May 2015: Jennifer Pendergrass

Hometown- Tyler
Age- 38
Started CrossFit Sept 2014

Favorite WOD: Anything with squats

Least favorite WOD: Anything with snatches! I'm no good at em' (yet!)

Tell us about your Sports/fitness background: I worked out with Shannon Reynolds about 6 years ago for about 6 months...thats it!). 

I have been on "diets" umpteen thousand times and lost weight but gained it all back every time. Never had the drive to workout like I do now. I feel this is something i will do forever now!

How were you first exposed to CrossFit? [Fellow CFTer] Jamie Hancock (thank you and I love ya' most days).

Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?  It was a 7 min AMRAP with weighted lunges, double unders (which I'd never heard of), GHD situps and ring rows. I know I made it through it, but was so winded and weak afterwards that I didnt know how I would ever come back.  And yet, I'm still here today! 

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? 
There are visible, measureable changes in inches / body weight. I have muscles in places I didnt know existed. I feel better and have more daily energy.

I recognize more self-confidence - courage - and knowing I can handle any situation.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? Definitely the self confidence, the courage.

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFT moments.  
I hope y'all have all day for this 'cause I could go on and on!!! I honestly feel like this is my family. 
I love getting up everyday and coming to CFT. All appointments that have to be made... they come after CrossFit! 

One thing that really sticks in my mind is when I first started and we were doing a WOD with burpees (imagine that) and I literally thought i was going to vomit, pass out, or just die right there in front of everyone. Worse yet, I was the last one standing (barely). 

Then Brad came over, squated down in front of me and said, "How many more you got?" Barely able to breathe, I said FIVE, Lord help me. Brad calmly said , "Come on  -- You CAN do this. Don't stop." And he stayed right there counting down for me until I finished. And I was SO PROUD OF MYSELF! To this day, I continue to get the same encouragement from all of my workout buddies at CFT and there is no place else I would rather be!!

Any advice for people just getting started?  Do not give up! If you want results you have to give it 100% and you will see them!

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? My kids, my T-shirt business, and crafts.