CHRISSY KILLMON, Athlete of the Month Sept 2018

Never judge a book by it’s cover, because this petite, sometimes reserved athlete packs a lot of strength, determination, grit, and drive into her 4’11” frame. CHRISSY KILLMON wears the sweetest smile until 3, 2, 1…GO and the clock starts running. You’ll see in every photo of her the look of sheer determination. In general, she focuses on herself, her health, and her daily improvement. However, in the past 3 years at Blackbird, there have been times that she doubts her abilities or progress. Because she was unable to do the prescribed weight in some workouts or lift as much as some of the other powerhouses in the gym, she felt frustrated. So, it was awesome to point out to her that on many occasions at the end of the day, when talking body weight to weight lifted ratio, she was the strongest woman in the gym!

 

After the CrossFit Open in the Spring of 2018, Chrissy came to us with one goal…to be able to Rx an Open workout. She has the advanced gymnastics skills, endurance, and body weight movements…but it was those 35lb dumbbells or weight on the barbell that kept her from the Rx division. So, we came up with a plan to slowly work her weights up in workouts, finding the middle road between the scaled and Rx weights. She has diligently challenged herself in workouts over the past 4 months, sacrificing time or rounds, to build her capacity. In WODs, can now do the 65lb thruster, the 155lb deadlift, and the 65lb overhead walking lunge. Next up…35lb dumbbell snatches!

 

All of this on top of overcoming the side effects of her Rheumatoid Arthritis, busy work schedule, and being an amazing mother of two young boys. Chrissy has remained positive through it all. She’s a total rockstar and an inspiration to our Blackbird community. We are so proud of this strong, hard working, confident, and kind athlete. We are honored that she has called Blackbird CrossFit her home for over 3 years now. MEET CHRISSY KILLMON…

1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. 

My name is Chrissy and I am 36 years old. I graduated from Towson University with a Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I work as a medical speech pathologist at Carroll Hospital. I am the lucky mother of two boys, Kameron and Jacob, and a wife to my hubby Jon.

2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?

My CrossFit journey began when I was 32 years old and I had just had my second son. I developed unexplained pain in my hands. This became unexplained pain in my feet and knees and then I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (an inflammatory autoimmune disease). I went down a depressive spiral of being overwhelmed with motherhood, feeling constant pain, and having worry over my health and longevity. It was suggested to me by several healthcare professionals that I begin a regular exercise routine for my mental health and also to build muscle to support my joints. I had always “exercised” at a local gym but I only walked in, did a bunch of cardio, didn’t speak to anyone, and walked out. It kept weight off but I was not strong or in shape by any means. My friend and colleague, Melissa Barden, encouraged me to try BBCF. At first I told her, “I don’t need to be a muscle head!” Which now just cracks me up; I was clueless. But I went ahead and did the trial, and after the first day I was hooked! I walked out feeling amazing, in the best spirits I had been in in a long time, and feeling like I had done something awesome. Since then its become a part of my weekly routine, I never think about “if” I’m going to CrossFit I just go. Like brushing your teeth; I just do it now.

3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING BLACKBIRD?

I have learned many things since joining BBCF but what stands out most are two things, muscle is awesome for women and you’re getting no where without good nutrition. I was like many women who would say “I don’t want to get bulky,” this couldn’t be further from the truth. I love the way my body looks with muscle and who knew I could pull that off!! Your body is going to be what your body is going to be, everyone has their strengths, you should make the most of yours. Muscles make women feel better and with great arms, abs, and calves you can really pull of that bathing suit or sexy dress! But you need muscle! I have also learned that you will not meet your fitness goals or see the change you want without educating yourself and following through with good nutrition. I have learned that many people in the community have a misunderstanding of what’s healthy and I blame that on marketing models from the past to sell diet foods and quick fix weight loss plans.

4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BLACKBIRD OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL? 

What I love most about CrossFit is the ever changing work out. I love how I’m never bored and that keeps me coming back. I also love how I can see results and measure change.

5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT? 

My proudest CrossFit moment happened many years ago but was still my favorite and that was climbing that rope to the top! Who knew I could rope climb?! Not me that’s for sure. When I first started at BBCF I said, “It would be so awesome if I could climb that rope one day, but yeah right!” and then with increased strength and the coaching at BBCF teaching me the techniques I did it! It was an awesome day and it is still one of my favorite things to do at CrossFit (besides happy dodge ball fridays).

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?

My favorite CrossFit movement is pretty much anything with body weight, I like it all, pull ups, rope climbs, toes to bar, push ups, sit ups, etc. So with that, some of my favorites are Cindy and Annie!

My least favorite thing to do at CrossFit is definitely thrusters, ugh….

7. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?

CrossFit and especially BBCF has changed my life in so many positive ways. It has helped with my pain (more on this when we get to the nutrition question), helped with my mood, helped with my self esteem (because lets face it we all want to look hot), and made day in and day out life easier with more endurance and strength for daily living! It gives me something to look forward to and goals to work on and a time every week that is just dedicated to working on me. I find that its easier to carry my children around, carrying groceries and the list goes on and on. I was so excited this summer when I carried my 45 pound 4 year old piggy back around a water park and up many flights of stairs because he was too tired to keep climbing to go down more slides and I did it with ease! I have CrossFit to thank for that kind of strength and endurance. Also, I was surprised at how my boys have responded to me doing CrossFit. They now talk more about exercise and how its important for good health. And say things like “mommy is definitely stronger then Iron man.” hahaha, awesome!

8. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

My current CrossFit goal is to RX a work out at the next CrossFit open. I have been scaled now for 3 years and the only thing holding me back is the weight requirements. So I have had to swallow my pride and deal with being the last one finished at the gym and increase the weight that I am using during WODs to work towards this goal. I’ve already noticed a difference, I find that I can Rx more and more WODs all of the time!

9. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?

My favorite things to do outside of CrossFit are eating at a fancy restaurant with my best buddy and husband Jon (yes I can be a pricey date haha), a night out dancing, and I love to be on vacation with my family. I love getting away from daily stressors and just focusing on relaxing, having adventures and spending time with my boys and my husband. Those are my favorite things to do but lets face it thats not everyday! On an everyday basis I just really enjoy the little things, funny things my kids say, hugs and kisses at night and simple movie nights or riding bikes together can really make the day great.

10. THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?

I’m going to say the same thing everyone says here on this one. The one tip I would give someone who was considering CrossFit is STOP considering and DO IT! You will not regret it, don’t waste your time doing anything else, if you want results just show up at BBCF and you will get them! Its really that easy. Everyone I talk to says “I can’t do that I’ll die” that couldn’t be further from the truth, in fact its the opposite, you will LIVE! You will improve yourself to live a better life now and a longer life for your future. Don’t waste anymore time! If you are new to CrossFit, good for you! Hang in there, ride the wave and don’t compare, just be your best you.

11. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT? 

My diet has drastically changed since starting at BBCF. Go back to when Melissa was talking me into BBCF, I agreed to join but I said “but I’m not changing my diet”, well a month later I was enrolled in my first nutrition challenge that changed my world. Turns out when I took out processed foods, sugars, wheat products and dairy (inflammatory foods) I really was able to control my arthritis, naturally! It was something I didn’t really think was possible but I’m living proof. When I eat right I’m pain free and I have BBCF to thank for teaching me how to make this happen. Outside of that when I eat right my clothes fit good, I have more energy, and I perform better at the gym. There are times that I am better with my nutrition then other times and when ever I fall off the wagon I regret it! I still need to enjoy some sweets, wine, and pasta but my day in and day out is focused much more to sticking to a clean diet which makes those foods even better when I have them! 

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT FUEL?

My favorite work out fuel is apples, I always eat one before a work out and you will probably see me munching on apple slices just before a WOD begins!

13. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS! 

Results: I have become so much stronger and it shows in Wodify. My weight has not changed all that much but I’m sure if I had a pre and post body fat percentage it would be a huge difference!

  • Shoulder press: increase of 40 lbs
  • DL: increase of 110 lbs
  • clean: increase of 80 lbs
FREEWRITE:

I would like to express my genuine gratitude to Matt and Rebekah for building a place of refuge for so many of us. A place we can all go to feel great, get healthy and escape from life for a bit. Through your example, the community at BBCF is one of support and encouragement. You both work so hard and it does not go unnoticed, what a huge accomplishment. I would like to say thank you to the other coaches at BBCF as well. Each one of you has given me a tip or two that has lasted and helped me improve my skill set. The individual attention and knowledge base that each coach has to offer is top notch. You may not know it but you all have changed my life for the better and I thank you for that! I would also like to thank you my husband for listening to my CrossFit stories, letting me skip out after dinner to get a evening work out in and for supporting me through this process, thanks babe!