August Spotlight – Angie

How long have you been a member at CFD?

I joined in October 2014. Coming up on 5 years!

What made you want to get started?

My husband joined a year prior. At first I said there was no way I would ever be able to do those workouts. I have no upper body strength.  I’ll stick to running. But slowly over the next year, my reactions to his descriptions of the workouts went from dear god no to hmmm maybe I could do that. The more CFD people I met, the more I knew I needed to give it a try. 

What did you do for fitness prior to joining CFD?

I have been a distance runner since junior high. I ran cross country and track in high school and in college at Loras. After college, I did a marathon, several half marathons, and tons of other road races. I did very little strength training. I could never bench more than 60 lbs and I never squatted because I thought it would make my “bad knees” even worse.

What changes have you seen in yourself since you started?

So many changes. I wouldn’t say it’s made me a faster runner, but that doesn’t bother me anymore. Obviously, I’m stronger. I love that I can carry both of my kids (combined weight of over 120lbs) upstairs to bed. My food outlook has changed – I eat better, more healthy, more natural foods. I have a lot more self-confidence. I think I’m more coordinated, although I still can’t do double unders. 

When I was in high school, I had to get custom orthotics because my knees were getting wrecked. I was an over-pronator and it threw every joint off. I had knee surgery just before sophomore year of college. After just a couple months of CrossFit, I ditched my orthotics. I knew theoretically if the muscles around my knees were stronger, my knees would be too, and I was right. Those dreaded squats fixed my knees, and my running form was fixed too, completely eliminating the need for anything in my shoes.

What do you like most about CrossFit?

There are so many things I love about CrossFit. I am setting an example for my kids. They may seem totally unimpressed now of my deadlift PR, but that’s just because it has become commonplace for them to see strong amazing women. Of course you can do that, Mom. Instead of “pretty please with sugar on top” at my house it’s with proteins on top.

I love the community and the coaches. We are so lucky to have such dedicated, caring, and knowledgeable coaches. The last 8 months has brought so many changes in my life – the ending of my marriage leading to a new job and moving into Platteville. Everyone has been so supportive every step of the way, even if they had no idea what was going on. So thank you everyone for cheering me on, cheering me up, and being the normal part of my life. Being stronger is great, but being part of this community means so much more.

What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

I’m not sure I have a favorite type of workout. I like strength days. I also like when running is involved. I’m certainly not the fastest, but I do enjoy it. I like deadlifts and cleans, sometimes squats.

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

I. Hate. Thrusters. And burpees. I feel like I do them in slow motion and they just never get easier.

Have you ever been really dramatic when completing a movement only to then see someone next to you do what you did silently and with ease?

Not a single movement,  but a workout with a lot of thrusters or shoulder to overheads I get a little dramatic. Those workouts where Mike has to make me cry to get me through it. He knows the kind.

What are your goals going forward?

I am still chasing that elusive pull-up. And my toes have yet to become acquainted with the bar. Overall, I just want to keep getting stronger. I hope to keep coming to class as much as I can, even though my schedule will make it very hard once school starts. 

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

Don’t give up! It can be so frustrating to learn new movements, things feel awkward, intimidating, and you may think you will never get to where everyone else is. But you will. It may take 3 years to learn how to clean right, and you may not be able to do a pull up 5 years in. The important thing is to stick with it, listen to the coaches and the other athletes, trust the workouts, and have fun! Everyone here wants you to succeed.

Upcoming events

• August 24th – CFD Summer Party at Flora Park in Dubuque, IA
• September 2nd – The Brooke Memorial Workout in Stockton, IL

Not a member? Sign up today!  The next Intro class takes place on August 17th at 10:00. RSVP to the free Intro Class or e-mail us today to set up an appointment!