When I started CrossFit in 2012, I had never touched a barbell; I couldn't do a pullup or a pushup, but I drank the Kool Aid from the start. While I'm always up for a challenge, and enjoy learning and trying new things, the community aspect of CrossFit is what really caught my attention.
Despite the humbling workouts, the sweat, the bloody palms and shins, the bruises, and the failed reps, people smiled and cheered each other on. Sure, they poked fun and threw some jabs, but they also encouraged, and coached, and sometimes, literally, pulled each other up off the floor. The camaraderie was amazing! Now, when we travel, we plan our stays around the nearest CrossFit box and classes. We estimate that we've dropped in at 50+ boxes in four countries.
My CrossFit journey began in 2012 at Indy CrossFit. In 2022, I joined CrossFit Lupos, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and began coaching. I had considered coaching for many years, but as a mom of six kids, there wasn't much time to add anything more to my plate. So when our fifth youngest child graduated high school and left for college in 2022, leaving just one teenager at home, I was able to carve out a little spare time to dedicate to coaching. I obtained my CrossFit Kids certificate in Spring 2023. I've competed in the CrossFit Open for 9 years - I missed a couple years for knee surgeries. I was a volunteer at the CrossFit Games in 2022 and 2023 and have participated in multiple local competitions, as an athlete, judge, and/or event coordinator. In December 2023 I completed the Level 2 course and look forward to the continued challenge of improving my personal fitness as well as my coaching skills.
I'm not a natural athlete - it took me a long time to learn some skills, and others I'm still working on. As a result of damage to my right knee and severe osteoarthritis from an injury as a teenager, I've had to learn a lot of modifications. I've had to learn to keep my ego and pride in check, and to push myself a little harder than I want to some days. I've learned to balance training and recovery, and I've learned that I can come back even at 49 years old and after 11 knee surgeries. Those lessons have helped me become a better coach and solidified my resolve to use CrossFit methodology to help other people achieve things they never thought they could. If there's a skill or movement you're struggling with, please don't hesitate to ask me. I might have a tip or a suggestion that could help you, because chances are, I struggled with it, too.
It is my honor and pleasure to work with Gabe and his wife, Lindsey, and my husband Brian, to found, operate, and coach at CrossFit Masiphumelele. Thanks to Lindsey for teaching me about caring for the people in the shade of our tree.
