Meet Jennifer
By
February 19, 2016
3 Rounds for Time
400M Row
21 Slam Balls
21 Med ball sit-ups (20/14)
400M Run
Here is the next installment of "Meet the Athlete". Periodically we interview members and ask them to tell us more about themselves. Here is what Jennifer Floyd had to say when we caught up with her. You will be hearing more from us on Jennifer and her company, Cartwheel Clothing. We are hoping to get her and some of her cool stuff to a Friday Night Lights for you to check out in person. We love Jennifer because she is incredibly coachable and values good technique over going fast or going heavy. She has made incredible strides in the 5 months she has been here and continues to push herself to get better every day.
When did you start at Catacombs and why? I started in August of 2015 because I had always heard great things about CrossFit, but I really didn’t know much about it. My neighbor, Jen Hargrove, encouraged me to try Catacombs because of the small groups and supportive coaches. Plus, I couldn’t help but notice how strong and active Jen had become (again) since starting at Catacombs. I wanted that!
What do you do to pay the bills? I was an elementary school teacher for 20 years and I left that profession to be more available for my own children (now teenagers). I started my own home-based business called “Cartwheel Clothing.” I make children’s clothing (baby onesies, t-shirts…) and women’s accessories (belts and jewelry). Many local stores carry Cartwheel Clothing and I have a booth at the Durango and Telluride Farmers’ Markets in the summer.
How do you like to spend your time when not at work or the gym? My husband wishes that I enjoyed housework, but instead I like doing things with friends. This winter has been especially great to meet up with friends at Hillcrest to ski, take clinics at the Nordic center and I love to meet people at Animas Brewing because they have THE BEST SALAD in town, the “Field Salad” (mixed greens, beets, nuts…) sorry if that’s not Paleo, but it’s really good!
What do you want to see on the whiteboard when you walk in for a workout (favorite movements, time domains, workout style, etc.)? Honestly, CrossFit is very hard for me. I can’t say that I “jump for joy” at anything on the board (I’m sorry Tracie, Dustin, John…). However, as I gain strength and stamina I find more and more things that I like. I like rowing and I’m getting better at running. I like wall balls and kettle bells. Partner workout are really fun especially with other “beginners.” I’m looking forward to getting the hang of double-unders, pull-ups and box jumps.
What gives you a sense of dread when you see it on the whiteboard? Burpees, they have haunted me for years.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym or why do you care about being fit? I am starting to feel a lot stronger and it has carried over into my attempts at skate skiing this winter. I can’t wait to get on my road bike this spring and see how CrossFit helps my endurance and speed.
What's your favorite motivational quote, song, or ritual? A quote that has helped me get through challenging times is, “The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way that you use them.” While it may not always be apparent at the gym, I do believe that attitude is everything!
Name one thing you want to achieve in the gym in 2016. Confidence and strength. Weight loss would be very nice too. Plus, I’m still looking for my “core” so that I can actually use it when encouraged to do so.
What else do you have to say for yourself? I am constantly amazed by the support and camaraderie at Catacombs. The coaches and participants have been really supportive of me as a CrossFit beginner and I am so grateful!
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