Member Spotlight: Kristina WillThe Member Spotlight goes to someone who demonstrates the characteristics necessary for success, both in and out of the gym. Kristina is one of our original members and has been here at CFIS for over 5 years! We asked her some questions about her fitness journey and her experiences here at the gym so far:
My work received a flyer for a new company opening in the complex and a friend at work convinced me to come with her to check it out. We came over during our lunch break to see the facility and learn a little about CrossFit. I signed up for their on-boarding class and I remember being so scared because there wasn’t any way I could do any of the things I saw that afternoon (the most exercise I was doing was taking my dog for a walk). I didn’t play any sports in high school, and I don’t think anyone, including myself, would have thought I’d last longer than 6 months. But instead, I decided to sign up to compete for the Infinite Strength Games (I was hooked!). Three years ago, after running my first 10k race, I decided I wanted to improve my weightlifting technique, and fell in love with that sport also. Now I’ve run in 3 half-marathons, participated in CrossFit competitions, lots of local Weightlifting meets, and earlier this year competed in the American Open Series!
I have seen so many changes since I started, and I believe this year I have seen the most. The first change I saw was my confidence outside the gym because I was pushing my comfort level inside the gym. I have been pushing that comfort level by doing things I didn’t think I was capable of doing (running a half marathon, competing in a weightlifting meet, completing the CF Open). This year, I started to see more of a change in my body composition and it is because I learned more about nutrition. Through a combination of working with James, and some trial and error, I was able to find a diet that works for me. I finally started to see the results from all the hard work I was putting in. I have found that if I stray too far from my diet than I don’t feel as good and it affects my training more than I ever realized. Also, after I started to come to the gym on a regular basis, I am able to stay off thyroid medication for hypothyroidism which I am thankful for.
I think most people would assume my favorite movement would be the Snatch or Clean & Jerk and I do enjoy those movements, but my favorites would be the Overhead Squat and running. When you finally hit that perfect Overhead Squat, it is empowering, and you want to do more. Running is an escape and time to yourself and you get to enjoy your surroundings. That being said my ideal workout is “Nancy”.
I really enjoy going 4-wheeling and hiking when I get the chance. I recently just went tent camping for the first time (as part of the CFIS Cotopaxi Questival event), and it was so much fun! I’d do it again in a heartbeat. I really like to travel, and I use competitions (1/2 marathons, weightlifting meets) as an opportunity to take mini-vacations and go explore different states. I guess that’s kind of fitness related…oops!
After what seems like a stressful November, I’m ready to get back on track with my training and diet so I can qualify for the American Open Series again. I would love to go to Series 1 (what better way to spend a birthday) in Columbus, and 2 in Albuquerque. Even if I’m able to go to just one of the two, I will be happy. I want to continue to work on mindset, so I can have the same confidence on a meet platform that I do on the training platform. Eventually I would like to run another half marathon or two. Most importantly, I want to continue to see improvements inside and outside the gym.
