Greetings Relentless Family!
Please join us in congratulating Emy McGaffin for being CFR’s January member of the month! She loves being outdoors, and is one of those crazy few who actually enjoys burpees. Keep reading to learn more about her!
- What are your hobbies/interests/talents outside of CrossFit?
Hiking (love being outside), reading, and spending time with my niece and nephews.
- Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I played soccer on an all boys summer travel team through high school.
- How long have you been with us at CFR?
On and off for approximately four years, unfortunately not always consistent.
- Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
Groupon got this started! Although I cannot be certain if this was an on-ramp class or if I was mainstreamed into a regular class with an extremely scaled version of the WOD, but Gary was the coach! Should I say anything more? J Wall balls and Kettlebells were the movements. Squatting was not my forte and I was not going low enough. Gary had me throwing wall balls while squatting down low enough to touch another wall ball. I do not recall the number, but it seemed like forever and he stood there pushing me through. Sore for days! Tim (coach) yelled at me during one of my first work outs to stop putting the bar down. My response was not the best and I immediately felt bad. After class, I went to apologize. He graciously accepted and told me he had to push me because I was not pushing myself. Eye opening!
Jen RS was the first person who approached me, and I recall thinking, “wow she is in really good shape” and grateful for her sweet demeanor. Must be the therapist in her 🙂
- What moment/achievement are you most proud at CFR?
My first mile run. I had not run in years prior to CrossFit and my endurance was quite poor. Completing that mile run although slow was an amazing feel. Although running is not my strength, I have completed 4 half marathons and a sprint Tri, none of which I would have even thought about doing prior to CrossFit.
- Design your perfect workout?
I don’t know about perfect, but I like rowing and burpees.
4 rounds for time:
500m
25 burpees
- What is your least favorite movement?
Rope climbing!!
- Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less?
Busy, productive, rewarding, and exciting!
- Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle now that you have been a CrossFit athlete?
Although my initial reasoning for joining CrossFit was to improve my physical appearance, it has helped me heal my mind. Having an overactive mind, constantly creating and visualizing the future has its exhausting effects. Initially walking over to the white board and looking over the workout would create all sorts of “What If’s” but the encouragement from peers kept me coming back. CrossFit scares you because it pushes you to accomplish things you never believed you could, and quitting is not an option. Every WOD I completed was another accomplishment, a feeling of empowerment. Empowerment leads to confidence building which leads to self-awareness which leads to an infinite number of possibilities. Having control over my thoughts is the most powerful feat I could ever imagine. I may never be perfect at controlling my every thought but learning to accept and push through in itself is powerful.
- What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
If you are looking to challenge yourself, your mind, your body and want results, I strongly recommend finding a community like mine. Also, the connections you make are invaluable; I have many wonderful women in my life because of CrossFit.