When Alise and Trevor said I was athlete of the month I cringed... Not now! I don’t feel like an athlete right now. I’m not as consistent, I’m not as motivated, I’m not making gains but losing them, and I have been in a rehab cycle for the last 16 months with not a clear end date in sight. As much as I resisted, they both convinced me, or rather said I didn’t have a choice, LOL! Which caused me to process their request. The reason I am athlete of the month is not because I am at the top of my game, it’s because I NEVER give up. I keep taking steps forward even amongst these crazy hurdles. But don’t let me fool you! I have my days and moments too! Daily, I try my best to stay positive and do what I can but I have my days where I just decide I’m done, and my exhaustion, pain, and/or swelling wins.
Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, ect.
My family always comes first and together we can do great and hard things. We are active, enjoy sports, and love to compete! I feel at peace being in the outdoors. I love to hike, kayak, float, camp, bike, read on the deck, garden, sit by the beach/river/lake, backpack, and lay in a hammock or in a zero chair.
As a kid I played competitive volleyball and rode/showed horses, and grew up in West Linn. I went to college at Eastern Oregon University, and got my degree in Business Marketing. I worked in the business world for a few years, and realized it was not the career for me to be the mom I wanted to be. I decided to go back to school, and completed my masters in Education at Sierra Nevada College. I am a teacher at Banks Elementary, and I love teaching and building relationships with my kids!
What inspired you to build BCF, and did you see where it is now when you first started out?
We were in the bottom of the recession and life was tough. I wanted to get in shape so Trevor and I started working out at home. Then we started going into the Banks High School weight room. A few of Trevor’s basketball players joined us and then their parents, and the rest is history! It was super scary and a huge risk, but Trevor and I decided that we wanted to make a difference not just be members of society.
The Farm is our dream and exactly what we wanted! We kept our heads down, kept building, focused on our members, and grinded out the obstacles that came in our way.
I am proud of what we built! Every time things get tough, we look around and say “this is worth it” and continue to fight!
“A community that sweats together, stays together”
What motivates you to come to the box week after week?
My community, my health, laughter, my 4:30 crew, and the hour that is just for ME!
Where do you see BCF in 5 years?
Over the years my goals have changed dramatically. I would love to continue to improve my body weight movements but I am not sure what my body will allow me to do. The last 2 years my mindset and goals have changed. I want to have fun, stay healthy, and grow where I can. I’m not sure what that will be anymore but I’m not worried! The ONE thing that I know is I’ll NEVER STOP! Nope, my strength is what keeps this body together!
What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?
I don’t have specific goals, but I have broad goals. My personal, professional, and athletic goals are combined into finding a healthy balance. My family is always first! I want to see the world, travel, enjoy the outdoors, and continue to make a difference with my actions.
What is your favorite lift, movement, or WOD? Least favorite?
This is a little tough to answer… I LOVE ALL barbell movements (yes, even thrusters), sleds, D-balls, atlas stones, yokes! Gymnastic movements are my weakness and my greatest accomplishments. I love working on handstand walking, HSPU, MU, pull-ups. I can’t wait for the day I can do these movements again!
I don’t have a movement that I hate! I love the diversity and constantly changing programming, but I am not a fan of high volume burpees. My lungs just can’t keep up and I feel like a turtle in peanut butter!
What is your proudest CF moment?
Watching my kids compete and working out, coaching our BCF kids and teens, and cheering on my community! I love helping and watching people push past what they “think” they can do and/or accomplish things they never thought were possible!
What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to the sport?
Do you want to be held accountable? Do you want a community that supports you? Do you want to be healthy, active, and fit? Do you want control of your future? Then what are you waiting for?
Biggest impact CF has made in your life?
CrossFit has impacted me so much! I have more confidence than I have ever had. I am comfortable in my body, no matter the shape, and built the muscle mass needed to protect my body! BUT most importantly, I am mentally tough, and I can maneuver through any obstacle thrown my way. I’m a bit tired of maneuvering but I know I can, plus I have the community to support me when I can’t do things alone.
CrossFit gave me:
Confidence - Friendships - Family - Strength - Health - Goals - Dreams - Memories
Free Write (anything else you want to say or mention)
Listen to your body! Listen to your coaches! Find a PT who supports and keeps you active!! Be active! Live your life! Gain confidence! Don’t WAIT! It’s never too early or too late to start. Find a box and a community that fits your lifestyle and personality.
Don’t listen to the people who drag you down! The people who tell you that you shouldn’t do that, that’s too hard, and say… “Did you get hurt from lifting, CrossFit, or doing too much!”
People often ask me, are you having surgery because you lift too much or because you do CrossFit? NO! My strength is what protects me from my hypermobility! As we get older we need our strength more than EVER!
CrossFit is for the whole family! We all need our hour of fitness:)
“STRENGTH is BEAUTIFUL!”