March: Becky Schmidt

Hometown: Arp Tx
Age: 41
Started CrossFitting: 2012 

Favorite WOD: Running/Gymnastic

Least Favorite WOD: WODS that include lifting heavy weights. Strength days are great though!

Tell us about your sports & fitness background: As a child until my early adult years, I wasn't really concerned about fitness or overall health. But at the age of thirty I started running. I ran my first half marathon around thirty three, and at thirty nine I ran my first full marathon.  The running eventually turned into trips to the gym, which is where I first learned of CrossFit! 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? I was first exposed to CrossFit at another gym and started to attend those classes on and off for one year. It was not until I moved on to CrossFit Tyler that I felt like I was learning the movements correctly. It's all in the way its coached!

Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel? I don’t remember the workout exactly, but I know it was a gymnastic WOD. I remember after finishing my first WOD, thinking, "Wow, even though I’m laid out flat on the floor trying to catch my breath, I love this!"  I loved pushing myself! It did not matter what place I came in, or if I done the WOD RX. I had finished! I felt great, and I was hooked!

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)?  Before I started CrossFit, I didn’t eat properly. I couldn’t imagine doing things like pull ups and "strict" pushups! I never pushed myself daily. 

My body and mind have definitely changed for the better! I started seeing changes instantly. I have gotten stronger, more toned, and overall healthier!

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I am confident with trying strenuous types of activities. I don’t think twice about a seven mile hike or other long distance activities.

My husband joined CrossFit about two years ago! We share the love of the competition and atmosphere together now! If we want to get up on a Saturday morning and run a 5k or a mud run, we can just do it without all the training. We train everyday for it at Crossfit Tyler. We have so much more we can talk about now besides our kids and household chores. 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFT moments  Some of my favorites would have to be achieving something I absolutely thought I could not! Also, I love working out with my husband and sister daily along with my CrossFit family, when we are all encouraging and supporting each other. I love all the socializing we do in class, even if it gets on Nevin's nerves at times!

Any advice for people just getting started? 

• Hang in there! You will get stronger. 
  
• Listen to your coach. 
• Eat as well as possible so you'll feel less sluggish during the workouts. 
• Come to class as much as possible. 
• You will get used to the soreness. 
• It does get easier because you actually get stronger! 
• Keep in mind you just started. You WILL be able to do all the things others are doing in the short future.
• You've got this! 
  

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?  I love to travel! I appreciate a good movie. I love spending time with family and friends! And I love the Lord.