Athlete Profile – Michelle Van Buren

I am lucky enough to call Michelle a friend, but for those of you who do not know her, she has brought CrossFit into the Clark County school district. I asked her to explain a little at the end of her profile. Check it out!

Where are you from?

 Scottville, Michigan

 How long have you been at 702 and what were you doing prior?     

 I have been at 702 for about 15 months. Prior to 702 I was attending an all women’s CrossFit class at Studio 222 along with many classes at LVAC such as, Spin, Body Pump, Flexibility and Stretch.

 I knew I was a CrossFitter when ……….

 I spend more time on Youtube watching other people workout then on Facebook or email.

 After my first CrossFit WOD I felt or thought ………..

 When will this be over?

 What initially brought you to CrossFit and what keeps you coming?

 My friend and certified CrossFit instructor, Heather Doane first introduced me to CrossFit two years ago. I remember seeing her so sore and not being able to move when she first started CrossFit and I wanted to be like her!

I keep going back to CrossFit because of the unknown. I love the challenge, the change and the community of the gym.

 What is your biggest accomplishment?

 Well…I have so many! I am a goal setter I have life, professional and fitness goals.

Life Goal: In 24 months I paid off $30,000.00 of student loans, car loan and credit car debt all while purchasing my first home.

Professional Goal: When I started Crossfit two years ago one of my first thoughts was, “How can I get this to my students?” I am excited to see CrossFit finally unfolding into part of the curriculum at Rancho High School with the Inner-City kids.

Fitness Goals Achieved: Ran my first half-marathon last June. Not much of a runner and not a runner type, but I did it!

Fitness Goal: I use to be 6 sizes bigger then I am now

Recent Fitness Goal: To finally learn a kipping pull-up. Took me over a year, but finally after watching video after video after video on YouTube and practicing this summer, I did it! AND I wanted to be able to do a kipping pull-up unassisted in WODs. I was sick of using the band and being “Scaled” every time!

 Favorite and least favoriteWOD?

 Favorite WOD: Anything with a LIFT in it!

Least Favorite WOD: Anything with RUNNING in it!

 What or who inspires you most at the gym?

 The encouragement I get from the other members and coaches inspires me the most at the gym. I love the camaraderie and the constant push to be better and challenged.

 Tell me about CrossFit at Rancho High School….

 It’s a basic CrossFit class, all boys 11-12th graders. Some athletes, some non-athletes.

 I run it just like a normal box CrossFit class.  We have skill day, strength day, mobility day, and a couple hard WODs.

 It is becoming popular with the students, there is a waiting list in my class now and they want to expand it from one class this year to three next year with either a co-ed or all girls class as well.  They also want to try and make it an after school club. We are officially a non-profit affiliate “Rancho CrossFit”.  So that is neat!

I believe we are the first “CrossFit” high school Physical Education class inLas Vegas, maybe even inNevada.

 We are ripping out the old weight room and putting in a lot of the Rogue equipment, including pull-up rack that can assist 30 kids at one time.  It’s been a process….going slow, but at least it is going!

Kristin Gifford

Where are you from?

 San Diego California

 How long have you been at 702 and what were you doing prior?

 I have been at 702 for six months.  Prior to coming to 702 I was weight training at 

24 hour fitness and training outside for triathlons.

 I knew I was a CrossFitter when ……………

 I could not stop pushing refresh on my phone to see the next day’s workout.

 After my first CrossFit WOD I felt or thought ………..

 Wow, that was harder than I expected.

 What initially brought you to CrossFit and what keeps you coming?

 I initially came to CrossFit because I heard about the workouts from friends, my mom was doing CrossFit inCalifornia, and I bought a Living Social deal to try the elements class for a month. I keep coming back to CrossFit because the workouts are always different, challenging, and I continue to see positive results. I also keep coming back for the support, camaraderie, and friendships with my fellow CrossFitters

 What is your biggest accomplishment?

 My biggest accomplishment I set and achieved is doing unassisted pull-ups.

 Favorite and least favorite WOD?

 My favorite WOD is Murph and my least favorite WOD is Fight Gone Bad

 What or who inspires you most at the gym?

 The comaraderie and encouragement by my fellow CrossFitters and coaches inspires me most at the gym.

First CF702 Athlete profile – Joel Verceles

 

“It takes courage to push yourself to places you have never been before, to test your limits, to break through barriers”

 Where are you from?

 I’m originally from Fontana,CA

 How long have you been at 702 and what were you doing prior?

 I’ve been going to 702 for 5 months.  Before that I was going to the local 24hr Fitness.

 I knew I was a CrossFitter when ……………

 I started reading, listening and watching everything about CrossFit at work.

 After my first CrossFit WOD I felt or thought ………..

 I hate being last.

 What initially brought you to CrossFit and what keeps you coming back?

 My sister introduced me to CrossFit and told me I would love it.  I do love it and I appreciate all the new relationships I’ve built with the coaches and other members at CF702.

 What is your biggest accomplishment?

 My goal was to lose 100 pounds by the end of the year.  I’ve lost 95 pounds and there’s still months to go before the year is up. 

 Favorite and least favorite WOD?

 My favorite WOD is Karen.  My least favorite WOD is Fran.

 What or who inspires you most at the gym?

 The Heroes and Heroines in the military, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our nation and sustaining our freedom.  They will never get to workout again, but I can give my best effort every time I step into the gym for them.

What is your definition of a successful workout?

Well…. I did the games WOD today and I struggled through every SINGLE minute of it. When time was called I was beyond disappointed. I left the gym, walked in my moms house and the first thing she said to me was, “what happened, bad workout?” I almost screamed YES and I realized NO the workout wasn’t bad. The struggle and disappointment left a giant door wide open for improvement. We are all at the gym for improvement right?? It doesn’t matter what the “improvement” is, we all share the want or need to improve some thing ranging from a back squat PR to simply making everyday life a little easier.  This workout today made me realize I have lots to work on – diet, sleep, stretching, etc  (I will spare you the entire list running through my head) but I am going to take it for what its worth and not say I had a bad workout. I had a successful workout- I am mentally stronger and see the opportunity to improve myself. Each day we walk into the gym with different goals in mind and our goals can change from day to day. An athlete may walk in one day hoping for a Fran PR  and a week later walk in hoping to escape everyday life for an hour. Either way I encourage you to check in with yourself time to time to make sure you know your goals and what success in the gym means to you. Share your definition with the coaches and other members because most likely you will have day like I had today and you may need a reminder of the opportunity that is hiding in the struggle.