Share your Prototype experience and fitness journey

I began working out at Prototype in March, 2014 with about a year and a half of CrossFit experience under my belt. For my first Saturday workout (my second CFP WOD), I was partnered with THE Jessica Clancy, who was 6 months along with her daughter Keira.  She was busting out double unders and wall balls and I thought she was fierce AF (she was, and still is). Unbeknownst to me at the time, I was also pregnant with my second baby.  After seeing Jess tear it up with her cute round belly, I was inspired and continued to come to the gym throughout my entire pregnancy. I most often attended the 8am class with a group of phenomenal ladies!  At 9 months pregnant, I remember doing squats on a Monday morning and thinking “if there is every a WOD that’s going to get labor started, this is going to be it.”  The next day, my son was born! After taking a few months off, I returned to the gym and started setting my alarm at 4:30am to join the 5am’ers, and am thrilled that the majority of those classmates are still a solid crew after almost 5 years now! While I’m never all that jazzed to wake up before dawn, I love feeling energized and accomplished after a morning WOD before most people have opened their eyes for the day.  And catching up with my friends on post-class walks around the CFP loop is one of my favorite times of the day.

 

What is your favorite part about being at Prototype? 

There has been a common theme among past Prototypes’ of the Month “favorite thing”- the Community.  And I most definitely echo that sentiment.  The people I’ve met at the gym—whether I see them several times a week, take an occasional class with them, make small talk in passing, or interact on the FB Members Page, the people of Prototype are second to none.  As a whole, the community is supportive, helpful, motivating, and most importantly kind.  In these tumultuous times of tension, fear, and divisiveness, Prototype is truly a safe, happy place where I always feel comfortable, at home, and free to be myself. (And “myself” can be pretty out there…) The coaches do an incredible job of fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment.  Regardless of our backgrounds- race, culture, gender, political views, religion, etc— the fact that every member of Prototype shares common interests and goals inherently creates a genuine sense of connectedness that comes so naturally.  Simply put, Prototype is a community that the rest of the world could learn a little something from.

 

What are your hobbies and activities?

Outside of the gym, I enjoy spending time with my children and family, afternoons at my mom’s pool, reading, cooking, and traveling (well, I used to!)  I was really starting to enjoy yoga classes earlier this year and look forward to picking that back up in the very near future. During the pandemic, I discovered my love of hiking and my 5 and 7-year old boys and I have hiked about 200 miles since the end of March!

 

How has (if it has) Prototype helped you outside the gym (in sports etc)?

While my involvement at Prototype has done wonders for me physically, the benefits to my mental health have been immeasurable.  As many members of the community are aware, I am a recovering alcoholic with over 6 months of sobriety.  My focus on health and fitness has been a mainstay of my recovery and the coaches, members, and classes at Prototype have helped to keep me engaged, committed, and motivated.  The structure Prototype provides and the encouragement from both coaches and my classmates keeps me accountable.  For anyone overcoming addiction, forging healthy habits and positive daily routines is undoubtedly an integral part of recovery. I am incredibly grateful that this community has been so receptive and compassionate… and want to express my appreciation once again for the support of all my fellow Prototypers!

 

What are you continuing fitness goals to this point?

For over two years, I’ve been dealing with chronic back pain (dysfunction in my S-I joint and a herniated disc), so it is difficult to set any “statistic-based” fitness goals- especially when it comes to Olympic lifting.  However, it is my goal to continue to improve my weight-lifting technique to become more efficient, and also to build strength, endurance and speed.  Overall, I want to be a good example to my young boys (5 and 7) to show them the importance of prioritizing health and fitness and self-care.  And when it comes down to it, I really just want to look like Peg Kinsman and Rebecca Welch when I’m in my mid-50’s 🙂 xoxoxo

 

What is your favorite quote? 

“You didn’t come this far just to make it this far.”