Debbie: It’s Up to Me to Own My Own Health

Work hard. . .Play harder

Hometown:  Chicago

Age: 43

Occupation:  Fitness Director

When did you first start CrossFitting: 

October 2014

When did you first start training at CrossFit Prelude: 

October 2014

Favorite WOD/Movement: 

Snatch

Least Favorite WOD/Movement:  

Nothing, really. I like it all. I just can’t wait until I am strong enough to do things like pull ups and handstands!!!

Tell us about you sports; fitness; and/or life background:  

I played Division I volleyball and softball, then transitioned to cycling and running. I was a professional bike racer for a long time, and retired when I turned 40. During that time I also did some Olympic weightlifting competitions, ran some marathons, and just tried to stay generally fit during cycling off season.

Our coaches progress you at the speed and trajectory that is best for you.

What is your “Something Better” that you hope to achieve with CrossFit Prelude:  

Get back to being strong, especially upper body strength – definitely lost that racing bikes!

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel:  

I don’t actually recall! I was kind of angry that it made me sore because it made me realize how much I’d strayed from being a well-rounded  athlete who could do a lot of different things very well.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after): 

Definitely  stronger! I’ve actually leaned out a little bit and modified my diet thanks to the nutrition challenges.

I try to clean up well 🙂

What keeps you coming back.  What motivates and inspires you: 

Time is not on my side! Being female and over 40, I’m predisposed to lots of potential conditions and diseases as I age. It’s up to me to own my health and keep working to improve every day.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit Prelude moments:  

I really enjoy the park WODs. I also like partner WODs. Teamwork pushes me to go harder.

Any advice for people just getting started: 

Anyone can do CrossFit. It’s just that the learning and adaptation curve varies for each individual. Fortunately, Prelude coaches are amazing and do a wonderful job of keeping everyone progressing at the speed and trajectory that’s best for each athlete.