March Athlete Spotlight

Tammi Saunders

• How long have you been a member at CFD, and what made you want to get started?

I started CrossFit in February of 2013.  My brother had been a member for about a year and had been seriously pressuring our whole family to try it. It was quite annoying really.  I gave him every excuse I could think of. I was “too old, too outta shape, I smoked, I was too busy, I have red hair etc.  The bottom line was, I was too scared. Scared I couldn’t do it, that  I would fail miserably and be embarrassed in the process. My daughter Jamese wanted to try and so we went together.  I wasn’t prepared for what happened. From the first intro class I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time. I was thoroughly inspired, exhausted, beat up, like I wanted to die, and by the way, “when does that foundations class start?” All I knew was there was something about this group of athletes, something that they had, that I wanted. Not to be fitter or faster than someone else, but to be fitter and faster than ME. We have both been here ever since.

• What changes have you seen in yourself since your very first day?

The physical changes have been slow but steady. There are some months I feel like I am Pr’ing everything, developing skills, and seriously kicking ass all over the place. Then there seem to be long frustrating stretches of leveling out where I don’t see any significant changes. I am learning to accept that, and to keep showing up and giving it what I can. I started to embrace the idea that the process of change is a journey, not a race. I know without hesitation that I am fitter than I have ever been. I think what I see most about myself now is that I don’t live in fear. Fear of not being good enough, not looking good enough, or of failing. My perception of myself has changed.  I know that there will be days when life and the wod will kick my ass, but now I now that that doesn’t define me as a person and I am able to learn from the ass kicking.

• What did you do for fitness prior to CFD, and what do you like most about CrossFit?

When I was much younger I was a competitive gymnast. But in my adult life I had no fitness. I walked 3 miles a day in the summer, but embarrassingly that was the extent. Sadly like many women I didn’t want to be fit, I just be wanted to skinny.

• What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

Any workout with overhead stuff is my jam. I am beyond thrilled when I see OHS, Jerks, or handstand walks show up in a workout. I feel more comfortable with workouts that are grinders, where I can tell myself to just keep moving. EMOM’s are probably my favorite.

• What type(s) of workouts do you least like to see come up?

Anyone who has ever worked out with me knows wall balls and rowing are my nemesis. They are such a challenge for me. I curse at Phil in my head during those WODs…many many curse words!

• What are you goals going forward?

Just to keep showing up and putting in the work. I try to set goals for myself to keep me motivated. I am really just trying to keep up with my beast of a kid Jamese and all the other bad ass women in the box.

• What advice do you have for someone just starting out at CFD?

Don’t be too hard on yourself, show up and work your ass off, and most importantly embrace the CFD community. They will see you at your absolute best and your absolute worst, and will be your biggest cheerleaders! Enjoy your journey.