Tell us about yourself!
I’m 28 and decided to go back to school during the pandemic. I ended up moving here in 2021 to start medical school at McMaster. Before that, I did grad school in Vancouver and then worked in consulting in Toronto. Originally from Ottawa and have also lived in Kingston. I’ve jumped around a bit!
What got you into CrossFit?
I got into long distance running when I lived in Vancouver and have completed a few “bucket list” races since then, including the Banff Marathon in 2022 and the Midnight Sun Marathon in Norway in 2018. I was honestly getting bored of running, and was looking for something that I could do year-round that was totally different and less time consuming. A friend suggested that I give CrossFit a try. I didn’t really know what it was, but it ended up being perfect.
What do you like about Alchemy?
The coaches are all excellent teachers. I had never done any kind of lifting or strength work before and had never even touched a barbell or kettlebell before my first free class. I genuinely had no idea what I was doing but always felt safe and comfortable here. The whole coaching team was super supportive and if anything, seemed excited to have a completely fresh person to teach!
What has been your proudest moment at Alchemy?
Lots of little proud moments since my first class in August 2021 as I’ve gotten more comfortable with all of the movements, but was particularly happy to win an award at last year’s Holiday Gala!
What are your CrossFit goals for the future?
I used to focus on just surviving each workout with decent form and without injury. Around six months ago I started to gradually increase the weights on most workouts. I don’t have any specific numerical targets but happy as long as they keep going up. Also hoping to get a better handle on double unders and maybe some bar muscle ups.
If you could design the perfect workout, what would it include?
Rowing, box jumps, overhead squats. Maybe some wall balls too, in moderation, but I am careful for what I wish for 🙂
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since you started CrossFit?
I’ve gotten bigger and stronger! I’m not one for progress pictures but my friends and family have noticed. I noticed too, especially after working on some nutrition stuff with Dee last year. I’ve never been in better shape.
When you’re not at the gym, what’s your favourite thing to do?
Spending time with my golden retriever and figuring out future travel plans with my partner. If our current plans pan out, the next 12 months should bring us to Yosemite National Park, Yellowknife, Mexico, and India.
What’s your favourite local Hamilton food spot?
Donut Monster, easily. I have a very sweet tooth.