How long have you been doing CrossFit? What are your favorite things about the sport?

This is my ninth season competing in CrossFit. Crazy how the years rack up like that! My favorite things about competing in the sport of CrossFit is the adrenaline rush of being on the competition floor and the social nature of training at a CrossFit box. I love being part of the CrossFit community  at the boxes where I coach and train and also connecting with other CrossFitters from all over the globe!

How many times have you competed in the CrossFit Regionals in the past?

This will be my ninth time competing in the CrossFit Regionals.

What are your goals for the CrossFit Regionals this year?

My goals for regionals this year are to bring my best effort to each event and each element of the event, support and encourage my teammates, be gracious to other competitors, judges, and fans, and earn a Top 5 qualifying spot to the CrossFit Games.

What are you most looking forward to for the CrossFit Regionals? What are you most nervous about?

I am most looking forward to being on the competition floor with all six of us!     I get nervous for competition EVERY time, so this is no different. I think it is good to have nerves, it shows you care and it can be channeled into amazing performance!

How has your training been going so far? How many hours a day do you usually spend training?

Training has been awesome! It has gotten even more fun ever since the Open ended because we are incorporating more team workouts and using the Worm! I spend about 2.5 to 3 hours a day training 4 to 5 days a week.

What does a typical day of training look like for you? A typical week?

On the days that I work overnight, I come from work to CrossFit Balance and we typically get started at 8:30 or 9am and go until 11:30am or 12pm. On the weekends, we meet on Saturday mornings and Sunday midday.

How often do you train with the rest of the CrossFit Balance team, versus training on your own?

I train with CrossFit Balance teammates almost every session this year unless I am out of town!

How is it different training for the team competition than as an individual?

A lot of it has to do with the mental side. I am sometimes more motivated training with the team than on my own. It is more fun! Also, I am more aware of how my emotions and reactions to things can affect not only me but my teammates.

Are you doing anything different to prepare for the Regionals this year than in previous years?

More practice on the Worm! Can’t do that as an individual…

Was there anything that surprised you during the CrossFit Open this year? Are there specific times of workouts you’re expecting in Regionals this year?

I think like a lot of people, I was surprised that there were two workouts with dumbbells programmed for the Open. I surprised myself in 17.3 by hitting a lifetime PR of a 175# snatch!

What does a day look like, food-wise? What’s your go-to healthy meal, either to make at home or eat on the go?

I eat gluten-free oatmeal mixed with protein powder, raisins and walnuts for breakfast and a meal from My Power Supply for lunch and dinner. I also have a Perfect Bar as a snack, 1 or 2 Fuel For Fire packs before during or after my workout, some times a piece of fruit or two during the day, dark chocolate at night. And if I want a treat, some kind of dessert!

How do you balance training for Regionals with everything else in your life?

I make sure to schedule my training sessions on my calendar along with my school nurse work schedule, my coaching schedule and any other appointments or social activities. By prioritizing that time, I am able to make sure I get in the training that I love!

What do you like to do when you’re not training?

Spend time with my husband, Tim, and my dog, Bella. Travel to see friends and family. Read. Watch shows on Amazon Prime and Showtime.

What’s something you wish more people knew about CrossFit/CrossFit competitions/etc.?

I am always explaining to people that although CrossFit competitions are an awesome display of a lot of fitness, you do NOT have to be “fit”, “ripped” or “crazy” to start doing CrossFit and to benefit from the fitness program it provides and to be part of a really amazing, supportive, diverse and accepting community.