What made you choose CrossFit True?
The community immediately felt warm and welcoming, which is exactly what I was looking for. I admire Monique’s commitment and her presence at the gym. She leads by example. I value that kind of authentic leadership and wanted a “walk the walk” kind of place.
How long have you been training with us?
I hit my one-year mark this past January! That said, I’m a bit of a CrossFit dinosaur—I actually found a grainy video of my first day back in 2012 jumping onto stacked plates. CrossFit has been a constant through so many different eras of my life and it’s evolved right along with me.
What has been your proudest moment in the past 90 days?
I’ve been navigating a back issue since December, so my proudest moment isn’t a “heavy hitter” lift—it’s the realization that being at True keeps me mentally resilient. It’s about that growth mindset and staying functionally fit for my actual life.
The standout moment has been with the new semester starting- noticing that the amount of physical labor it takes to run a high school ceramics class is comically high, and how much working out at True helps me! I know other teachers won’t and probably couldn’t do it, and my students are always impressed when I’m tossing around 45lb boxes of clay or manning the machinery. Lately, I’ve been encouraging the students to do these things themselves. They say, “Oh my god, you’re so strong,” when they realize how much work it is, and feel a sense of pride when they realize they can do it too. I joke and tell them “I Crossfit…” But no really…
When you’re not at the gym, what do you do for work and fun?
I teach high school painting and ceramics, and after school, I coach indoor and outdoor track. I feel lucky that I get to spend my day doing what I love with people I care about, all while making a positive impact on my home community of Meriden.
I’m “allergic” to not having a good time! Even when my job wasn’t fun… I changed jobs. I love road tripa, gardening, ghost hunting, hiking, or creating art. I also love yoga, my pets, wrestling, podcasts, and—of course—Goodreads.
How is your nutrition? How has it changed since joining CrossFit True?
I really appreciated that the nutrition reset here was more sustainable than the restrictive “challenges” I’ve done elsewhere. My brain doesn’t do well with “can’t.”
I’d call my nutrition “decently balanced.” During the week, it’s a lot of apples, protein bars, and Greek yogurt (balanced out by my one true weakness: school cafeteria Uncrustables). My husband is vegan and a great cook, so dinner is usually a healthy, delicious plant-based meal. On the weekends, we live a little—sushi Fridays, sourdough Saturdays, and pizza in the summer. Joining True has helped me maintain a healthy baseline without being “OCD” about it, which is much more sustainable for a busy schedule.
What are your 3 favorite movements/exercises?
400m runs, hang cleans, and burpees.
What is your favorite style of workout?
A nice, long AMRAP—or a series of shorter AMRAPs where everyone is moving together and no one is left “last.” I love that shared energy.
What about your favorite workout?
Crossfit Specifically- Helen (3 rounds of 400m run, 21 KBS, 12 Pullups) . Historically it’s been in my wheelhouse. I could have added 45lb KBS to my favorites, and 12 pullups are manageable for me.
I’ve run 14 marathons and two ultras, but the half-marathon is my absolute favorite “workout.” It’s the perfect distance—13.1 miles doesn’t wreck your nervous system or destroy your body (unless you’re sprinting it). You can train for it and speed up, or you can jog it with friends. By the time you start to get bored, it’s almost over! Plus, you usually get to see a cool new city and earn a well-deserved shower beer afterward.
Any favorite workout songs?
Too many to count! I’ve been meticulously planning race playlists since 2016. When I ran Chicago, NYC, and Boston, I filled my lists with artists from those specific cities. I even time the “fast” songs to hit right at the miles where I know I’ll start to feel tired.
Have you changed physically or mentally since working out with us?
Mentally and physically, I came to True at a bit of a low point after dealing with thyroid issues and two hip labrum surgeries. Those things changed my body (and probably my brain) so much that I didn’t quite recognize myself anymore by then. Since starting here, I’ve lost 14 pounds and, more importantly, I finally feel like myself again. I might not be 30 anymore, but I feel just as capable and comfortable in my skin as I did before I tore my first hip in 2022.
What are your current goals?
I’m looking to “spring clean” my nutrition, continue to slowly recover from a lingering back issue, and get outside more now that it’s warming up.
How have your goals changed since you joined?
I’m actually excited to get back into running! I was pretty burnt out when I started at True, but now I’m feeling the itch to train for a fall race while keeping up with my CrossFit. I ran the Hartford Marathon ten years ago when I turned 30—I think it would be a beautiful “full circle” moment to run it again this fall for my 40th. As Moe says, “Every decade we get new PRs.” This time, the PR is just about vibing and enjoying the process as it happens.
What has been the biggest surprise since joining CF True?
The impromptu book club that happens at! Who knew fitness and literature paired so well?
What can you do now that you couldn’t do before joining?
I’m lifting almost as heavy as I was in my late 20s, and I recently crushed almost all the chest-to-bar pull-ups in a workout!
Say something else, Anything!
CrossFit True has reminded me that being an athlete isn’t about a single workout; it’s about how you show up for yourself every day. Whether I’m coaching my track athletes, helping a student in a class, or grinding through an AMRAP, I’m just grateful to be part of a community that celebrates bringing out the best in everyone.