First, tell us a little bit about yourself. What are your interests outside of CrossFit?
A southern gal, Tennessee born and raised. Oldest of three – I have a younger brother and sister. Mom to 5 fur babies that own my heart. Vol fan. Marketing Manager. CrossFit enthusiast. Champagne taste on a beer budget. Sports fanatic (partial to soccer/football). I love music and wine (separate, and in tandem). The beach and the mountains make my heart smile. I love doing yard work. Three P’s that make my belly happy: Pizza, pickles and peanut butter. I am very competitive, and extremely shy.
How and why did you get involved in CrossFit?
I have been a competitive athlete my entire life and love pushing myself to the next level. When first introduced to CrossFit, I was training for a half marathon, playing in a local soccer league, and had a regular routine at the gym. I knew very little about CrossFit when I decided to give it a try. My first experience wasn’t the best. I decided to give it a second chance when I heard about CrossFit Surmount – and the rest is history. I found the workouts to be challenging, dynamic, and very distinct. What I didn’t know is that I would find so much more – family, friends, and a community. I have the honor of working out alongside some amazing, wonderful, strong, supportive, and beautiful people. Not to mention the most adorable mascot, Luke. An all-around win!
What was the first workout that you completed? What do you remember most about the workout?
I can barely remember what I did on an hour ago, so I don’t recall my first workout. However, I do recall how I felt when I finished the workout, and thinking to myself, wow, that kicked my a$$…I can’t wait to go back for more!
What are your current and future training goals?
My near term goals: Stringing butterfly pull-ups together. Getting a muscle up.
Future goals: Building (barbell) strength and improving my form with these lifts. Being able to complete all workouts Rx (including the benchmark/hero WODs). Continue to compete.
What is your favorite activity or lift, e.g., pull-ups, dead-lifts, running, front squats, snatches, burpees, etc.?
I am going to pretend the word activity is plural in this question – Handstand push-ups, ring dips, pull-ups and burpees. Yes, burpees. Pretty much anything bodyweight or conditioning-related.
What is your least favorite activity or lift?
Anything shoulder to overhead because of a nagging shoulder injury. Most specifically, snatch. My form sucks, and my shoulder hurts.
What PR are you most proud of achieving and why?
Deadlift – my goal was 3x bodyweight and I finally achieved it. Of the lifts, this is the one area that I am the strongest, so naturally, it tends to be my favorite. It makes me feel “strong for my size.” 
What do you enjoy more, strength or conditioning and why?
This will probably come as no surprise, but conditioning. Why? It’s an area of strength and where I excel naturally.
Do you eat Paleo/Zone?
Totally. Paleo bread, Paleo pizza, Paleo onion rings, Paleo French fries, Paleo wine…
I am a bit of a newbie to the Paleo world, but I do incorporate it as often as I can (~50% of the time). For someone who doesn’t necessarily love to cook, sticking to this can be challenging. That said, I do notice a difference in my overall well-being, strength, and workout performance when I eat clean. I just can’t seem to resist pizza, beer, or a good glass of wine.
What are 3 fun facts about yourself?
- I was a Budweiser girl in college (UT).
- My father was a bodybuilder and lightweight boxer.
- My grandfather worked on the Manhattan project, which is how my hometown of Oak Ridge (Secret City) originated. Google it!