Tell Us a Little Bit About Yourself:
A little bit about myself: My partner, now fiancé, is Cody MacDonald, we have a dog named Maisy (she was named in honor of the other Maisy at the gym, which is another story). I am an exploration geoscientist, which keeps me very busy these days. Since I’ve been working full-time, I find that my extracurricular hobbies have dwindled. I have energy during the week to workout, work, cook and rest. Before I had a demanding job and before I moved back to Houston, I was very passionate about (trail) running, rock climbing and swimming. I spent my twenties traveling internationally as much as possible. These days I like to stay home in my sweatpants and drink tea. When we do travel, it is to the mountains for skiing, hiking, biking and relaxing.
When Did You Start Doing CrossFit?
I started doing CrossFit at DH in 2015 (it could have been 2016?!). I had been in Houston for 8 or 9 months. I had tried working out at the Y downtown, and Lifetime CityCenter (near my work). I didn’t actually enjoy the atmosphere of these gyms and the fact that they were inconvenient for me to access. I started going to a kettlebell and cardio class via class pass at Studio Fitness. There I was exposed to the idea of CrossFit, and I realized that it probably wasn’t this crazy thing I had assumed. I noticed DH a few blocks from my home as I drove by multiple times a day. I finally had enough of the inconvenience of going out of my way to these other gyms and I let go of my stereotype of what CrossFit is and decided to give it a shot!
What Have You Gained As A Person Since Starting Your CrossFit Journey?
I think I have gained a lot of self-confidence from CrossFit. I love the increased physical awareness of what my body is and is not capable of. Simply put, I feel good when I come and do a workout, so I think I am happier overall. As a person who works in an office all day it is super important for my mental wellbeing to spend an hour outside each day! Some people may see this as a downside to CrossFit, it is one of my favorite aspects. It also is a very important way for me to release stress and focus on something outside of life’s challenges.
What Are Your Favorite and Least Favorite Movements/WODs?
My favorite WODs are any that involve running or the bike. I also love Saturday partner workouts! My least favorite WODs are the ones that incorporate hand-stands or wall walks. Physically I should be able to do this, but mentally I have a long way to go. Being upside down freaks me out! My favorite lift is anything involving legs and my least favorite is anything involving upper body.
What Are Your Current CrossFit Goals?
My CrossFit goals aren’t very specific or lofty at this point. Close my Apple Watch activity rings daily, burn calories, and have a good baseline fitness as I age. I also want to stay fit so I can enjoy our adventure activities when we vacation.
What Has Been Your Proudest Moment at District H Thus Far?
My proudest CrossFit moment/achievement was being able to do a pull-up. I truly believed since I was about 14 that I was not physically built to be able to do a pull-up!
What Is Your Favorite Quote?
“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.”
What Is Something People Would Be Surprised to Know About You?
Something people would be surprised to know about me is that I am passionate about nature and conservation.
What Advice Would You Give To Someone Who Is Just Starting Their CrossFit Journey?
Advice I would give to newbies is don’t judge yourself and don’t worry about what other people think. CrossFit can be a huge learning curve, so enjoy the journey and progress!