ATHLETES OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER, 2011 – Derick and Heather Pegram

1. Were you active prior to CrossFit?
Heather: The only activity I participated in pior to CrossFit was chasing my 1 and 3 year old boys around.  Even doing that, I was constantly worn out and out of breath.
Derick: Loved working out while in college, but has since become a business owner and spends his days behind a desk.

2. When did you first start doing CrossFit?
Only 3 weeks ago.  We started at the end of September after thinking about which gym we wanted to join.  As soon as we went to CrossFit and met with the amazing owners and learned about the program we knew where we needed to be.  There isn't a regular gym or personal training stuido that can provide the same atmosphere as CrossFit.  In order to make the commitment we needed to have a reserved time in our day and someone to help us learn what to do to.  The coaches at CrossFit provide so much knowledge and encouragement that I look forward to going every day.

3. What were your thoughts after your first workout?
Heather: “Wow, I am SO out of shape!”
Derick: “I can't breathe.!!!”
But- as hard as that first workout was, it only showed us how much we needed to continue to come back.

4. What do you enjoy the most about CrossFit?
EVERYTHING!  I love the atmosphere and how it feels like a family.  Everyone there wants you to be strong and successful in your workout.  I love having an schedule that I can commit to each day.  I also enjoy that every day consists of completely different workouts.  When I used to go to the gym I usually walked on the treadmill, did a few bicep curls and some sit ups and called it a 'workout'.  At CrossFit I do more in that one hour class than I did in a weeks worth of  'working out' at the gym.  I also heavily depend on the childcare that is offered at the 9:30 and 6:00 classes.  I have put off exercising for 15 months after the birth of our second son who has special needs because I didn't like the over-crowded child watch areas at other places.  Our 3 year old son asks us if we can go to the 'gym' each day because he has so much fun playing!  I can't wait for him to get old enough to participate in the Kids Program they offer!

5. What were your goals when you first started? What are they now?
Our goals are still the same, since we only started a few weeks ago.  My main goal is weight loss (35 pounds is my goal) and more energy to play with my kids. Derick's goals are to become more toned and have more energy to get through his busy days at work.  Also, honestly, I would like to come in 'first' at the end of the workout instead of always being last, but I know that day will come!!!

6. What is your favorite CrossFit movement?
Heather: Thrusters and kettle bells
Derick: box jumps and thrusters

7. What is your least favorite movement?
Heather: Running- I struggle at running more than the 200 meters.  But, I look forward to the day when I can handle longer runs without feeling like I can't breathe!
Derick: Burpies and pull ups

8.  What kind of nutrition plan do you follow and has that changed since you started CrossFit?
Right now we are just trying to get our bodies used to exercising regularly.  We aren't following a plan, but are just becoming more conscious of what we choose to eat.  If we eat something unhealthy, it defeats the purpose of us working out.  Before starting at CrossFit, I didn't worry if I was eating unhealthy because I have gotten so overweight I figured it wasn't going to hurt anything.  So now, we are trying to eat healthier and monitor portion sizes.

9. Talk about your results from doing CrossFit?
In just 3 short weeks my energy level has aready increased a lot.  Even though I haven't lost any weight yet, I feel so much better about myself because I'm making healthy decisions that will help me become a better mother to my boys.  Every day we feel 'sore' and it's such a great feeling!  Plus, my attitude about working out has changed because I have found something that is fun and gives me a great workout.  I used to dread going to the gym, at CrossFit I look forward to it every day!