Congratulations to Carol Petruff, our January 2024 member of the month here at Viking Athletics! Carol is a loyal member of our 5am class, and both she and her twin sister became gastroenterologists. Carol loves scuba diving and attending live concerts and sporting events when not in the gym. Keep reading to learn more about Carol!
1) What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of the gym?
I enjoy golf, scuba diving and going to concerts. I also really like attending live sporting events-especially baseball, football and basketball. I have been a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, and love visiting Fenway Park. About 5 years ago I became an avid Detroit Lions fan.
2) Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I have an identical twin sister, and we both chose to practice in the same medical specialty-gastroenterology. And when we were very young, we had our own language with each other that only the two of us understood. Because of this we developed a slight accent that we both retain today. (The private language is long gone)
3) How long have you been with us at Viking Athletics?
Just a little over 8 years. December 22, 2015 was my starting date.
4) Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
I remember it very well. It was very dark and cold in December at 5AM! I was very apprehensive. My friend Sharon Tan encouraged me to join her for a class. The moment I walked in I was warmly welcomed, and my apprehension lessened. I was quickly introduced to the “CrossFit Girls”. My first day we did “Diane”. I was so surprised that we ran outside in December, but it felt great. I felt invigorated after that work out and I signed up that day. My second day was “Nancy”, and my third day was “Fran.” Quite the first week with the girls.
5) What moment/achievement are you most proud of at Viking Athletics?
I always exercised, but never to the extent that I have since I started at Viking Athletics. I decided to run the Hartford Half Marathon in 2018. I had never run a race before, (not even a 5K) but I felt as though the programming prepared me for the run. I did not do any formal running training program, just supplemented my regular CrossFit workouts with runs 2-3 times a week. (Often with Sharon Tan and Amber Washington). It was one of my proudest accomplishments. When I crossed the finish line, I felt like I could have continued to run.
6) Design your perfect workout?
Every Minute on the Minute for 30 Minutes:
Minute 1: Power Cleans
Minute 2: Push Presses
Minute 3: Sumo Deadlift High Pulls
Minute 4: Sit-ups
Minute 5: Calorie Bike
7) What is your least favorite movement?
Burpees (No surprise to anyone that knows me!)
8) Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Motivated, dedicated, tenacious, sympathetic, loyal.
9) Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle since joining Viking Athletics?
I pay much more attention to nutrition. I took one of the Nutrition classes offered and found it very helpful. In my practice, I use what I learned in this class to counsel patients on better eating habits. Many gastrointestinal symptoms can be improved with a better diet. I also encourage them to do some movement/exercise, because this benefits their physical as well as their mental health.
10) What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
This is a great community to join. The coaches are fantastic-very knowledgeable, helpful, approachable and supportive. And the members are wonderful. They will become your good friends. You all work toward a common goal, and everyone cheers you on and encourages you. There is no need to have prior CrossFit experience, and all ages are welcome. The workouts are challenging but achievable and rewarding. There is no reason to be intimidated. On the contrary, you feel empowered and strong. So just do it. You will not be disappointed.