Lisa May aka "Mamaw"

Lisa May - or Mamaw, as she's known to her soon-to-be EIGHT grandkids! - is just 52.

​The Tyler native with everybody's favorite smile has been CrossFitting since January 2015.

Favorite WOD: 

Anything that includes rope climbs

Least Favorite WOD:  

I'm not sure I have one, LOL.​

How/Why did you start CrossFit? 

After running my first half marathon in 2014, my body just broke down. My back problems got worse, my knees hurt all the time. I went through multiple back and hip injections, chiropractors, personal trainers and even yoga ... but nothing seemed to help.

I took a couple months off, and finally Tonya talked me into just coming and watching a WOD. I did and I was hooked that morning. Nevin had me using a PVC pipe for months just to make sure I didn't hurt my back/hip. I literally had a love/hate relationship with that pvc pipe! But I'm so thankful - it only made me stronger in the end.  

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

I was a wreck before CrossFit, because of my prior injuries, but now... I feel better than I ever have!​

Lisa's first RX WOD - May 22, 2015

2nd place winner - ETX Games 2016

Stronger every day - May 2017

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced from taking on CrossFit that were totally unexpected?  

I never ever ever would have thought I would have made it to the ETX Games last year, and place 2nd in my age division. I'm not a competitive, other than with myself.. I was shocked I actually went through the whole thing without bailing out.  

There are days for everyone when you just don’t want to work out. How do you handle those?

I get up and GO! My 7:30 am family holds eachother accountable. If I don't show, then my partner in crime... aka Gina Murray is left solo, and I feel guilty - ha!

Please share with us your favorite CrossFit / CFT moments.

Climbing the rope for the first time, thanks to Brad!! I thought and I believe I told him that morning that I'd never be able to do that... and by dang.. he took that as a challenge and now, rope climbs are my favorite!! 

​Any advice for people just getting started? 

You can't be scared.. I have a lot of people ask me what I do for workouts. I tell them I CrossFit, and they are shocked because of my age, and I'm not all "bulked" up. I just tell them just come and try!!! When you have coaches like ours, they're not gonna let you hurt yourself.. 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? 
​
Taking care of my family.

What is your superpower?
​
Being a Mamaw of almost 8 grandkids! ​