Name: Katie Calloway
Hometown: Wooster, Ohio
Age: 23
When did you first start training at CrossFit Lynchburg?
I first started training at CrossFit Lynchburg early November 2013.
Tell us about your sports & fitness background:
Whether my siblings and I were playing touch football in the backyard, racing each other in the pool, or becoming more involved in organized team sports, fitness has been a part of my life since I can remember. I ran track as a sprinter and hurdler from 6th grade through high school as well as playing 10 years of basketball. After high school, I realized that I missed being active and so transitioned to distance running (side note: distance running for a sprinter is everything under 10 miles...just to clarify that I am not a marathoner in any way).
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit?
My first exposure to CrossFit came by the way of my husband Joshua Calloway. Joshua is a fitness enthusiast, in the US Army,and former track distance runner. CrossFit fit him perfectly - conditioning, strength, stamina, mental toughness, challenges, technique, goals, team oriented...He could go on and on about CrossFit, but I,on the other hand, was not so convinced. When Joshua first started to attend classes at CrossFit Lynchburg, I was skeptical. I thought “I never really lifted weights before, and therefore wouldn't fit in,” so I stayed in my comfort zone and continued to run. After six months of talking about CrossFit, watching the CrossFit Games, patiently listening to technique about these weird things called burpees or kipping pull-ups, I finally decided to give it a go. Joshua and I agreed that I would try it for one month. It took a few weeks to adjust, but after completing that first month, I have never looked back.
What was your first workout and how did it go ?
I can’t say that I remember my very first CrossFit workout, but I do remember Day 3 very vividly or at least the aftermath of day 3. The classes were prescribed to do Annie. In total, ‘Annie’ comes to 150 sit-ups & 150 double unders (or in my case 300 single jumps with a jump rope) as fast as you can...After completing ‘Annie,’ I couldn't stand up straight for 4 days.
Favorite Workout/Least Favorite Workout:
My favorites workouts usually are the long, pacing workouts that require conditioning and perhaps a little running. On the other hand, my least favorite usually involve any thruster and burpee combination...basically CrossFit Open WOD 14.5.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CrossFit?
Since starting CrossFit a little over 8 months ago, I have felt sore in places I didn't even know existed. I have pushed past my limits and broken through many goals. I have gained strength and conditioning that would have been difficult to achieve if I was still strictly running. I can carry almost all my groceries to my second story apartment in one trip. I eat more bananas in a week than I used to in a month. What sort of changes have I seen? Simply that I find I can do more in life because of an increase metabolism, higher energy levels and more sustainable endurance.
What sort of unexpected changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit?
A part of CrossFit Lynchburg that I wasn't expecting was the community environment and team sport feel. Instead of walking into a gym filled with independent people that just happen to be exercising in the same room, I walk into CrossFit Lynchburg feeling a part of something. A place where someone who can clean & jerk over 300 lbs and back squat my body weight 4 times over could be doing push ups next to a soccer mom who hasn't been in the gym for 10 years. Don’t get me wrong, CrossFit isn't offering butterfly catching classes, but it is a place where people join together to work hard and improve their overall health.
Please share any of your favorite CrossFit/CrossFit Lynchburg moments:
My favorite moments at CrossFit Lynchburg come on a weekly and sometime a daily basis. I love watching the people I work out with day in and day out achieve something that they never thought possible. Whether it’s a new personal record for a back squat, getting their first muscle-up, or just pushing through a really tough workout, sharing a proud moment with other members makes CrossFit become more than your average fitness program, it becomes a community.
Any advice for people just getting started or new to CrossFit?
My advice to anyone who is looking into trying CrossFit would be just go for it! Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. And just a tidbit for all the ladies out there, the improvements to my overall health and fitness as a result of CrossFit have not caused me to bulk up like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I can still wear that classy black dress & red heels without someone questioning if I am a bodybuilder.
