Midcity Member Spotlight-Sheila Walsh

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
My wonderful roommate was borderline obsessed with CrossFit. He would come home from the gym all sweaty and gross, but happy. It was so bizarre. I remember watching documentaries with him on CrossFit athletes before I even stepped into the gym. 

For Christmas, he gave me a promo card to join the Fundamentals course at CrossFit Nola. I was extremely apprehensive about going the CrossFit community, had zero confidence in my ability to lift anything off the ground. I decided to take the plunge after I completed my first marathon, because I never wanted to run again. 

I remember the first WOD consisted of squats, sit ups, and a 100m run. I was like, I could do this! Then, during the second week of Fundamentals, we had to complete 7 mins of 7 burpees and 7 wall balls…

…I almost retired from my CrossFit career after that WOD. 

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
My first class was April 2016 — only 2 years ago! In the wise words of Corey Clay, I am “miles ahead” of where I once was, which is 100% true. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I attend CrossFit anywhere from 3 - 5 times a week. I always take the basic WOD classes — I really need to venture out — because I love the variety of skills I get to work on. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
The people! There are days where I walk into the gym thinking I won’t be able to lift a certain weight, or Rx a workout, and the people/coaches give me the confidence to do so. I continue to be so impressed with the coaches, friends, and community members, even the ones I don’t know so well, who are so supportive.

I could be eyeing a heavy barbell just hoping that by staring at it, the barbell would magically become lighter, and someone will yell, pick it up. The community at CrossFit Nola pushes you to complete movements, weights, and reps you do not think you could do. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
My favorite thing about New Orleans is the FOOD! Being a Midwest native, y’all don’t understand how incredible the food is down here. It’s like the entire rest of the country can’t seem to find the seasoning aisle at the grocery store, but don’t tell them I said that. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
My biggest accomplishment this year was completing 80% of the Open workouts Rx. Compared to last year, when I completed 0% Rx. 

Outside of the gym, physically, I am proud of successfully completing 2 marathons. Professionally, I am very proud to be recognized as Louisiana’s Outstanding New Math Teacher of the Year. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
If it’s a cheat day, pizza…maybe half, maybe three - fourths, maybe a whole. If it’s a normal day, I love turkey taco salads and a whole lot of broccoli. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Outside of CrossFit, I love exploring the city of New Orleans. I like to think I have a strong brunch game and continue to enjoy running around the city, when I am not at the gym. 

What do you do for a living?
I have the pleasure of teaching high school math at the Academy of Our Lady in Marrero, Louisiana. I am in my fourth year of teaching there and am so grateful to have CrossFit Nola as my mini oasis away from being Teacher Sheila. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I can only pick one…I would like to get one HSPU (I’d be find with getting > 1) by the next Open.