Jen Truby is the bomb.com. Her story starts like most who are new to CrossFit: she was nervous, but had a great attitude and has been patient with the learning curve and with herself. But what has always resonated with us was when we would talk to her about goals, more than once she referred to a time in her life when she felt like a badass. It wasn’t like a reliving-the-glory-days-back-in-high-school-type-thing with unrealistic expectations. It was in her early to mid 20’s when she felt her best; in shape, strong, and fit. She just wanted to feel like that healthy, capable person again. And that was a goal we’ve always identified with and admired. Jen’s attitude during her journey thus far has been nothing short of amazing. Instead of being defeated at how far she felt she had to go, she used the challenge as inspiration to regain that “badass” feeling again. Some days are great, some days there are hurdles, but she keeps coming in 3 days a week and putting in the hard work. Watching her fall in love with weightlifting once again and hitting new PRs has been so much fun. Within 2 weeks of joining, she shared that lifting heavy things around Market Tavern has become so much easier. After a few months under her belt, she seemed to really recognize her own potential and there has been no stopping her since. She comes in focused and ready to master the finer points of lifts in order to get where she wants to go. She’s hard on herself, but we secretly love that because it shows us that the fire is lit inside of her and she truly cares about being better each day. She’s feisty folks!
Jen tries to say that she hasn’t been that great at goal-setting, but we disagree. She has taken advantage of the goal setting meetings with Matt that we offer, she does her ‘prescription’ of extra work to build better body weight movement strength, and she has sought advice to dial into her diet as much as a busy bar owner can. She faces plenty of challenges with long hours at work surrounded by plenty of temptations, but she never makes excuses. Jen does the best she can each day… and that has obviously been pretty amazing since she has crushed goals, lost weight, inches, and body fat, plus gained strength and more stamina in 10 short months! She is honest and sweet and humble about her journey and we have loved every second of being a part of it. MEET JEN…
1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Jen Truby and I am 37 years old. I met my handsome, talented husband, Pete, at Shepherd University. I have a BS in Recreation & Leisure Studies with a minor in Sports Communication. Pete and I have one son, Carter, a 15 year old sophomore at Century HS. Pete and I are the owners of Salazon Chocolate Co. and Market Tavern on Main Street in Sykesville. My interests are traveling, reading, and cheering Carter on in anything that he does.
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT? WHY DO YOU DO IT NOW?
After encouragement from my neighbors, Tiffany & Patti Kraisser and a nudge or two from my husband, I decided to give CrossFit a try. I think all 3 of them knew that I would really enjoy this style of workout, the community, and had a hunch that I’d stick with it and succeed! We opened Market Tavern in January 2015 and in that first calendar year of being opened, I worked out 3 times. Yes, 3 times all YEAR… Rebekah taught me early on that I needed to make time for myself and have the time scheduled for me at least 3 times a week. She was right! What started out as simply a workout has evolved into a life-changing experience. I am challenged mentally and physically and have goals set for myself that I never could have imagined.
3. WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?
I don’t remember exactly what the WOD was, but I remember feeling very inspired and excited that we were all completing the same workout and working towards the same end goal. Heads down, focused on completing the WOD. I had many fears about stepping into the building, but after that first workout was done, all of my anxiety diminished. There’s always a modification, always a way to get it done, AND a very supportive crew to help push you over the edge when needed.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
How do I name just one thing? I love the community and the support and I never take for granted how special our box is in particular. I’ve dropped in at many places around the country and Blackbird is the BEST! I really like that I’m competing against myself each day, too. My competitive drive is really focused when I’m there and has been used in such a positive way.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
The CrossFit benchmark WOD Christine really messed with me pretty good (3 rounds of row 500m, 12 deadlifts, 21 box jumps). I’m proud that I was able to finish the workout despite missing badly on a box jump and getting bloody shins. I was able to get back on the box shortly thereafter, as well. That really taught me that I can overcome some of my mental stumbling blocks; and the Jen of 2015 would not have been able to do that.
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Ooooohhhh… My fave is DEADLIFT! This lift has helped me immensely. I have to lift a lot of heavy beer kegs almost daily and deadlift is definitely a lift that has made my daily life easier. It feels good to be independent and strong!Least favorite is the Clean. I am hoping that I can turn this into my favortie lift pretty soon. I need to practice and I’m really looking forward to the Clean & Jerk Clinic on October 16th.
7. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
I honestly haven’t done a great job of setting goals. I’m a goal-oriented person, but It’s been hard for me to pin-point what I want to achieve. I haven’t put much pressure on myself and I think that’s okay. I’d like to wear smaller pants and be able to run a 10 minute mile. I like getting compliments and I want to keep getting stronger. It would be nice to do a pull up. Body-weight exercises are where I started with my goals. I’m close to being able to do a strict pull up.
8. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
I’ve made a lot of new friends! Even though we are only together for a few hours each week, we have been through a lot together and instantly you have these beautiful friendships. I feel as if I could ask for advice, favors, and pal around with anyone at Blackbird. That’s pretty phenomenal.
I also have much better posture… seems like I should write about my muscles first, but my posture is better and I’ve gained more confidence. All of this makes me a better businesswoman.
9. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED CROSSFIT?
Better than I used to be. I have chosen not to stress too much about diet. I loosely count macros and try to eat plenty of protein. Being mindful is what works best for me. Owning a bar and being surrounded by cheese, cured meat, wine and beer all day is super challenging. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and plan to continue to be a mindful macro follower, but not obsess.
10. IF YOU COULD CREATE A WOD, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
- 800M Run
- 3 Rounds of:
- 15 Kettle Bell Swings
- 15 Deadlift (body weight)
- 15 Push Ups
- Then…
- 800m Run
This is a good mix of what I love and what I find really challenging. And, I think it’s reasonable. Can we do it???
11. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF?
CrossFit really helps with daily life. Growing older is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be able to move and be strong. I have also noticed a huge difference since I’ve put myself first. Sounds selfish on the surface, but I’ve been able to be much more loving, productive and focused since taking time out for workouts, reading and the occasional massage and pedicure. 😉
12. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE NEW TO CROSSFIT OR THINKING OF GIVING IT A TRY?
Step foot in the door and try it! Why wouldn’t you try something if it’s free? The coaches are so welcoming and can assist in making the work-out attainable for you. This is a work-out that you may need an open mind for, but once you get the hang of the lingo and the basic movements, it’s such an addicting workout!
13. IN YOUR OWN WORDS, WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST?
I marvel at this all the time… It’s different every day and always challenging. Even when I think something looks easy, usually they are the workouts that stretch me the most. When I belonged to a regular gym, if I didn’t feel like working out, I’d hop on the elliptical and just go through the motions. Now, when I come to the gym, I’m getting an awesome workout in every time. There’s no way to make it easy and that’s really, really great! I always feel challenged!
14. HOW HAS CROSSFIT MADE YOU FEEL MORE PREPARED FOR THE INEVITABLE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE?
I feel like a complete badass… I can clearly take down anyone, including the inevitable zombie takeover. Hopefully they like craft beer or fine Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Planning on one of those options…. 😉
FREEWRITE:
I have learned so much and felt so supported by the Blackbird coaches and community. While I try to stick with the 8am class and have most of my coaching provided by Matt and Rebekah, I am always super pumped when I can get a different perspective or style from the rest of the staff. All are amazing and make for a very complete program. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve lost 10 pounds and 10 inches without doing anything out of the ordinary. I couldn’t be more pleased. THANK YOU!