Teresa Payne is BBCF’s November 2015 Athlete of the Month!
Even though Teresa Payne has embodied all of the characteristics that we look for in our Athletes of the Month from the day she walked in our doors, we thought it appropriate to finally honor her on her one year anniversary with Blackbird! Honestly, Teresa came to us as a reluctant spouse that agreed to try CrossFit to appease her husband. He had lost a significant amount of weight, was on his way to getting in the best shape of his life, and was dying to share this new lifestyle with his wife. But after her first class, the journey quickly became her own! Teresa worked hard for months to build up her endurance. But, it was her consistent focus on form that gained the attention of the coaches. She took quickly to lifting weights and her goal on the barbell has always been to improve her technique first and foremost, with small and gradual increases in loads. Although this is the path we try to lead all of our athletes down, there are always those who just want a big number at the end of the day. This has never been Teresa’s attitude. Because of her unfettered focus and coachability, she has enjoyed consistent gains, reached goals, and set new ones to work towards. Her most notable achievements include breaking the 100lb mark with her cleans, performing strict pull ups, no longer needing bands for pull-ups in a WOD, being able to use a Rx 14lb wall ball during workouts, and competing in CrossFit competitions. Teresa made it a goal to compete in the Festivus Games, a CrossFit competition designed for beginner to intermediate athletes. Last Spring she came in 15th and this Fall she moved her way up to a 9th place finish! She is constantly stepping out of her comfort zone to try new things and inspire more personal growth. Teresa is an integral part of the Blackbird community and her great attitude is a joy to have in class. She is incredibly supportive and a great role model to our other athletes. We love us some T. Payne! Meet Teresa…
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Teresa Payne and I’m 29. I went to school at Marymount University and received my BA in Interior Design. I married my amazing husband and high school sweetheart, DJ Payne, September 2013. We moved to Sykesville on my birthday 4 years ago to date. We give all our love to our dog named Rawlins who is a 10 year old, 20 pound, long-haired chihuahua. He is our pride and joy, for sure. I have a brother named David who is 3 years older. My side of the family lives in Ellicott City and my in-laws reside in Taylorsville, MD. It’s nice to have family close by.
I currently work at Martin’s Caterers (West location) in Windsor Mill, MD as an Event Planner. I will reach my 3 year mark with them in April. Let me know if you need assistance planning an event!
When the time allows, I love spending time with family and friends, the outdoors, warm weather, beach trips, campfires, home designing/renovations, and I’m almost always up for a good time. I can be a home-body at times and I enjoy trying out new healthy recipes!
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT? WHY DO YOU DO IT NOW?
I started CrossFit after my husband (DJ) asked me about 20 times (maybe more) to try it out. I definitely had my doubts. I wasn’t making time to go to the gym as it was and I was spending $19.99 a month. At the time, I couldn’t bring myself to spend more and not be sure I could make time to go or if I would even like it. I wasn’t really sure about the idea of working out along with other people and the social environment that existed. I also felt extremely out of shape at the time and very tired all the time. I remember telling DJ that I thought I had to get somewhat into shape before I tried CrossFit, and he ensured me that I didn’t. Rebekah and Matt had a Black Friday deal that DJ told me about and I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for me. I did the 3 trial classes and I fell in love after the first WOD. I now have an unlimited membership and I make it a priority to go. It’s my 1 hour a day for myself. I actually get disappointed when I can’t make my usual 7pm class or 9:30am class!
I joined CrossFit to get into shape and feel stronger. I thoroughly enjoy learning new movements and improving on them week after week. I thrive off the mental and physical push each WOD gives me.
3. WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?
After my first WOD, I was excited that I finished and it felt really good. It was better than I expected, and my doubts were put to rest. Everyone was extremely friendly and cheered me on.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
I really enjoy the camaraderie that comes along with this fitness program, which you experience from the very beginning. Also, stepping out of my comfort zone feels amazing.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
This is a tie between finally having the squat clean movement “click” during a clean ladder and doing 42 pull ups in a WOD without any bands.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
I would have to say that my favorite is overhead squat. My least favorite is dead lift. Turkish get-ups would be a close second for a least favorite.
7. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My top two goals would be to dead lift 200lbs and have consist double unders. I am pretty close!
8. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE NEW TO CROSSFIT OR THINKING OF GIVING IT A TRY?
Those considering it – don’t make excuses and don’t doubt yourself. Just try it and you will fall in love! You have nothing to lose and have so much to gain. Don’t be intimidated. You will meet amazing people along the way, too.
9. IF YOU COULD CREATE YOUR FAVORITE WOD, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
It would consist of movements that I dislike the most– it gives me more of a reason to do it and get better at them. 3 Rounds for time–10 dead lifts, 10 thrusters, 5 turkish get-ups, 800 meter run. (Editor’s Note- this combo sounds a little brutal and I’m hoping it does not give Matt any ideas for programming!)
10. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT DIFFERENT THAN OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST?
CrossFit is different in so many ways. Walk into a CrossFit gym and then walk into your “ordinary” gym and you will see the drastic differences right away. Our CrossFit coaches can work 1 on 1 with you. It’s like semi-personal training. In CrossFit, you can scale any movement based on fitness level, mobility issues, etc. and our coaches are there 110% of the time with personalized guidance. They truly care about your safety by showing you correct form on all movements from the start of every class. They also give you advice on how to successfully reach your goals or whatever you may be trying to accomplish. The CrossFit environment keeps you motivated and coming back for more. And, you don’t have to make sure you’ve brought your IPOD and headphones to the gym because everyone will be working out with you and rockin’ out to the same music.
11. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND/OR THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEDICATION TO TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF?
What is more precious in life than your own body and state of mind? Nothing. Don’t you want the best for your yourself?
12. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE MAINSTREAM FITNESS ATTITUDE THAT BELIEVES WOMEN SHOULDN’T LIFT HEAVY? OR IF SHE DOES, SHE WILL GET BULKY?
Times have changed in my opinion. Being fit and somewhat muscular is much more attractive than having no definition at all. Women who lift weights are not going to bulk up unless they are trying to. It takes a lot of supplements to achieve that look.
13. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS THE CHANGE IMPACTED YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE?
I have been eating the “zone” diet and weighing my food for breakfast and lunch mainly and sometimes dinner for nearly two years. DJ and I started this at the same time, around the time he started CrossFit. It is not as hard or time consuming as it sounds. Zone consists of 3 “blocks” of proteins, carbs and fats 3-4 times a day. We do Paleo/Zone 80% of the time (Monday-Friday), and then we are more relaxed on the weekends. Because of the food I was eating before, I used to live off Tums and would have them with me at all times. I almost never need them now. Once you eat clean, you feel good and you crave good, clean foods.
