Annie Mitchell is BBCF’s September 2015 Athlete of the Month!
We have been impressed with Annie since day one. She is a sweet, quiet, and gentle person; exactly what you’d expect from a kindergarten teacher. But, let me tell you, she has thrown down the challenge flag to all of those moms out there who say that they are just too busy to make their health and fitness a priority. When she joined Blackbird, she was already in her 1st trimester of pregnancy. But coming from CrossFit Critical Mass in Fulton, she was in good shape and had nice mechanics in her lifts. Annie continued to work hard in the gym on a consistent basis. We would adjust weights and scale movements as needed to stay safe with her growing belly. You never heard any complaints out of her. But, it was after her daughter was born, that we have truly seen her crank up the dedication and determination. She was back in the gym 5 weeks postpartum, doing Murph, nonetheless! All summer she hit the 9:30am class 5 days a week and got strict with her diet to get back to where she was pre-pregnancy. Her strength is increasing daily and she looks phenomenal. She is now juggling her job, her husband’s travel schedule, her son’s activity schedule, and an infant’s unpredictable nature, all the while maintaining her dedication to herself and the gym. We were so impressed the other day when she comes running into class 5 minutes late with baby and son in tow after a hectic evening of daycare and school pick ups…but she still showed up. She sets an amazing example and serves as such an inspiration to all of the women and mothers at Blackbird, as well as to her children. For our own sanity, it is important for mother’s to put themselves first at times, especially when it means that we will be stronger, healthier, more active, and happier mothers for our children. You CAN do it too!
Annie, we have truly enjoyed getting to know you and your sweet family over the past 9 months. We love working with your son in CrossFit Kids, everyone in Kids Club is in love with your beautiful lil’ girl, and it’s always a fun Saturday when your husband drops in for a WOD! Thank you for continuing to inspire us with your drive. Keep up the great work! Meet Annie…
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hi! I’m Annie and I am 33 years old. My family is made up of my husband, a 7 year old son, and my 4 month old daughter. We recently moved to Sykesville in November. I teach kindergarten right down the street.
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT?
I started CrossFit in May of 2014. My family and I moved in with my parents while our current house was being built. I had belonged to a gym previous but really didn’t use my membership. I was looking for something different that would keep me motivated. I really liked the structure of the classes. I found myself going 4/5 times a week right from the beginning. I liked that it was fun and I met so many great people. When we moved to Sykesville, I was worried that I wouldn’t find another CrossFit gym that I would like. I am so happy that I gave Blackbird a try. Everyone was so welcoming! I love it here.
3. WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?
I loved it! I remember thinking it was really hard but I was really proud when I finished. I still feel that way after all my WODs.
4. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
Umm. I think doing Murph when I was 5 weeks postpartum. I had only been back a week. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to try it. I was so glad that I did. I’m also really proud of my recent PRs. It’s nice to see my weights moving up after having to ‘take it easy’ while being pregnant. I also get really excited if I am able to Rx a workout!
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
I really like all the lifts. My favorite is probably the clean and jerk. My least favorite is probably double unders because I can’t do them. I finally bought my own jump rope so I could practice more.
6. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
The people. When I use to go to the gym, I would put my headphones on a just run on the treadmill. I wouldn’t talk to anyone. Now I go and get to hang out! I am always laughing and having fun with the people that I am working out with.
7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHEAT MEAL?
Pizza and ice cream 🙂
8. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS?
Right now my biggest goal is a strict pull up. I feel like I’m getting really close!
9. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
Consistency. I was able to see how doing something on a consistent basis creates positive change. I may not be able to see the changes right away but I can tell that I am changing because I am getting stronger. I can apply this to any positive change I want in my life whether it is in or out of the gym.
10. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING CROSSFIT OR THINKING OF GIVING IT A TRY?
Just give it a try! I am always trying to talk people into trying CrossFit but most of them don’t think they can do it. I thought that at first too. I can’t do everything but that doesn’t matter. There is always something you can do and lots of people to cheer you on.
FREEWRITE:
Thank You! I want to thank Blackbird and the trainers for helping me continue with my CrossFit goals throughout my pregnancy and afterwards. Thank you for providing me with safe modifications so that I could always complete the workouts.
