What do you do when you're not at CFA? When I am not at CFA I am usually at Grand Valley studying it up to one day manage that supply. I am very involved at Grand Valley within their business clubs and I am also an RA. You can also find me caddying, golfing, running, and pickleballing during the summers.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I needed a change in my workouts. At the end of my freshman year of college I started getting into running and I knew if I wanted to see better results with running that I should probably start cross training. What specifically led me to CFA was the community. I looked at CFA’s social media and I saw their amazing members and wanted to be a part of it.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? I realized that CrossFit was right for me after the 100 burpee WOD. This occurred right after I joined CFA and I thought that I was literally going to die. After I finished the WOD I remember so many people coming over and giving me fistbumps. Even though it didn’t feel like I did a good job I felt the sense of community and motivation to keep coming back.
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
I despise strict presses. My upper body strength is pitiful.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
There have been too many amazing moments at CFA, but one of my favorite moments was competing with Molly and Kaylee at Fresh Coast. We still talk about me throwing up on Molly during the beach run to this day and her not remembering it. That was a fun time because we all were able to compete together and make so many memories on the beach.
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What motivates you during a tough workout? During a tough workout I am motivated by the people around me. I often tell people that CrossFit is for anyone. The coaches at CFA are amazing at motivating and I always get the push that I need to finish a tough WOD. Even if I need to scale a workout I am motivated by my friends to do my best. Also after a 6pm class I am very motivated by a drink and some puzzle time calling my name (shoutout Harry).
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
“MJ’s Wildin WOD” (Pitbull must be played all throughout the WOD) Shoutout Melissa
3RFT
800M run
20 GHD
10 Thrusters
3 Wall-Walks
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
One of my goals going forward is to stay active. I know that wherever life takes me I will always have a special place in my heart for CrossFit Allendale. I will be able to achieve staying active by remembering all of the times that I was pushed to be a better person. Also a pull-up would be cool to get.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit?
Since starting CrossFit I have seen my overall strength improve tremendously. I have also ran two half marathons and a full marathon since starting CrossFit. I contribute a lot of my running accomplishments to CrossFit and provide ways to keep me healthy. I have also found myself way more competitive since joining CrossFit. I credit that to the pizza game and my unofficial but very official competitions with Kaylee.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
I would recommend to have fun with it. I learned from Coach Dave that life is too short to not enjoy what you do. With that I think that it is extremely important to get out of your comfort zone, not get mad at yourself, talk to new people, and to see what your body is capable of doing. (It will amaze you!)
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
I am motivated by so many members at CFA. There have been so many people that have helped me along with my fitness journey. I specifically appreciate Brian Meinecke’s inspiration and sarcasm, Shley’s sense of style, Melissa’s music choice, Kaylee’s competitiveness, Molly’s laugh, Gillian’s silliness,
Tyler’s 6pm zoomies, Steve’s cat, and Jess’s kindness. Oh… and I cannot leave out Jay’s sick dance moves.
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat meal: Icecream
Favorite Workout song: No Hands by: Waka Flocka
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Cayman Islands
Favorite TV Show: Malcolm in the Middle
Coach's comment: MJ exemplifies everything that we believe in at CFA. Show up, work hard, have fun and reap the benefits. She has made plenty of strides in her fitness since starting with us last year. She has become much stronger and her endurance has steadily improved as well. Recently she has run two full marathons while continuing her CrossFit training. MJ is the ultimate gamer, she wants to win at all costs especially when it comes to the PVC or pizza game. We are thankful to see the impact that CrossFit has made on her life and all the friends she’s made in the process. Keep up the great work MJ, we will miss you when you move at the end of this month. 🙁