Nov 2017--Bridget Thomas

1. Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, hobbies/interests.
I've been married to my best friend for 14 years (in January)
We have been blessed with 8 children.
I love to experiment with recipes, and make healthier options, that don't make you feel deprived.

2. When do you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?
It's been a little over a year and a half. I started because I hit rock bottom with my health. I had PTSD after my seventh child was born, due to complications that almost killed me. My Hashimoto's hypothyroidism was very taxing on my health as well.  I was a mess emotionally, physically, and mentally. I continue now because I never want to go back to feeling so weak, in all those aspects.

3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
I'm pretty sure it was at the track and I didn't make it through the second half. I thought if this is what CrossFit feels like, then I better get use to feeling like I was dying.

4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
I enjoy the fact that it exposes my weaknesses and strengths so I get to actively work on both!

5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
I recently did the WOD “Frosty' & almost made it under cap with a few reps to go. When I saw 5 rounds, I figured I'd be lucky if I was able to complete 3 rounds. So that was a great feeling to last all 5 rounds.  

6. What is your favorite movement or lift? What is your least favorite?
I really enjoy the deadlift, and anything with a barbell (excluding thrusters!)
Least favorite would have to be BURPEE.

7. Have you had one or two challenging CrossFit goals that you've achieved recently? What are your current goals and how close are you to reaching them?
I finally implemented some great tips from the coaches that took me way too long to realize the importance of... PACING=GAME CHANGER! It may seem simple, but for my personality, it has proven to be quite the challenge. I can now get through a WOD without feeling like I'm taking my last dying breaths! Current goals would include how to ensure running longer distances, properly. I also have the goal of accomplishing pull-ups. I may not be very close to either, but I'll keep practicing until I get them.

8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs that you might have tried in the past?
Nothing has ever pushed me as hard as CrossFit has. I have never looked forward to working out, until CrossFit.    

9. What impact has CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym?
The impact I'm still discovering everyday! It has been a great discipline in my life. Discipline is not a bad word. We all need it, from 1 to 101! It's the tool that pulls us through when  we've lost our motivation. So when I don't want to go work out or I don't want to do something that life presents, I can feel myself falling back on the discipline I've gained by doing CrossFit.

10. Tell us about your nutrition and how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?
I'm much more aware of how food affects my body since listening to The Zone a few months ago. It's a daily struggle to cut out bad habits, and I definitely think twice about my sugar intake, since even sources of natural sugars need to be kept in check.

11. If you could write a WOD for the classes to do, what would it look like?
I would set it up like an obstacle course.

10 calories rowed
10 Wall balls
10 Deadlifts
10 KBS, Am
10 Double unders (20 single)
10 box jumps
10 DB front squats
10 GHD (abmat sit-ups)
10 Burpees
200m sprint



12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of the dedication of taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself?
Don't do what I did. Don't think your health doesn't matter. Don't think you can do it all. Don't think everyone depends on you, to the point of carrying the world on your shoulders. Don't let pride get in the way of asking for help, of ignoring red flags. It's not a good place to be and in the end, your loved ones pay the price for it, the very ones you thought you were helping... Love yourself enough to know, you are worth the investment.


13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?
Be willing to shed the old you!
Push yourself in the box, so it can help you deal with everything outside the box!
If we are actively pushing through suffering at the box, when life calls us to suffer, inevitably, we will find ourselves answering the call with more courage and strength than we previously had ... that for me, is priceless!

14. Open Forum:
Thank you seems inadequate but it will have to do.
To all the coaches, your patience with me is nothing short of heroic! :)
Thank you all for your countless hours you put in the box, in helping us on our fitness journey.
God Bless all your efforts!