What do you do when you're not at CFA? First and foremost I am a mom, wife, and daughter. My family and I love to visit Puerto Rico, go camping, and use every excuse to celebrate and enjoy life together. I also love to garden, play games, read, and do jigsaw puzzles (without seeing the box top first).
I am a lifelong seeker of knowledge and enjoy any opportunities to learn.
“The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.” (Francis Peabody) During the day I am a veterinarian. I am so lucky to be in a profession that honors the lives of animals. I love what I do and am passionate about being informed and involved both for my patients and in representing my profession on a national level.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I have always been a fair weather exerciser. One day after I had covid I was at the airport and had to run across the terminals to catch a plane. I was surprised at how winded and exhausted I was and thought ‘I have to do something! I had lost any endurance I had had. Day after day, I could not find any motivation to get up and get moving. I thought maybe I needed a group to hold me accountable. I had a friend that did CrosFit and he loved it. I was intimidated and thought it was too elite for me but I needed what CrossFit had to offer so I went.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? The first few days I was surprised at how little I could do. I could spend 2 hours delivering a calf, I could wrangle an alpaca, I could carry 5 gallon water buckets in each hand, and I could open a jar unassisted :) but I could not do a single box jump or a complete squat. What had I gotten myself into?
Each and every day I went I felt myself getting stronger, lasting longer- until now, no matter what the workout is I know I can get through it. There isn’t any pressure from anyone around me to scale or not scale, to do more than I should or bow out before I want. There is no judgment, only support. I can make it just right for me. Why would I go anywhere else?
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
I’m not a fan of jump rope… well, because I see them as kegel challenges. Not a fan.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
My all time favorite moments are when I push myself and succeed. When I do not allow failure -even if it means going back after the workout and doing it over until i succeed.
What motivates you during a tough workout? Definitely the music and the encouragement from the coaches. If the music is empowering and has lyrics that reflect what we are doing (eg: can’t stop me now, push it, etc) then I get a lift. Knowing everyone else is in the same struggle pushes me to want to finish without scaling reps.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
My ideal work out would include bench press, 200m runs, bench press, burpees, bench press, and sit ups. Did I mention bench press?
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
My goal is to stay in shape and maintain my mobility as I age. I want to gain in strength and endurance gradually and to sustain my gains long term. I think making sure I listen to my body’s needs and ensuring proper technique without overdoing it will allow for long term success. I would love to incorporate a more healthy diet but there’s pizza.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit?
Although I had heard that exercise can improve mental health I wasn’t expecting it or even looking for that when I joined CrossFit. I was so surprised when I came to the realization that the days I do CrossFit I am much happier, my mind works better, and I feel a greater sense of well being. It is absolutely a noticeable difference.
I also have never felt so whole-body strong as I do now. I am not daunted by physical tasks anymore and no longer see a work out as something to just get through, but to enjoy
When I started at CFA I had neck pain everyday. Some days, I would not even want to hold up my own head by the end of the day. I worried that CrossFit was going to make it worse. I can only assume that strengthening the muscles around my neck in CrossFit is why I no longer suffer from daily neck pain. Another unexpected benefit!
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
I would recommend that CrossFit newcomers make sure to recognize their limitations and not push themselves too hard at first. Allow the transformation the proper time to take place. Listen to your body because when you are 50 or 60 or even 70 you are going to have to answer for your role in how you have cared for yourself. You don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest, just your best you - and here at CFA that’s the goal.
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?
Culture has tremendous inertia and it can squash motivation and comfort or cultivate a sense of belonging and support. The culture that Kate and Josh have cultivated at CFA really makes it the best place for anyone to reach their goals. The support and understanding they give meets you right where you are and pushes you just the right amount. They exude not just care for the person but caring for the person in a way that is personal and holistic at the same time. At our workouts it is easy to be part of the community and still work on yourself in a way that feels congruent.
There are so many members that motivate me. I am always in awe of Kelly’s strength and dedication, Melinda’s laughter and consistency, and Becky’s determination and toughness. I admire every person that has committed to CFA and everyone that has been here longer than I have. They give me the target to reach for and it is constantly moving forward. I truly appreciate every single person that encourages me, tells me good job, or just shares the workout experience with me each day.
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat meal: Pepperoni Pizza (more of a staple) ) and chocolate shakes
Favorite Workout song: I love to hear anything with a latin beat, spanish lyrics, or empowering message.
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: I mean, my bucket list only holds winters in Puerto Rico and summers in Michigan. Puerto Rico has so much to offer including climbing El Yunque- the rainforest mountain, bioluminescent bays where tiny dinoflagellates light up like diamonds in the water, great food experiences, and a deep, rich welcoming culture.
We all know the beauty that is MI :)
Favorite TV Show: MASH - all time best
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): All the CFA coaches
Coach's comment: We love how consistent Susan has been since she started with us last year. It has been great to see her improve in every element of her fitness and she has also made some friends along the way! Recently she stepped out of her comfort zone and dropped in at a CF gym in New Orleans while on a trip, we are proud of that too. Keep up the hard work Susan, thanks for being a great part of CFA!