Jamie has been around for quite a while. If you haven’t seen her yet, check out one of the afternoon classes to witness her (+one) in action. Stellar attitude, knows how to have a good time while getting in a tough workout, and determined to keep CrossFitting ’til labor day! Goooooo Jamie!!!
What’s your athletic/fitness background?
When I was little, my parents wanted me to try lots of different activities. We decided anything graceful was probably not for me after both my ballet instructor and gymnastics coach pulled my parents aside and told them that I should look at other sports. Finally, I found soccer. I started off playing in a local league but quickly moved on to travel soccer where I got to leave the friendly confines of Rhode Island to play in tournaments in exotic locations like Maine and New Jersey.
I burned out on soccer before High School and decided to take up tennis. I played Junior Varsity for my first two years of High School and by Junior year I was playing doubles for our Varsity team.
My fitness came to a screeching halt when I went to college at Tulane in New Orleans. It was really hard to find time to make it to the gym between hangovers. After college, I joined a gym and took up running and some light weightlifting but always got bored quickly and never managed to really get back on track.
What was your first CrossFit workout and what did you think of it?
Hunter and I did a 2 on 1 intro class with Josh. We had just come back from a long weekend visiting New Orleans and neither of us was in the mood to exercise. I remember emailing Josh to ask if we would be working out or if it was just an informational class (hoping for the latter). He responded with something about how it would be a quick workout of less than 15 minutes to get an idea of what a class would be like. I think it was a combination of wall balls, burpees, and maybe box jumps and that quick workout kicked my butt.
What’s been the biggest change for you since starting CrossFit?
Before CrossFit, I would only workout if I had time or if it was convenient. I would make excuses about not being able to make it to the gym because I needed to get home to see the dog or to start dinner. Now my workouts are a part of my schedule. I plan everything else around getting to the gym and because of that I feel better and I sleep better.
What’s been your favorite DCF moment up to now?
My favorite athletic moment at DCF up to now would be my first strict pull-up. I really didn’t think I could do it but I got on the bar to try and my body started to move up slowly until my head was over the bar. There is nothing better than working for something for so long and then finally achieving it. The gym really does look better when your head is over that bar.
My favorite DCF social moment was during the open this year when a bunch of the DCF ladies decided to have Saturday mimosa brunch and watch people complete the WODs. Watching 14.2 was way more exciting after a few glasses of champagne. Luckily Hunter was competing so he was able to drive me home after.
Least favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
I have to say it’s a tie between wall balls and burpees. Something about those movements really just sends shivers down my spine. Seeing a WOD that has both wall balls and burpees can really ruin my day.
Favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
I really like max Deadlifts. It is so satisfying to stand that ridiculously heavy bar up one time and then let it drop to the ground.
When did you know you were hooked?
When I was just starting out at CrossFit, I was perfectly happy with 9 classes a month and had budgeted for that. Within a month, I realized I was hooked and 9 wasn’t enough so I increased to 13 classes and then to unlimited soon after. Hunter and I both admitted that if it came to it, we would be willing to get rid of our smart phones or cable to be able to afford our CrossFit addiction (luckily we haven’t had to do either).
Any advice for people starting out?
At the beginning of class when the coaches tell you to introduce yourself to people, do it. The DCF members are some of the best people I’ve met since living in Washington, DC. Everyone is so encouraging and really do want to see you improve and excel. Also, having people to talk to and commiserate with during class really can make even the worst WOD bearable.