and Snatches
6) What do you do for a profession outside of CrossFit?
Tom: I work for Cross Insurance helping business owners throughout New England with their insurance and risk management needs.
Angela: After years of working in retail, I’m excited to be taking my career in a new direction by working for Citizens Bank.
7) What are your hobbies outside of CrossFit?
Tom: I’m a TV addict and a Howard Stern superfan.
Angela: Shopping! And snuggling our 2 dogs and 3 cats.
8) What is your favorite paleo/non-paleo meal?
Tom: My favorite paleo meal is Grass-fed burgers with sautéed spinach and garlic, and my favorite non-paleo meal is Fish and Chips with several cold beers and ice cream for dessert.
Angela: My favorite paleo meals are pulled pork and “Italian chili” (tomato sauce chock full of veggies, hamburger and Italian sausage). My favorite non-paleo foods are poutine, pasta (all kinds), mashed potatoes and gravy, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (especially the Trees, Hearts and Pumpkins), grass-fed burgers with a bun, cheese, ketchup, mustard and mayo, Thanksgiving left-over turkey sandwiches, and cake.
9) Fun fact?
Tom: I was my high school’s valedictorian
Angela: The flower girl in our wedding was our dog, Molly.
