Each month we spotlight a different CrossFit 1710 athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow athletes and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit 1710 Community should be about.
Our March 2022 Athlete of The Month is Heather Jennings! Heather originally began CrossFitting with us on December 11, 2017 and has grown in wonderful ways since she first joined our team. Heather challenges herself by increasing her personal intensity in workouts, working on movements that are temporary weaknesses, and encouraging all our athletes along the way. She has been incredibly consistent with her nutrition and movement outside of the gym and is setting an excellent example of whole health for her family. You will find Heather getting her workout in for the day in our 5:00 am CrossFit class, often with her son, Cotton. Come and join Heather in a workout and you too will see what she is talking about and why she's our AOTM! Congratulations Heather! We’re so happy to have you as our March 2022 Athlete of the Month and as an awesome example of what CrossFit culture is all about! Get to know Heather in her interview below.
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1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF (PERSONAL BACKGROUND: FAMILY, CAREER, HOBBIES).
I am a newly, happily married 40-year-old mom. I own my own business and am absolutely loving being self-employed. I LOVE to cook, ride to the beach or do anything at all outside with Corey, Madison and Cotton.
2. WHEN DID YOU BEGIN CROSSFIT? WHO/WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO START CROSSFIT?
I attended my very first CrossFit class in December of 2017! It took nearly 2 years to build up the courage to finally jump in. I was not keen at all on the idea of working out with people I knew, from Wharton… most of my “gym life” up until that point was alone, in big gyms.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
I have learned that I am my own worst enemy, and my own biggest critic. I have learned that no one judges me at the box, but myself. I have learned that I AM CAPABLE of anything I put my mind to and commit to!
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?
The FAMILY! That’s what it is. I can’t imagine working out with any other group of people. I wouldn’t commit to do this at home… it’s the accountability that we all hold one another to that I love. You can’t miss a few days of classes without getting a text or phone call inquiring what is going on! ;)
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
As of right now, my proudest moment is the day last week that Cotton RAN on his own accord, without me griping or nagging or saying a word. He showed up (not grumpy), KILLED the warm up, finished the WOD before me…. and it took everything inside of me not to happily ugly cry! I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM!!!
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT?
Favorite movement are pullups currently, although there are lots of things I now enjoy. Least favorite right now is either Thrusters or Snatch. They are just Blah to me.
7. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
The mental strength and positivity I have gained over the last several years is PRICELESS. This last year in my personal life has been TOUGH, and I know that getting up every day, attending classes and moving is what has kept me going. I tell EVERYONE that CrossFit is my HAPPY PILL. You can’t put a price on what good ol’ physical activity does for your mental state. IF you haven’t witnessed this first hand… you are MISSING OUT!
8. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
Honestly, my goal is to KEEP MOVING! I want to be functional for as long as possible. I have always strived to set a good example for my kids after battling with my weight my entire life, and I just want them to see that what I do is a normal, healthy way of life that we all should incorporate. Period.
9. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
Anything and everything with my family. Corey and I love driving down to Matagorda for the day. Cotton and I have had so much fun working, going to the movies, and attending Farmer’s Markets together. I absolutely love watching Madison playing any and all sports.
10. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
JUST DO IT! Don’t wait. Stop making excuses! You will not find a BETTER group of people to make life changing steps with. I guarantee it!
11. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
Insert LOTS of emojis here. My diet has been ALL OVER the board since starting CrossFit. Currently Corey, Cotton and I are eating very clean. Low fat and sugar free. (With treats in there too, of course). I am trying to focus on moderation and good choices. I also have taken alcohol completely out of my life for the time being. That started out as a let’s just see how January goes kind of thing and it hasn’t stopped. I’ve seen amazing results that have made keeping alcohol at bay for now super easy!!!
12. RESULTS! TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
I am so much stronger than ever before. I am in THE BEST SHAPE OF MY LIFE AT 40!!! I’m actually buying size small tops and leggings in some brands and that is just crazy to me seeing how at one time I was in size 32 Women’s Pants, and 4XL tops! I am currently 165lbs, which is 200 pounds less than my heaviest weight and that is pretty dang surreal!
FREEWRITE (WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US AT CROSSFIT 1710):
Since I have been in this thing for so many years, I can tell you there are ups and downs. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. I’ve had injuries, I’ve been sick, I’ve taken small breaks…. But I feel like I’m truly at a point where this is me. This is my routine; this is a very normal part of my everyday life. I ENJOY CrossFitting 6 days a week. That is how I start my day. It’s as normal to me as waking up and brushing my teeth. The love and encouragement I have received from every athlete at our box is genuine. If I struggle with something, I know someone else has struggled in the same way. If I am not feeling it, someone else has been there. My focus this year has been to push myself in GOOD ways. Push ME to be more positive. To see the light at the end of each tunnel. To trust God and HIS plan although none of it may make sense to me!!!
Stop making excuses, come join me… if you have the slightest “itch” to see what it’s all about, come check it out. ANY person that wants to come work out, I’ll come work out with you. Be right by your side, hold your hand if you want it.
A priest recently said that we all live our lives like we have all the time left in the world… we need to live like today is our last day. What if today was your last day?!?! Are you doing what you want and living life how you want to live?
I AM!!!!
