May 2021--Rebecca Rhodd

1.Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, hobbies/interests.
I was born in Wichita KS but have lived the majority of my life in St. Mary's. After high school I attended Bellus academy where I became a certified massage therapist. I have been married to my husband Joe for 10 years. We have been blessed with 5 kiddos. Currently life is very hectic and I don't have much time for hobbies. Who knew keeping kiddos alive was a full time job. In the near future though I would like to get back into massage therapy.


2. When do you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?
I started CrossFit in the fall of 2015. Joe was involved in CrossFit at the time and he insisted it was something I would love. I had never heard of it, and remember being massively pregnant looking up CrossFit videos on youtube and thinking there is absolutely no way, and how can I do any of this. I was pretty much kidnapped and pushed out of a running vehicle at my first on ramp class and the rest is history.
I continue for the simple fact that it betters me, it humbles me and the people I'm surrounded by inspire me.


3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
Yes I remember my first WOD! 5 PP (55lbs)
3 deadlifts (115) AMRAP
I remember the frustration when after the first reps I knew I had gone too heavy. I remember wanting to walk away and not deal with it because it was hard. However, sticking it out , struggling through and not giving up- all the while having wonderful people encouraging you and telling you not to give up-that feeling is the reason I keep coming back and it was after that I knew I had found something I loved.


4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
I enjoy the people! There are so many wonderful people that I would not know today if I had never started CrossFit. I also enjoy the constantly varied movements. You never know what you're going to get and it keeps me on my toes.


5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
For me just getting back to CrossFit after my last baby has been a big accomplishment. I drug my feet for almost a year. Luckily for me my sister was sweetly persistent and pushed me to get back into it.


6. What is your favorite movement or lift? What is your least favorite?
My favorite movement is burpees. I can do them with little to no thought and often see them as a break from the other movements. My least favorite movement is deadlifts.


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 recently have been able to incorporate kipping pull-ups into WODs which was a big goal of mine. I would say my current goals are pistol squats and driving my deadlift up.

8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs that you might have tried in the past?
In the past I have been a part of 2 other fitness programs. The most obvious difference with CrossFit is the equipment and movements. I had never picked up a barbell or kettlebell in my life. The not so obvious difference is the mindset of CrossFit. The other programs focused so much on the weight loss part of fitness. It was all about being thin. CrossFit speaks to a deeper part of the athlete—-Integrity, Grit and Strength. Before a WOD you hear the athletes mulling over the weight and strategizing while others encourage them, telling them ' you are strong enough '! Give it a try. Finally a program focused on making people stronger not just thinner.


9. What impact has CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym?
In the gym CrossFit has helped me to not fear challenges. It has taught me to humble myself to correction and I have learned to be my biggest competitor and to be a cheerleader for others. Out of the gym it has given me a focus. I love that my kiddos see me trying to be a stronger better version of myself.


10. Tell us about your nutrition and how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?
Since starting CrossFit I have become more mindful of my nutrition. I think I finally saw it as fuel for the body and not just what I wanted.

11. If you could write a WOD for the classes to do, what would it look like
It would have to be chipper .
50 overhead standing lunge.
40 slam ball
30 KB
20 thrusters
10 pullups
finish with 1/2 mile run

12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of the dedication of taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself?
You cannot give what you do not have. You are your best investment. So take the time now to take care of you. The betterment of yourself will benefit those who love you and depend on you.



13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?
Don't knock it until you try it! If anyone ever mentions fitness I always tell them they should try CrossFit. There are so many people I wish I could convince to try it. To someone new I would say just show up. Even on your worst day if you just make it there you will leave a better person. It's not about being perfect, it's about the effort and if you show up and put in the effort that's where the transformation comes.



14. Open Forum:
Thank you to Doc and Cindy for starting this venture.
Thank you to Andy & Mindy and Joe & Bridget for continuing it. A huge thank you to all the athletes who show up and give it their all. We know we would never do most of those WODs alone. It is always. great pleasure to suffer through them with you. I have to give shoutout to Nate and Anna! Thank you for persistently asking me when I would be back. Last but certainly not least a huge thank you to my husband who always makes sure I have the time to get to WODs.
Keep showing up everybody. It'll be great!
God bless you all.