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

In 2009, I finished my last year of competitive basketball as a senior in college at Winona State University. For the 4 years of college basketball I was told to “get on the line”, run sprints until I thought I was going to pass out, lift & condition all-year round, and work on basketball skill development.  Although doing all this, I’d be lying if I said I worked really hard at the conditioning/lifting parts.  I did just what I needed to do to get by and relied mainly on skill set to have a good playing career.

I spent nearly four years after college gaining weight by eating poorly, and only “running” as my primary form of working out.  By “running” I mean taking long jogs for the most part, trying to make myself feel like I was doing a workout.   I would also occasionally hit up a weight room or attend a Zumba or fitness class.

Flash-forward to the end of 2013, in my second year of college coaching. I needed a change.  I wanted to be a role model for my student-athletes, but instead was feeling more like a hypocrite.  I was running workouts and getting after my athletes about eating right and being healthy, but neglecting this personally.  A good friend of mine introduced me to Crossfit, and although I had a shaky start committing fully to it, I never looked back.

I absolutely love the people and sense of community Crossfit offers. Particularly at CFD, I LOVE the 6:30AM & 6:30PM crews, but also enjoy catching everyone in between!

 

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

I have been a member at CFD since June 2014. I moved to Dubuque for a coaching job at Loras College & researched boxes in the area. I had been crossfiting for a little over 6 months consistently by then.   I came and did a drop-in and immediately was drawn Coach Mike’s “brutally honest” approach at coaching me, as well as feeling an instant connection with the people here.   I had never had a coach just be REAL with me when I told them my fitness goals. I finally found an overall coaching style among the CFD coaches that spoke to me in a whole new way.  They weren’t going to be fake.

 

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

Mentally- I am doing things I never thought I would be able to do.  One of my first running workouts since dropping weight and feeling in good shape, Annie Johnson nicknamed me “the gazelle”.  I laughed it off, but went home and cried that night (tears of joy).  I honestly never thought I would be where I am today fitness-wise. I have more confidence in myself than I ever have before.

Physically- I hate putting a number on it, and I try not to look at the scale much at all these days and just go on how I feel, but coming from a formerly 250lb woman, I can proudly say I’ve lost nearly 90 pounds since my crossfit journey first began in late 2013. I have a long way to go still, as my fitness and athletic goals are always changing, but that’s what I love about crossfit.  I started on a journey to lose weight and be healthy, but have now adapted to the lifestyle.

 

What type(s) of workouts are your favorite?

I enjoy rowing, running, and wall balls because they all are some of the few crossfit workouts/movements a 6’1” chick can be successful at.

 

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

Toes to bar, pull-ups, burpees… and anything that forces my to drag my tall limbs around -UGH.

 

What are you goals going forward?

One thing I love about Crossfit is that there is no ceiling. There are so many different movements and workouts. I would say going forward I would like to continue improving on form with all lifts and getting stronger. I would someday love to be able to do a muscle-up.

 

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

Don’t give up, and know that someone else in your class has been in your shoes before.  It may seem intimidating not be able to lift as much as weight as others, or tough to nail proper form.

Crossfit won’t work unless you do!  Stick with it!

We have all finished last on the leader board.  Don’t let that slow you down, let it only motivate you.  I still finish last in workouts and the competitive person in me says “damn-it Jamie you could have worked harder” but the past, un-fit, overweight, unhealthy person says “damn girl, you’re killing it”.

-Jamie

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