What was your athletic background, if any?
I played softball, volleyball, basketball, track and tennis growing up. Once I went to college started going to the gym-doing basic workouts. I have been running for over a decade, but a lot more consistently over the past couple years. Half marathons are my absolute favorite race-they’re mentally and physically challenging for me. Race days are almost as exciting for me as Christmas.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
CrossFit is something I wanted to try for years. I always thought it was the coolest thing that they have WODs dedicated to fallen soldiers, firefighters, officers, etc. At the end of the day, how cool is it that so many find motivation to push themselves to be better from those who gave everything?
When I look at a CrossFit athlete, I see a lot of qualities in them that I wanted for myself-they are focused, determined and disciplined (amongst so many other things). I’ve always been a gym-goer, but I wanted something more challenging and I wanted to be pushed. I had just moved to Allendale and looked into CFA for a couple weeks, trying to convince someone to go with me so it wouldn’t be quite so terrifying…with no such luck, one day I just decided to bite the bullet and try it alone. For me, just taking that leap of faith was pretty empowering.
What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
Working in the ER, much of my time is spent in a very fast paced and challenging environment. So I make sure I take time to slow it down a little bit. I’ll go for runs and take my dog to the beach. I enjoy spending time with friends and going on weekend trips. In the summer I spend a lot of time in Traverse City. My family has always been really close, and there’s never a dull moment.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
Riley. Burpees have been my least favorite movement since forever, and I just remember coming in one morning and seeing that as our WOD on the board-laughing because I had no idea how I would get through 150 burpees. I definitely struggled with Riley mentally more than I did physically. I remember walking out after finishing, feeling like anything is possible if my head is in the right place.
I also realized it was for me when I noticed an improvement in my career. As an ER nurse, there are days I am physically and mentally drained. After coming to CrossFit more regularly I noticed I was less fatigued and I wasn’t nearly as physically or mentally exhausted as my peers.
Do you remember your first WOD?
I don’t recall much from my first day because stepping foot in these doors was so terrifying to me that I couldn’t really focus on anything else. All I really remember is that it was just me and Andy.
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
Anything handstand related- I’m terrified of hurting myself. I tried gymnastics as a kid and my parents quickly realized they should quit pursuing it when my peers were doing backflips and I couldn’t do a cartwheel 🙂
What is your most proud CrossFit moment?
I don’t really have a specific moment. I’m proud to be able to say that I do Crossfit. And to be part of such a fun and motivating community. I’m so glad that I have a place I can step foot in every day and be around people with the same interests and challenge myself.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
When I’m struggling I always tell myself “Do it for those who can’t”. I work with people every day who would give anything to be able to be active and healthy. That change in focus generally pulls me through the tough moments.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
Crossfit and running are a couple of things that have really changed my life, and I’m always looking to improve. I love seeing how CrossFit improves my running and vice versa. I would love to be able to perform all the CrossFit movements and ultimately find myself not having to scale many workouts.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
I’m overall a much happier person. I truly believe that taking care of myself has allowed me to take better care of others. I am grateful that I am physically able to be this active. I’ve come to a point that I realize it’s not only about achieving a better body-it’s about building a mindset capable to achieve anything.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
A lot of people I talk to find CrossFit intimidating. But the things that are the most terrifying are usually the things that change your life the most. So much of what we do you would never see me doing on my own-and that’s part of what is so great about it. Workouts aside-the relationships you build with people are so valuable.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
I’m motivated by so many people here. Watching how hard people work here makes me push harder.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: Ice cream and baked potato pizza
Favorite Workout song: Berzerk (Eminem)
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: NYC
Favorite TV Show: Friends
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): Amanda Barnhardt
Coach’s comment:
Stacy was one of the people who just showed up one day and has been with us ever since. She said it took her awhile to convince herself to walk through the door but once she did, it was one of the best decisions of her life. Some of our favorite moments were the first time she got a “real” box jump at 20” after mentally being stuck on the small box for awhile and watching her get her first rope climb. Stacy has a tremendous work ethic and positive attitude and I think that really is true to her life outside the gym too. Since day 1, Stacy has been a great addition to our gym and community and we know CrossFit has made a tremendous positive impact on her life as well. Keep up the hard work Stacy!
