Athlete Of The Month Questionnaire
How old / young are you?
48
What is your occupation?
I’m an attorney. I’ve specialized in employment law for a number of years and currently am looking for my next in-house role or possibly to career pivot to something else.
When did you join Widespread Fitness?
In August 2022 after moving to Colorado from living overseas in Thailand
Why did you decide to give Widespread Fitness a try?
I was mainly a cardio athlete who did some weight training and HIIT workouts on my own but found it boring to do solo. I wanted the challenge of intense workouts as a way to build strength and a community to workout with.
What was your athletic background before starting?
I played all the ball sports and ran track growing up, then a year of volleyball and three of soccer for a small Div. III college in NC. Post-college I ran and swam and did some weight training – mainly running with a handful of races and short triathlons.
What changes in your health, physique, and overall performance
have you seen since starting?
I have seen an increase in my strength, ability to do body-weight and barbell training, and changes physically that make me more confident and feeling fit as I go through the loveliness of middle age. Mentally, going to Widespread classes makes me feel like I can tackle anything the day may bring.
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting?
I would say to not be intimidated by what others can do as everyone started somewhere and everyone is on their own journey. I’d highly encourage anyone to join this gym as it’s really the best community of people around, owned by good people who care about progress and safety, and such a fun way to stay fit.
What is your favorite and least favorite exercises / movement?
My favorites are burpees, rope, and pull ups and I love to run, so that’s always welcome for me in a workout. I would rank snatches as my least favorite movement.
What is your most memorable moment so far?
One day recently Matt said to me, “I remember when you were scared to snatch 55lbs” after I had just snatched 65 on our way to building up to a max. It made me realize how far I’ve come at the gym in these almost 3 years, practice makes progress, and that I’m not so intimidated by the barbell as I used to be – and don’t even mind a snatch so much anymore.
What do you like to do outside of the gym?
I like to be outdoors to run, cycle, and hike. My husband Chris and I are enjoying getting to know the gorgeous cycling trails between Broomfield and Boulder. I enjoy cheering our kids on as they play soccer, baseball, swimming and gymnastics. I also love to read, write, and eat good food; I enjoy cooking and trying new restaurants.
What is your favorite “cheat” food or meal?
I love dark chocolate and ice cream.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
Maybe that I’m incredibly introverted and love solitude. I think at the gym I’m engaging and social as it’s one of my happy places to be around people; I love to know the Widespread Fitness crowd’s stories and cheer on others in a workout. I also love a weekend with no social plans sometimes!
Who or what inspires you the most?
My older sister, Tracey, always inspired me for how much she pushed through adversity to become a nurse and just be a good person no matter what life deal her – which was a lot of hardship. Ironically, she admired me for staying dedicated to fitness my whole life. Tracey passed away in November 2024 from metastasized melanoma. Through the heartache of losing her, she remains my inspiration because I always think about how I “get to” do CrossFit and stay active – I never feel like it’s something I “have to” do – I am so lucky to get to do it.
What is one goal you would like to accomplish?
I’d like to do more than 1 to 2 strict and kipping pull ups without a band!
