We are so excited to honor one of Blackbird’s Founding Members as our May Athlete of the Month, Wendy Lakenan! We met Wendy at CrossFit Eldersburg in Merritt Athletic Clubs. We all CrossFitted together for a year before CrossFit Eldersburg dissolved and we decided to chase a long time dream and passion by opening up Blackbird CrossFit. Wendy has always been one of our biggest advocates and her support over the years has meant the world to us.
She is such an inspiration to all who encounter her; not only for being a rockstar mom who can do it all, but also for her big heart and determination. Wendy juggles a hectic schedule, she’s always on the move supporting her sons in their sports, teaching, PTA President, and raising her hand as a volunteer for anyone who needs help. Over the years, sometimes her schedule has won, but she’s always recommitted herself to her training as soon as she can. In the past six months we’ve seen an even more dedicated, driven, and inspired version of Wendy! She is on fire! She crushed the 2017 CrossFit Open, placing 1st in the scaled division 2 out of 5 weeks. Wendy is able to Rx more and more WODs each week and her weight on the bar and her advanced skills are increasing every day. It’s awesome to see her huge smile as she practices her kipping pull ups, a long sought after strength and skill! Wendy is strong and full of goals right now. It is such an exciting thing to witness…a member who is motivated to do their best each day, try new things, and push themselves harder than before, all for the sake of living a fuller, more challenging life. Wendy never settles. And we LOVE that about her! MEET OUR BLACKBIRD O.G. WENDY…
1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Wendy Lakenan, age 42, attended Loyola College for undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology and graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Elementary Education, Married to Bill for 15 years, Carter is 12 and Cole is 9, I am a Special Education Teacher in BCPS, I enjoy watching my boys play soccer, basketball, baseball, lax and rugby, my favorite place to be is at the beach!
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START CROSSFIT?
I started to CrossFit at Merritt a few years ago where I met Rebekah, Michelle and Cathy. I played soccer at Loyola and I still have a competitive drive. I am still competitive and enjoy pushing myself plus at 42 years old I am stronger than I have ever been.
3. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
I enjoy the variation of lifts and exercises in Crossfit. Going to the gym used to be so redundant and boring even if I took a class.
4. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
My proudest CrossFit moment occurred after the Open this year. I was upset that I didn’t have a pull-up and I had to scale the scaled workout. About a week later, I was hanging on the rig and I did a pull up or two! I was so surprised.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Hmmm…my least favorite lift is definitely strict press because my legs always want to get involved. My favorite lift is probably the back squat followed closely by the front squat.
6. WHAT IS YOUR BEST CROSSFIT MEMORY?
I have a lot of CrossFit memories so this is a tough question…maybe hitting 200lbs on the back squat.
7. YOU ARE TRULY ONE OF OUR BIGGEST RECRUITERS! YOU LOVE SHARING BLACKBIRD WITH YOUR FRIENDS. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR NEW TO CROSSFIT?
CrossFit will meet you and challenge you at your current level and continue to challenge you as you grow at your pace.
8. YOUR HAVE TWO ACTIVE AND INVOLVED BOYS, A CAREER, PTA PRESIDENT DUTIES, ETC…YOUR SCHEDULE IS STACKED. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS ABOUT HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR WORKING OUT AND TAKNIG CARE OF YOURSELF?
It is difficult to make time to work out but I have found that I make a schedule each week based on our activities and I try to stick to it. When I have worked out at CrossFit I am a much happier person!
9. ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
Push-ups: I want to be able to string many together and Rx workouts that contain them.
Double Unders: I am hoping to tackle DU’s this summer. I honestly have not given them the attention which is why it is now a goal.
Overall, I want to continue to challenge myself and continue to grow as an athlete.
10. WHAT IMPACT HAS BLACKBIRD CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
Blackbird has had a huge impact on my fitness and my mental health. I am stronger and happier at 42 years old than I have ever been. It fills my competitive need.
11. YOU’VE BEEN AT THIS CROSSFIT STUFF AWHILE. WHAT MAKES CROSSFIT 
DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FITNESS PROGRAMS THAT YOU’VE TRIED IN THE PAST?
CrossFit is the best and only way to exercise! I have always been a member of a gym and whether I was taking a class or using the machines it was always boring. CrossFit offers numerous ways to grow as an athlete and as a person. The members have become friends.
12. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED CROSSFIT?
I try to eat clean but of course that is still a work in progress. I did not know what eating clean meant prior to Blackbird.
13. IF YOU COULD CREATE A WOD, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?
Dodgeball! Ok other than Dodgeball I would like a WOD with KB swings, HSPU’s, running, running and more running. LOL!
FREEWRITE:
Blackbird is a huge part of my life! The trainers and the athletes are all amazing people. I love how we all cheer and encourage one another. My level is different from your level but that is not what is recognized. The goal is to be a better version of yourself. Most days I feel better and on the off day that I don’t, I know that tomorrow will be better!