When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
I think it was March of 2011.  I went to a couple classes at the very first location on Joliet before you guys moved to the location on Burthe.


How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
 I first heard about Crossfit from my brother who started doing it in St. Louis.  He described what he did, and I pretty much told him he was nuts.  A few months later, I was so bored with the usual gym stuff I googled Crossfit in my area where we lived in Illinois, and a gym was just opening up.  That was January of 2009.

 The first WOD I ever did was a 7 min AMRAP of 7 burpees and 7 squats.  It wasn't fun then, and still isn't very fun now.

When are you due? This is not your first time to do crossfit during a pregnancy. Can you tell us about your experience doing crossfit while pregnant?
I'm due April 1 with my second child.  I did Crossfit all the way through my first pregnancy.  My last WOD was 3 days before I went into labor.  I went on a 5 mile walk the day my water broke, and only because it was the end of July and I thought it was probably too hot to WOD.  In my first trimester, I felt like Crossfit helped me through the slight nausea I had, and in my third trimester, I felt like it helped prepare me for labor.  I gained a normal amount of weight, had no issues with gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, and lost all of my baby weight quickly, all of which I attribute to good nutrition and Crossfit.


How has Crossfit helped you with your second pregnancy?
Crossfit has helped me keep my sanity during this second pregnancy :). Being pregnant with an active 2 year old is rough, and I've really used Crossfit as my outlet to de-stress.  Along with that, I feel like the days I get to the gym, I actually have way more energy through the rest of the day.  As long as I'm able, I plan to do Crossfit all the way through this pregnancy too.


What advice would you give to other expecting mothers?
I guess I would say to not use pregnancy as an excuse to become complacent.  It can be really easy to let your nutrition go and stop exercising and say, oh it's ok I'm pregnant.  In all reality, this is when you should be focusing on nutrition and trying to lead a healthy lifestyle.  It's ok to indulge and have your cheat days (trust me, I'm not perfect), but don't let it become a habit just because you're going to gain weight anyways.  Keep moving!! You don't have to Crossfit, but it's fantastic to try and do something.  Anything that gets you moving!  Even walking is great and will make you feel good, and ANYONE can walk.  Not only is exercising good for the mother, but it is amazing for the health and well being of the baby too.

How many days do you crossfit?  3

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of? 

 Nothing specific, but just the progression of where I started to where I am today with my fitness and strength.  I started out not being able to jump rope and had to use the black band for pull-ups.  Even with 19 lbs on my 5'3'' frame so far in this pregnancy, I'm still rocking double unders and am able to kip my pull-ups.  

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Lately, usually just some jerky, an apple and some nuts.  I'm slightly obsessed with the coconut paleo kit.

On a Saturday night, where could we typically find you?
On the couch with my husband, being lazy.

What is one goal that you are currently working on that you will accomplish before the end of 2014?
Currently, I can't really be working on any goals.  After I have the baby though, my goal is to lose the baby weight, and........I'll get back to you on that :). One thing at a time.

Is there anything else you would like to say?
Out of all the Crossfit gyms I've been a member at (in Illinois, Louisiana, and Florida), Crossfit Nola's facilities and coaching are top notch.  I'm so happy to have found them, and be part of the 'family'.  Thanks to all the coaches that have helped me on my fitness journey, despite the 'obstacles' I've thrown their way. :)

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
It was August 2013- I had just moved back to NOLA from NYC. 

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I heard about CF when i was running with a girl in NYC and was intrigued. It still took several months before i had the guts to try my first WOD at CF Hell’s Kitchen. It was a partner WOD and I’ll never forget the look on my partner’s face when she saw me sprint though the burpee bar jumps before everyone else. After that WOD I knew this was the type of workout for me.

You Just Pr’d You Marathon time. Do you think CrossFit contributed in any way to this? What was your previous marathon time?
Hell to the Yeah! When people ask me my secret I  say CrossFit for sure. I ran my 4th marathon in Boston back in 2010 and ran a 3:30. After that,  I decided I never wanted to run  another marathon again until a fellow crossfitter some how talked me into running a 50 mile Ultra race this coming March1st in Mississippi (Wish us luck!). Upon agreeing to the grueling training, I was determined to try my hardest to make as many CF workouts in addition to running. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of? 
I completed a 27 month service as Peace Corps Volunteer in Peru, which was an amazing experience and has helped become the person I am today. 


How many days do you crossfit? How many run days do you have?
Normally, I am crossfiting about 5 days a week and running 3-4. Recently, due to the high mileage I am doing CF 3-4 days and running 5 days a week.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Thanks to Julie and Liz who persuaded me to  kick my vegetarian habit of 5 years I would say a juicy double bacon cheesburger with all the fixings.  No bun or fries hits the spot. 

.On a Saturday night, where could we typically find you?
I am naturally high on energy until about 9pm,then my batteries die. So normally you will find me hanging out at home on a Saturday night or having dinner with my fiance who puts up with me. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on that you will accomplish before the end of 2014?

Only one? There are soo many! This very month it is the 50 miler, but as for CF I would love to improve my olympic lifting (I know Jeff..and Jason..and Andrea...and Liz-- i have to stop all this foolish running)

Is there anything else you would like to say?

I really enjoy going to CF NOLA because I am always challenged by this great community of athletes that understands my craziness and are always around to workout, motivate each other and have fun.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
My husband I started our fundamentals class in May, 2012. 

How did you hear about CrossFit, and what was your first experience?
I first heard about CrossFit from my parents, who started going about 5 years ago. They live in Georgia, which is where I lived at the time too, and I started going with them just before I moved to New Orleans.  My dad, in particular, is in really good shape and an excellent Crossfitter at almost 60 years old, so he is a big inspiration for me. He is a coach at his gym.

When are you due? Can you tell us about your experience doing crossfit while pregnant?

I am due February 16.  As I write this, I'm two weeks away from giving birth, and am still actively attending. I have loved pregnant CrossFit.  The biggest benefit has been no burpees.  Also, everyone at our gym is always sweet and encouraging, but even more so to big pregnant ladies! 

How has Crossfit helped you with your pregnancy?
Many people have commented about how well I am still able to move and get around, and I know that is in large part due to continuing to stay active with Crossfit. Squats are also one of the most recommended exercises to help prepare for labor, and we do those all the time. 

What advice would you give to other expecting mothers?
Don't be scared to stick with it! Lots of people seem to get really nervous when they see or hear about me doing as much as I continue to do at Crossfit, but I think the proof's in the pudding. Baby and I are both doing great, and we're 38 weeks in at this point. Your body will immediately tell you if something is not going to work for you as a pregnant Crossfitter (ex. for me: L-sits), so I just stop right away and sub something else.  Also, exercise during pregnancy has been shown to better develop the baby's brain and heart because of increased oxygen to the mom. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of? 
Although I have drastically reduced my weight in late pregnancy, I am proud that I can still front squat to full depth with good form without falling forward. 
How many days do you crossfit?
Usually three days a week. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I am a big vegetable person, so I love sautéed spinach, sweet potatoes, salad, etc.  Usually for quickness during the week, we'll eat a rotisserie chicken with it for protein.

On a Saturday night, where could we typically find you?
Either curled up on the couch with my husband watching a movie, or out to dinner with family. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on that you will accomplish before the end of 2014?
I would like to be able to do a pull up by the end of the year. 

Is there anything else you would like to say?
Crossfit has been a great confidence builder, allowing me to try things at the gym that I would be scared to attempt on my own. I am very glad that I had a strong background in it prior to pregnancy so that I could keep up with it, and I'm glad it will be there for me post-baby to drop the baby weight. I am thrilled that the Crossfit Kids program has started, as eventually our entire family will be able to participate.  We even bring our dog, Stickers, with us!