Athlete of the Month

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I moved to Knoxville from California in 2020. Knoxville is where I met my husband, Grant, & where we’re raising our sweet 9 month old son, Elijah who tags along to CrossFit with me everyday. I’m a nurse at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where I get to care for children and families in our community.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CROSSFIT FIRST CREEK?

I joined CrossFit First Creek in 2021. My now sister in law told me about this gym!

WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT? WHAT HAS KEPT YOU DOING IT? HAS YOUR MOTIVATION CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?

I had 6 surgeries on my right knee (ACL, MCL, Meniscus). I was told I wouldn’t be able to participate in sports or any strenuous activity when I was 17. I had a physical therapist who introduced me & convinced me that CrossFit was possible. My best friend growing up started first & I started after in 2018. I’ve worked hard to build the muscles around my knee and to be able to workout again.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CFFC?

I have learned that no matter how long I’ve been doing CrossFit I can always improve my snatch 😉

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?

My first bar muscle up. Ugly but hey I got up.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD? LEAST FAVORITE?

I love to back squat or a good split jerk. Both make me feel powerful. Least favorite is any form of running

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CFFC OR JUST CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?

I enjoy the mix of competition and community. I love pushing myself to improve while being surrounded by people who are doing the same — everyone shows up, works hard, and supports each other.

WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?

CrossFit has had a big mental impact on me. When I’m consistent in the gym, I feel more confident and disciplined. I also feel like it has helped me feel more comfortable in my body and my strength.

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

My goal this year is to hit 200lbs on my back squat (I’m at 180) and eventually be able to do a bar muscle up again (post baby). I would love to continue to do CrossFit throughout each of my pregnancies and eventually participate in a CrossFit competition.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT CROSSFITTING, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?

I love to read, go visit my family in California or go camping. I enjoy spending time with my husband & baby always. Oh and anything that involves coffee.

WHAT IS ONE FUN THING ABOUT YOU THAT WE MAY NOT KNOW YET?

One fun thing is that I love Jesus. Some people know but I want every person who meets me to know I have a relationship with God. I go to Northstar Church out in Cedar Bluff!

WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR WHO IS NEW TO CROSSFIT?

Don’t compare yourself!! Everyone has to start somewhere & CrossFit has been so great to watch where I’ve started to where I am now.

WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT FUEL?

I’ve always been dairy & gluten free but recently I’ve tried to start keeping track of macros to help postpartum which has been challenging but also very rewarding! But I also love a good handful of chocolate chips.