What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
Everything! I love kayaking, going downtown to festivals, tubing, bonfires, rock climbing (indoors), painting, dancing, the list goes on!
What do you do for a living?
I help people that are having issues with their passports or need emergency passports (overseas or in country).
How has your fitness changed since joining?
It took a complete 180. I struggled going up a flight of stairs, I couldn’t even stand for too long! I couldn’t do burpees, situps, or pushups….well honestly everything felt impossible. Little by little I’ve crossed things over to the “Can Do” list. While I still work on my endurance, I know I can knock out a few solid reps!
When did you realize that CrossFit was right for you?
It had to have been around the consistency challenge. I really can’t explain the drive I felt to just show up. It burned me out towards the end having so little recovery time and I took time away from the gym. That time off was devastating, I needed to be here. It’s not just a physical challenge, but it tests my discipline and perseverance and I dig that.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Running is a love-hate relationship for me. I have little legs so I need to work on my stride so I can cover more ground. After 28 years, it also turns out I’m not very good at breathing. At the same time, I’m happy knowing “today I ran”.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA? So many fun moments!
It had to have been within my first month attending CFA, we just wrapped up the WOD and I was still catching my breath when someone handed me a beer. It made me laugh all the way home! After all of our hard work, everyone just hung out, drinking beer, and catching up. It showed me that this is more than just “a quick work out”, this is a community, and there is a lot of love here.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
The desire to survive until the end. Sometimes during the WOD, I talk to myself in between breaths “come on Sofie, just one more….just a little bit longer…almost done…don’t puke”
What’s something about you that most people at the gym don’t know?
When I was a wee lad (maybe about 7 years old), I learned how to play my first instrument, the violin. By the time I was 15 I had learned guitar, mandolin, saxophone, accordion, keyboard, and then dabbled in a few others like drums and bass. Music runs in my family. I still play guitar and mandolin once in a while, but I haven’t played the others in years.
If you had to describe your CrossFit experience in one word, what would it be?
Empowering.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
I actually do write my own workouts when I take my little sister to the gym! Here’s one I’d love to try.
AMRAP maybe?
*200 M run in between each movement*
-15 renegade row push ups
-15 T2B (30 Leg lifts)
-15 med ball situps
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Just show up! Do what you can! Everyone had a first day.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be?
Honestly, I admire Kelly a lot. I hope to be as graceful as her one day especially when she rope climbs or does T2B. Big fan of Kelly.
Quick Questions
- Favorite Cheat meal: Don’t tell my coaches, but I love me a juicy burger. It would have mayo, jam, bacon, an egg, lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, and mushrooms. Also a side of fries. I promise I have not eaten this in the past 8 months though.
- Favorite Workout song: PUMP IT LOUDER BY TIESTO AND BLACK EYED PEAS
- Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Greece! OPA!
- Favorite TV Show: It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia
Coaches’ Comment
Since starting CrossFit last fall, Sofie’s been an inspiration to us all. She always shows up ready to learn and give her all. At first, she was pretty timid, but her confidence has soared since then! Over the past eight months, Sofie’s progress has been incredible—she’s gotten faster, stronger, and boosted her endurance. She tackles every challenge with grit and positivity, becoming a steady, uplifting presence in the gym. We’re so proud of how far she’s come and can’t wait to see what she does next. Keep crushing it, Sofie!
