Member Spotlights : Liz & Reggie
Liz Belcher | Members since October 2015
When did you start doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit at the end of Ocotber 2015.
What were you doing before CrossFit?
I was just getting back into running and pacing a friend for her first marathon.
What’s your favorite WOD?
I know about 90% of the cross-fitters and my fellow 5:15’s hate me for saying this, but anything with running.
I truly liked “Murph”, although I could not move my arms for a couple of days. I also liked
3 Rounds for time of:
800m Run
30 Wallballs 20/14
10 Burpees
What’s your least favorite lift?
Snatch
Tell us a little about yourself outside of ChalkDust. (family, job, sports, military, interests, etc)
I have 4 great kids; Kayla 22, Awbrey 10, Aidyn and Bradyn 7.
I work for mCORE, we do heart screenings for High School Athletes. My main focus is to teach CPR and AED training to all ages. So if they are ever faced with someone in SCA they will know the appropriate steps to help save a life.
I have been running marathons for 14 years.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
I worked muscles I forgot I had! Thanks MA! :) I then had the misfortune or fortune to have a one on one foundations class with Mike the next day. I could not put my hair in a ponytail the next day!!
What were your goals when joining CrossFit?
To become stronger to help with my running.
Have you achieved any of those goals?
Yes, I was able to run the Boston Marathon and re-qualify there in April. I lowered my running to 3 days a week and cross-fit 2-3 days. I definitely think it helped me get stronger to conquer the demanding course of Boston and Heart-break Hill.
What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit?
Stick with it, no matter if you are doing RX or scaled. I scale all the time. We are all DIFFERENT and have Different strengths and weaknesses.
I think too many times we as individuals give up on things that are hard because we mentally tell ourselves we can’t do it. All of the coaches and ChalkDusters are all pushing for you to be the best you can be and they truly care about each other.
What is it about ChalkDust that makes you come back everyday?
My fellow 5:15’s! That group is the BEST! We have fun and that is rare to find fun and positive people at that time of day. Also, Emily Matteo would give me crap :)
Reggie Pryear | MEMBERS SINCE February 2016
When did you start doing CrossFit?
I started CrossFit in February of this year.
What were you doing before CrossFit?
Before CrossFit, I was working out 3-4 times a week at a local gym.
What’s your favorite WOD?
The 2016 CrossFit open workout and The Murph
What’s your least favorite lift?
My least favorite lift is back squats, front squats, overhead squats, pistol squats, air squats and jumping squats - anything squat related :)
Tell us a little about yourself outside of ChalkDust. (family, job, sports, military, interests, etc)
I am married with two children. My wife's name is Theresa and our children's names are Tre and Carmella.
I am a nurse. I have been a nurse for 18 years and I currently work at Ohio State in Ambulatory Services.
I am originally for Akron, Ohio and attended college at Malone College. I played college football at Malone College.
I also have my MBA and currently pursing my Doctorate degree in Nursing at Ohio State.
I served 8 years in the Army Reserve as a Captain.
I enjoy spending time with my family and playing golf on the weekends!
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
I was hooked after my first workout.
I enjoy the physical and mental challenge with each workout.
What were your goals when joining CrossFit?
I don't know if I had any goals when I first joined.
I really just wanted to learn the different lifts and become proficient at the various lifts and exercises.
Have you achieved any of those goals?
Not yet, I am learning but still have a long way to go!
Has CrossFit affected your life outside the Gym?
Yes, I feel as though I have more energy.
I do try and stretch more to maintain my flexibility.
I have been watching what I eat more, although I am a regular at the Waffle House!
What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit?
To start slow and really learn the fundamentals of the exercises.
I think having a good foundation is key to progressing to the different levels with each move.
What is it about ChalkDust that makes you come back everyday?
I really enjoy the people / community at our gym.
I think the coaches are very patient and knowledgeable.
Coach Mike does a great job and he treats everyone with respect.
I think he has a good understanding of when to push you and when to help you understand what you are doing wrong.
Additionally, I enjoy the mental challenge of each WOD.
