Who would have thought that when I signed up for the CapTex triathlon in Fall 2010, that was actually my first step on the journey into the sport of CrossFit. As I tried to run the ‘bricks’ out of my legs, I grabbed water out of the hand of  a totally jacked chick in a grass skirt and coconut bra. I thought to myself: “what is SHE doing for workouts? I want to look like that! I want to do what she’s doing. I’m in the wrong sport.” I had only taken to triathlons after college. The dull sadness that loomed after the conclusion of every swim season was SO much thicker and darker at the end of my swimming career. I needed something to train for, something to focus on. I figured:  “I can swim, and I like running… if I take up triathlon, I just have to get a bike.” Turns out I don’t really like sitting on a bike for the length of time necessary to be a competitive triathlete. So at my last race that season, it couldn’t have been more perfect that CrossFit Central was sponsoring a water stop. That night, after the race, I googled ‘what is CrossFit.’ The answer was nebulous at best, but the sense I got was that it didn’t focus too heavily on any one movement and it was badass.  I was intrigued enough to find a gym and sign up for intro classes.

It took one CrossFit workout, and from then on, I was hooked. Over the course of the next 5 years, the supportive and authentic communities that grow around these gyms served as an anchor for me as I navigated the early phases of my career (as swim coach and teacher), moving back and forth across Texas. CrossFit Graffiti empowered me to compete for the first time. And by the end of that competition, I was hooked! I love the variation of movements, the spirit of encouragement, and the obligatory post-competition TexMex binge. It’s ironic that I found CrossFit in the middle of a triathlon, because ultimately, the two couldn’t be more different.

What CrossFit provided in challenge, catharsis and community, yoga balanced with self-reflection, mobility and space to decompress. My yoga practice became integral to my success and sanity as a teacher and in 2015, I left the classroom in search of a teaching environment that would be more sustainable for me. By the end of that summer I had completed my 200hr RYT certification. That fall, around the same time we planned to launch our studio, I was approached about filling some gaps in the coaching schedule at my gym. It was a perfect storm that created.

Both were incredible opportunities to grow community, connect with athletes (and yogis) at every level. and develop confidence as a teacher/coach. I am so looking forward to taking what I’ve learned thus far and bringing it to the spectacular community at Project Rise. I live for the moments in which an athlete feels the strength and empowerment of doing something they didn’t know/think they could do. Teaching is life-giving for me and I am so looking forward to working with you as you crush your goals.