Coachable | Hardworking | Positive

These are the attributes that we look for in our athletes. Each month we like to Feature an athlete who exemplify these core values.

With hair (and a mustache) more fabulous than Ron Burgundy, Jared is a fun and important part of our community. You’ll find him working out in the noon class, or throwing weights with Coach Josh. Whatever he is doing, it’ll be with a smile and an attitude ready to crush whatever he is faced with.

Check out his art!

Let’s get to know a little more about Jared…

What’s your athletic background? Very little… I didn’t start to enjoy being active until college. In college I found running and Ultimate Frisbee as my gateway sports.

When did you start working out at The Hill? November 2016.

What keeps you coming back? Coaches. Classmates. Community. Competition. Cool Clothes. Could I continue with C words? Yes.

Was this your first experience with CrossFit? No – I started earlier in 2016 for about three months, than took a hiatus while I was moving. 

If you could write the WOD what would it be? Back Squat, Rowing, Cleans, and Pull-ups. 

What are some of your goals, fitness or personal- for 2018?  My CF goals for 2018 are to get more confident in my Olympic lifts, build overall strength, string together more than three double-unders, and complete muscle-ups as a part of a WOD. We’re 5 months in and I’ve knocked out two of them! Personally, two of my biggest goals are to participate in my first art show and publish the children’s book I’m illustrating.

Any PR’s that your proud of? All of them? I take pride in what I’ve accomplished every time I gain greater proficiency at a gymnastic movement or gain five pounds on a lift. I recently completed a more focused strength training small group class with Coach Josh and gained +5 lbs on my back squat and +10 lbs on my strict press – and I’m super stoked about that.

List one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF? Aside from being more athletic? The first new friends I made after moving to KC are at the Hill and they helped me find friends in a new city. 

What do you like about KC? I love the friendly, resilient people, the coffee and the strong support of the arts. And The Hill.

Why do you live in KC, and how do you like to spend your free time? I moved to KC in 2016 both for an opportunity to be the first communications director at my employer, FarmHouse Fraternity, and to be closer to two of my brothers. I spend my free time mostly on creative pursuits – drawing, volunteering on the creative committee for the Bloom Party (benefiting KC Care), or trying to bring to life any other number of visual ideas that come in to my mind. 

What’s your favorite cheat meal? Macaroni and Cheese – Or ‘Za. Also an Old Fashioned. But not at the same time.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit? Do it, but just know – it’s a marathon not a sprint. You probably won’t be good overnight. It may take a year or two, but one day you’ll wake up and think, “Wow, I did 100 pull-ups yesterday and before I even started, I knew that I could.”

Anything else you would like to share with the whole #fitfam? Thanks for welcoming me into the community! You all rock. It is definitively the friendships and authentic support from coaches and fellow athletes that keeps me coming back. #NoonClass is the best class. 

Smart      Determined      Kind      Generous      Uplifting

These are just a few things that come to mind when we think of Corinne. Celebrating Corinne this month is easy to do.

Corinne is a great person to have cheering you on and her cookie and cake creations are the best. She just finished her PhD in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.  We are so inspired by her ability to consistently make working out part of her very busy schedule. She’s even come early to prep for Murph with Jenna!

Congrats Dr. Schwarz!

Featured Athlete Interview:

What’s your athletic background? I was WAY too awkward for sports growing up! I started running half-marathons and doing group fitness classes in graduate school.

When did you start working out at The Hill? July 2017.

What keeps you coming back? I love the community and coaching! At first, I was super intimidated to join a CrossFit gym, but everyone is so encouraging and friendly. Participating in Friday Night Lights for the open this year really solidified it–I come here to sweat and suffer with everyone, but before/after class is all social/sharing cat photos/talking about RuPaul’s Drag Race with my friends.

Was this your first experience with CrossFit? It was! My boyfriend Jacob had been here for a few years, so it was a no-brainer to join when I moved to KC last summer.

If you could write the WOD what would it be? Burpees, deadlifts, hang power cleans, and overhead squats–if it has a barbell in it, it’s my favorite workout.

What are some of your goals, fitness or personal- for 2018? Fitness-wise, I’d love to get a strict pull-up this year. Personally, I’d like to start meditating every day.

Any PR’s that your proud of? I just did my first rope climb a few weeks ago (and got my first gnarly rope burn!)

List one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF? I feel like I’ve become more adventurous. I try not to talk myself out of taking chances in the workouts, like throwing an extra five pounds on a bar or pushing my pace on a row, and that has totally translated into my life outside of the gym. Also, I now know how to squat properly, so that’s pretty nice.

How do you find time to workout with your busy schedule? I think there were two things that really worked for me. On Sunday nights, I would look at my planner and write in the days/times I planned to make it to the gym to make it as non-negotiable as possible. If I didn’t write it down, I would bail. I also told literally EVERYONE–friends, family, professors–about my gym intentions to be accountable to others. I think there were two things that really worked for me. On Sunday nights, I would look at my planner and write in the days/times I planned to make it to the gym to make it as non-negotiable as possible. If I didn’t write it down, I would bail. I also told literally EVERYONE–friends, family, professors–about my gym intentions to be accountable to others. At first, it felt really silly/kind of TMI to tell my dissertation advisor that I tried to go to the gym at noon, but she totally respected it and I don’t have to worry about a weird schedule getting in the way of my gymming! At first, it felt really silly/kind of TMI to tell my dissertation advisor that I tried to go to the gym at noon, but she totally respected it and I don’t have to worry about a weird schedule getting in the way of my gymming!

What do you like about KC? I love how accessible everything is in KC. It’s so easy to spend a day puttering around different neighborhoods, eating good food, and checking out museums. There is always something going on if you just dig a little bit.

What brought you to KC? And how do you like to spend your free time? I moved here for my boyfriend’s job, but I am also a graduate student at the University of Kansas. In my free time, I basically harass my cat Jasper, bake delicious treats, go to concerts, and host board game nights for friends.

What’s your favorite cheat meal? All-you-can-eat sushi, followed by cupcakes–a weird but tasty combo.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit? Do it! You will be nervous and scared for your first few classes but then it will seriously be the best decision you’ve ever made! Plus, you’ll get weird bruises and calluses and feel super hardcore. 🙂

Anything else you would like to share with our coaches or the whole #fitfam? I cannot imagine my life without The Hill! I never dread coming to the gym, even when it’s a wild workout, because I know I get to see some of my favorite people (and pet a few good dogs). I haven’t even been coming here for a full year yet, but The Hill totally feels like home!

Name
Craig Lavid

What’s your athletic background?
I played soccer as a kid; then football and basketball in high school.

When did you start working out at The Hill?
2.5 years ago.

What keeps you coming back?
I enjoy the coaching and atmosphere. I seem to learn something new every day and enjoy the no sense approach to fitness:  good technique in a positive environment.

Was this your first experience with CrossFit?
I did crossfit for about two years before joining the Hill.

If you could write the WOD what would it be?
Pushups.  Double Unders.  Eating Donuts.

What are some of your goals, fitness or personal- for 2018?
To become more mobile and flexible.  To keep improving on my kips. And just keep coming to the workouts.

Any PR’s that your proud of?
My hang cleans are better.

List one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
My squat form is tons better the last few months with the added instruction from the coaches.  The small things have made a huge difference there.

What do you like about KC?
I have two nephews that I have very close to here in KC. I enjoy watching them play sports and taking their candy.  

How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy movies, reading, laying by pool, going to dog park.  Simple things.

What’s your favorite cheat meal?
PBJ is my favorite food of all time.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit?
I would say make sure you pick a gym that fits your goals.  I obviously think the coaching and non competitive environment is what sets The Hill apart from other gyms.  

Anything else you would like to share with our coaches or the whole #fitfam?
Matt said something at the fitness challenge meeting that really stuck with me.  He said something like, “You don’t have to act like you feel.” That is a powerful message not only about food/diet, but about life in general. I have a stressful job (daytrade stocks), and so many times I would trade how I felt.  Being able to take a step back and look at yourself objectively is something that is probably more appreciated by someone as they age. But that one small thought process sure is a valuable tool.

What’s your athletic background? I grew up swimming competitively.

When did you start working out at The Hill? August 2016.

Was this your first experience with CrossFit? Yes.

What keeps you coming back? I love a good challenge. When I conquer an intimidating workout, I feel like I can accomplish anything. I also love the community at the gym because it makes you feel like family. My only regret is not joining sooner.

If you could write the WOD what would it be? Power cleans, rope climbs, double unders. Can’t forget to start with a warmup of the pvc pipe game or crab walking with a med ball.

What are some of your goals, fitness or personal- for 2018? Personal: take more vacations. Fitness: be able to do strict pull-ups! I also want to be the best version of myself and one of my fitness goals is to practice healthy, sustainable eating habits.

Any PR’s that your proud of? I snatched 85# last month!

List one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF? One improvement is my mental toughness. I feel that a lot of Crossfit is mental and having that aspect in control has made a world of difference in my performance each day. Knowing you can accomplish something challenging in the gym translates to other aspects of your life.

What do you like about KC? KC has amazing people. I like the “small world” aspect, like the “6 degrees of KC.”

Why do you live in KC- job? school? other? And how do you like to spend your free time? I grew up in Overland Park, KS. Most of my family, my parents and sister, live in KC. I have lived in other states but nothing beats being close to family. I spend my free time forcibly snuggling my two dogs and watching The Office.

What’s your favorite cheat meal? Pizza. Every time.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CrossFit? It is not as scary as you think!

Anything else you would like to share? This gym offers unmatched, incredible coaching and an amazing community. I am so happy I joined and I can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Mat has been a member at the Hill since the very early days. He’s seen the community grow, evolve, and find its way. Similarly, we’re honored to have been a part of Mat’s growth. Our team of coaches collectively echoed their appreciation for Mat’s attitude – particularly the attitude with which he approached his recent traumatic accident in which he broke his neck, nearly severing his cervical spine. While many would ask “why me” in this circumstance, Mat’s attitude exuded gratitude and opportunity. Mat has grown to truly embody our Athlete Core Values: Coachable, Hardworking, and Positive. Well deserved, Mat. -Scanny.

What’s your athletic background? Probably similar to most folks – HS sports, including one year of terrible golf – Played Australian Rules Football for a decade or more and played three years with the US national squad (US Revolution) and played Rugby through college and a little post college.

What was your first experience with CrossFit? When did you start? I thought I was doing some CF style workouts from dot com – I’d been doing those on my own for a while. When I joined the US team I wanted to ramp up my training and I searched for some local boxes.

Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill? Scanny is likely dreading this answer – The Hill was the first “box” I really worked out in – I showed up a few weeks after they opened their doors. I sent Matt and email and though I can’t remember exactly what it said the general gist was that I was training for the US national team and I’m not sure if CrossFit would be “enough” for me. Matt politely replied to show up for a workout at 11am on Saturday, where Mitch, Chad, and Scanny proceeded to put me through this insanely stupid hard workout. At the time, I had no idea, but they totally did it to ruin me and make me eat crow. I was already hooked and that same night I saw them all out at Hickok’s (RIP) and I was sold. That was years ago, and I haven’t looked back.

What keeps you coming back? The easy answer would be the people – I’ve legitimately met some of my lifelong best friends here. I’ve been in multiple weddings – lived with people – and honestly made lifelong memories with lots of folks I’ve met at The Hill. The long answer is also the people, but it’s a testament to what Matt’s built. I’ve seen many “versions” of The Hill from back in the day when there were 6 owners and it was a buddy comedy meets CrossFit box. To the professional and well oiled machine it is today. Josh has been a invaluable addition to the gym and him and Matt’s vision is clearly echoed through all the staff. The Hill has always put people first, whether that’s just taking the growing pains to figure out what makes sense for a broad spectrum of athletes or Matt riding his scooter over after and delivering me eat fit go after I got the word that I had a broken neck. The range is incredible and it’s impressive how the staff and community can make everyone who walks through that door feel like they belong despite their fitness/athletic background.

Why do you live in KC- job? school? other? And how do you like to spend your free time? I live in KC because it has somehow managed to suck me in. I’ve tried to go places that have mountains but fate has kept me in Kansas City. I love this City, it’s home for me, and it appears that isn’t changing in the near future. In my free time I love to cook, I love being outdoors, off-roading in my jeep, I snowboard every chance I get in the winter, and I often enjoy some traveling.

What do you like about KC? Have I mentioned the BBQ? The people here are genuine, the food is awesome, there’s a lot of little secret places to explore, it’s cheap to live here which makes traveling often easy.

What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF? I’ve grown more personally from being a member and it’s a credit to all the people around. I’m more approachable and easier going than I was in my youth.

What are your goals for 2018? Continue the recovery and as always, look more like Jake and Less like Gary.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF? Don’t do it – You’ll probably end up getting addicted and start making better life choices, eat healthier and find a group of like minded individuals who want more out of life than just status quo. For that, the common person will tell you that you’re in a cult… In all seriousness I always tell people that CrossFit may not be for them, but they’ll never know if the don’t try. I like CF in general because wherever I’ve been there’s always something in the DNA of people at any box, and it’s that they want more out of life. Professional, personally, in their training they’re generally just not the kind of people who accept a “show up and do the minimum mentality”.

What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement? My favorite movement is power cleans… or basically anything with a barbell. My least favorite movement would be Burpee box jump over, or anything involving gymnastics…. and burpees….

What’s your favorite cheat meal? But seriously… have I mentioned that KC has badass BBQ?

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family? If you’re still reading this, thanks for being awesome and thanks for all the support, especially over this last year. It’s been a wild year to say the least and y’all are a great community. Thanks for being kickass and supportive – I’m looking forward to having fun during The Open, and Scanny willing, I’ll sneak in some country music to a workout. The Open is the best time of the year at The Hill and if you haven’t experienced it before, do whatever you can to make it every Friday night – even if you can only watch.

Liz Sedlock is an amazing member of our Community at The Hill. She’s super-consistent, always has a big smile and great attitude, and routinely comes in to do workouts – even if she knows they’re going to be tough. Liz recently completed her first workout with full burpees doing the entire prescribed amount. A HUGE feat.

We are so proud of you Liz!

Liz’s Interview:

What’s your athletic background?  Drill/Dance Team – 3 years in high school and 2 years in college.

What was your first experience with CrossFit? When did you start?  My husband had been doing CrossFit for a couple of years, and I decided to give it a try. Plus, the classes I was taking at the gym I used to go to were getting so monotonous. I started Fundamentals with Coach Josh in August 2015.

Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill? My husband used to workout at The Hill and always had great things to say about Memorial Hill.

What keeps you coming back? The amazing coaches. The amazing members who make it a family. Keeping arthritis pain in check. And of course, Hollie!!!

Why do you live in KC- job? school? other? And how do you like to spend your free time? My husband is in the Navy and was transferred to Kansas City in 1997. We were only supposed to be here 3 years. My free time … I like to read a lot, watch movies, and travel (quite a bit now that my son is playing college football in Ohio).

What do you like about KC? We decided to stay in Kansas City because we felt it was a great place to raise a child.

What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?The biggest improvement has been keeping my arthritis in check. Before starting CF, I had horrible arthritic pain in my knees and was popping daily anti-inflammatory pills. It was hard to walk even a mile without taking a break. Since June, I am totally off the anti-inflammatories and have very little pain in my knees.

What are your goals for 2018? My goals for 2018 … continue to walk through that door on a consistent basis, and improve my upper body strength.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF? Give it a shot before you decide you can’t do it. You will be surprised.

What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement? My favorite movement is dead-lifts. My least favorite movement … cleans.

What’s your favorite cheat meal? Mexican Food

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family?  Thank you to the coaches and members who continue to inspire me!

Thank YOU Liz. We are so lucky to have you at The Hill~

Squats, Time with Fiancé Garrett, & PB Ice Cream are just a few of her favorite things.

“There are so many things that keep me coming back. To name a few-

1: The amazing staff and members of Memorial Hill, everyone is so friendly and inspiring.  2: …it has become something I look forward to doing everyday.  3: It’s sometimes the only place I see Garrett in a day…  4: It pushes me to be a better athlete everyday…”

We love the consistent hard work Paige brings into the gym, especially since she probably has the most crazy work schedule of anyone! You work hard on achieving new skills and always have a great attitude. 

Getting to know Paige…

What’s your athletic background?
My only athletic background before starting CF at Memorial Hill consisted of running track and playing softball in high school. 

What was your first experience with CF?
My first experience with CF was fundamentals with Bri. I remember thinking I was never going to get the hang of these crazy movements. Thank goodness for the amazing coaches and their endless amount of patience and encouragement.

When did you start CF? 
I started CF at Memorial Hill in January of this year. 

Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill?
My fiancé, Garrett, had the biggest influence on me choosing to start the CF journey at Memorial Hill. He had been going for a couple of years and had nothing but awesome things to say about it. Although I wasn’t sure about the idea at first, I’d have to say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What keeps you coming back?
I started CF just to get into shape and stay “fit.” There are so many things that keep me coming back. To name a few- 

1: The amazing staff and members of Memorial Hill, everyone is so friendly and inspiring.  2: It gives me a break from reality, it has become something I look forward to doing everyday.  3: It’s sometimes the only place I see Garrett in a day and it gives him and I some friendly (except when I lose) competition.  4: It pushes me to be a better athlete everyday. You will rarely see me on my feet after a workout.

Why do you live in KC and how do you like to spend your free time?
I moved to KC to be closer to my fiancé and begin my nursing career. My very little free time is usually spent watching shows or movies with my fiancé and our puppy. 

What do you like about KC?
I moved from a much smaller town than KC. I like having everything so easily accessible, there always being something fun going on, and the better job opportunities. 

What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
When I started CF I also started eating better. The mix of these two things has made me feel better all together and has improved my body composition. I have also gotten stronger and my movement techniques have improved significantly. When I started my squat form was absolutely horrible and I could squat at least 50 pounds less than I can now. 

What are your goals for 2018?
My fitness goals for 2018 are to continue being consistent with going to the gym, eating right as often as possible, and getting some pull ups. 

What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?
DO IT! Like I said previously, it is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was so skeptical about it at first. How could you possibly get in shape doing such short workouts? Well it’s because the CF coaches at Memorial Hill make your time there count. 

What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement?
My favorite movement is definitely squatting. My least favorite movement is a solid tie between thrusters and burpees. 

What’s your favorite cheat meal?
My favorite cheat meal is Olive Garden Alfredo and peanut butter party ice cream for desert. 

Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family?
I would just like to say thank you. My life wouldn’t be the same without The Hill family in it. 

Lover of cleans,

reading, and

Stroud’s cinnamon rolls!

Bob is a faithful 6am-er, comes in early to mobilize, and exudes kindness. What a guy!! Be sure to give him a high five when you see him next! 

1. What’s your athletic background?

I played volleyball in high school. I was absolutely terrible! After that, it was mainly weightlifting and running on my own.

2. What was your first experience with CF?

I dabbled in it on my own using the WODs online. I joined another unnamed CF gym in KC about two years ago, but wasn’t feeling it.

3. When did you start CF?

January of this year.

4. Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill?

I was referred by Mike Russo, and the whole Fundamentals and class experience sealed the deal.

5. What keeps you coming back?

Definitely the coaches, athletes and community.

6. Why do you live in KC and how do you like to spend your free time?

I moved here for work back in 2012. In my free time, I read a lot, have recently gotten into hiking, I brew beer, and am a huge Chiefs fan.

7. What do you like about KC?

I like how everything is pretty close. In Saint Louis you can spend 30 minutes just getting from one spot to the next, but I can be pretty much anywhere I want in 15 minutes here.

8. What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?

I am much better at the more complex movements and feel like new movements in general come easier.

9. What are your goals for 2017?

I am currently trying to lose body fat so I’d like to get to about 10 – 13%.

10. What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?

Sign up for Fundamentals! Probably the biggest step and everything after that is showing up.

11. What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement?

I love cleans. I am not the biggest fan of jerks because of limited mobility.

12. What’s your favorite cheat meal?

Pizza…or Stroud’s, those cinnamon rolls are the best food ever.

13. Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family?

I used to be in the Air Force at Whiteman AFB; the support CF and especially the Hill shows towards the military is amazing. Anything else just ask!

Lover of back squats, box jumps,
sushi, and her husband John!

Get to know this month’s Featured Athlete! She is an inspiration to many and is a pretty good writer too. It’s a delight to read her answers below. Enjoy!

“And I am excited every day (it’s true!) that I get to walk through those doors…There is no greater gym on planet earth, let alone the known universe!”

1. What’s your athletic background?
   I grew up playing all kinds of sports — basketball, flag football, tennis, soccer, softball, etc. My Dad played high school basketball and he felt it was critical for the three of us (me, my younger sister and brother) that we play sports to learn teamwork, to work hard, and to build character. In the past 20 years, off and on, I worked out at traditional gyms — doing the usual stuff, running on treadmills, using weight machines, light strength work, etc.A few years ago, I was watching a pretty silly reality show about WWE women wrestlers. One day we (me and my husband John) and I were flipping channels around on TV and saw a couple of the wrestlers. It’s funny — people think wrestling is fake, but it’s just scripted. The athleticism is real. and there is a limited roster of people that make it to the top. I am continuously amazed at what professional wrestlers can do. Freaking incredible.So, we continued to watch and I fell in love with a three-man team (The Shield) and one of the members was Seth Rollins. I started reading articles about him, reading his Twitter and Instagram — he is an elite CrossFit athlete along with travelling up to 300 days a year. Yet, he finds time to workout at least five days a week. And people that follow Seth have dubbed him “CrossFit Jesus” as so many people, including myself, joined a CrossFit gym because of him. To be that strong is inspirational.So the more I read, I was positively intrigued. At the time I was tied into a traditional gym contract, and felt like I almost had to train to join a CrossFit gym, because what did I know? Once my gym contract was up, I immediately contacted Matt to meet with him and Josh.
2. What was your first experience with CF?
   John and I went to buy his new Playstation a couple years ago and went for sushi at Stix (out at The Legends in KCK). Brian Z. was sitting at the sushi bar wearing a CrossFit Memorial Hill T-shirt, so I sat down and quizzed him for at least a good hour about the gym, CrossFit, Seth Rollins, visiting WWE personnel, etc. Following that, I went in for an evaluation with Coach Josh (Joshy!) and I was hooked. CrossFit reminded me of what it was like to be an athlete when I was younger — all the things I did so easily — handstands, running, climbing a rope, etc. — was something I knew I would have to work to regain those skills. It’s so appealing! And highly addictive! I just can’t fathom ever doing anything else. People on the outside think all we do are high-intense workouts. Which we do, but there is method to our programming and CrossFit is truly more about becoming mentally stronger than anything else. It’s about pushing ourselves when our brain says “Stop.” It’s about digging deep and knowing you can drive to the finish line. It’s checking your ego at the door and essentially surrendering to the process. We are asked to do uncomfortable things, outside of comfort zone and we do it because we love it.
3. When did you start CF?
   I joined CrossFit Memorial Hill the first week of November 2014 and went through Fundamentals with Coach Josh. I was in a group of 10 to 12 members and it gave us the foundation to be able to go onto class. I was initially hesitant about going to class as I didn’t know all the terminology, where certain equipment was stored, etc., but there were always people and coaches to explain and encourage us. The relationships formed have bolstered me and made me a better person.
4. Why did you choose CrossFit Memorial Hill?
   I had driven by CrossFit Memorial Hill every day on my way to work for a few years and had that, what I call, cosmic meeting with Brian Z., who is a great coach and ambassador for the gym. I never considered looking at another gym, especially after I met with Matt (Scannie), Coach Josh and Coach Bri. I met my gym BFF (Liz Sedlock) and so many great people that made me accountable and also provided great camaraderie, support and encouragement. I feel so lucky, seriously and really, to be part of the CrossFit Memorial Hill family.
5. What keeps you coming back?
   It’s the people. I love the coaches, Scannie, and all the amazing people I get to work out with. I feel like I am always meeting someone or getting to know people better. I think CrossFit Memorial Hill has a great environment — everyone is working hard toward their goals and is supportive of each other. It’s a true community. It’s a true family. And I am excited every day (it’s true!) that I get to walk through those doors.
6. Why do you live in KC and how do you like to spend your free time?
   We live in Roeland Park (KS) — I grew up in Lenexa from the time I was 11 and met John when we both worked at an engineering firm 20 years ago. John is a corporate trainer at Olsson Associates (a civil engineering firm) for Civil 3D and AutoCAD. I’m the Sales Coordinator at The Fontaine on the Plaza thanks to Mimi Kippes!Free time is the best! We are HUGE movie fans — we love anything with superheros (Marvel and DC), action-adventure (James Bond, Indiana Jones), Middle Earth (dwarfs and elves, oh my!), science fiction, and lots and lots and lots of collateral damage (ha!). My running joke is that if a movie is up for an Oscar, has lots of talking, pets dying or is remotely depressing, I will never, ever see it. Life is short — I learned that the hard way when my super healthy Dad had a genetic mutation and died of stomach cancer six years ago. That completely changed my life and outlook.So I try to focus on keeping movies, TV shows (even “Game of Thrones”), books, etc., relatively light. We do watch documentaries and I keep up with a little bit of news, but for the most part, I select activities that will brighten my life. Life is just too short to spend time on dark, depressing, sad stuff. Maybe it puts me in a bubble, but I am good with it.Lastly, my Mom was a middle-school librarian, so we all grew up reading like crazy — everything we could get our hands on. And reading is a great way for me to mentally relax. I’m really into murder mysteries that involve British detectives, bakers, etc. Again, nothing to serious or grisly, just smart, well-written, fun reads.
7. What do you like about KC?
   Kansas City is so easy to get around and there is a lot of diversity, which we appreciate and value. There’s tons and tons and tons to do, along with a wide variety of restaurants (we’re kinda foodies!). Kansas City has everything a large city has to offer (arts, culture, sports, etc.) and yet isn’t overwhelming like a big city. Works for us, we just need a beach!
8. What are one or two improvements you have seen in your life since starting CF?
   I have a completely different outlook on life — I’m happier, more positive and approach adversity from a position of strength. Yes, I’ve worked toward weight and body-fat loss, and yes, I’ve gained muscle and those successes are celebrated and ongoing.The biggest piece is that I am mentally tougher — I’m stronger between the ears. But I am also equally pleased that CrossFit has made me a better person overall. My parents always wanted us to be good, decent people and CrossFit Memorial Hill has continually moved me in the right direction. So grateful!
9. What are your goals for 2017/2018?
   My first goal is successfully completely my internship, starting this week!, at CrossFit Memorial Hill — that will run until December. It’s something I take very seriously — it’s an honor to be selected because it’s a first-class program and I am going to gain an immense amount of knowledge from the best and brightest. Again, I am so fortunate.My other goals include continuing my kipping progression — just accomplished the basic movement thanks to Coach Josh and now I want to do sets every day. I can’t wait to continue to get stronger and eventually progress to a kipping pull-up. Very excited about that.I’ve just started the handstand progression — just doing lots of ring rows, strict presses, push-ups, and kicking up to a handstand and I expect that to take at least a year, probably longer. Already psyched to see where I’m at this time next year. Doing the same thing with learning how to double-jump — that’s gonna be huge!Finally, I want to successfully complete my second Murph! And watch John finish his first!
10. What would you say to someone thinking about starting CF?
    Just do it, you will be so happy! It may seem intimidating at first, but you will gain mad skills, accomplish more than you could ever imagine, and be part of something greater than yourself. You will be part of a family, a true community that wants to you to be successful and will cheer you on. It’s just a dreamy experience, even when you are sweating buckets and your body is like “No More!” because you are doing something extraordinary.
11. What’s your favorite & least favorite CF movement?
    The easy answer for my favorite movement would be the back squat, followed by box jumps because they both use my lower body, which is my area of strength. I remember when I first learned how to properly execute a box jump, what that meant as far as technique and then being able to put sets together in a workout. That was rad! Now, I am really into kipping and am jonesing to see what I will accomplish in a year’s time. Lastly, I know it will be epic when I can do a handstand. It’s gonna be a moment made up of all the moments that it took to get to that point and I will value it that much more. And at some point I need to start working on my double-jumps, but I have to work one skill at a time as Coach Josh instructs.My least favorite movements are the overhead squat and the snatch, both Olympic lifts. Anything that requires me to throw a barbell over my head is taxing and both my technique and form requires an immense amount of work. Which I am committed to.
12. What’s your favorite cheat meal?
    I love a weekly “rewards” meal! My favorite is a hamburger with french fries and onion rings with some kind of chocolatey dessert — preferably a giant piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing. That’s probably totals out my weekly caloric intake, which is why I try to alternate rewards meals between sushi, burgers, pasta, dim sum and Chinese food. Sometimes just having a few appetizers and double desserts is most welcome after eating clean all week. Food is fuel and I’m good with that, but my eating program is about sustainability — what I do now for eating has to be the way I will eat in 6 months, a year, five years, etc. And a weekly rewards meal is part of that.
13. Anything else you would like to share with The Hill family?
    I am passionate about two things in my life — my husband (John), he is the sun I orbit and CrossFit Memorial Hill. I love, love, love that John and I are part of the CrossFit Memorial Hill family. We are surrounded by a tremendous community of super awesome people. Everybody seems to be on the same page — improving their athletic ability while connecting with others. I dig that.Lastly, thanks to Matt/Scannie, Josh, Bri, Caitlin, Mindy, Sami, Matt, Kyle for always making me welcome and valued and to all my classmates who power me through with cheers, encouragements and lots of laughs. To everyone who belongs to the gym and those that have moved on, your impact has been immeasurable. And hope you know that. You’e shaped my experience and equally hope that I have been a positive light for you. There is no greater gym on planet earth, let alone the known universe!