Kiersten has been with us for only about 10 months! But having her around has made it seem like it's been a lot longer. Her and her family have a way of connecting with people in a special way, and immediately make you feel like you have known them forever. Her journey in the gym has been so fun to watch and we are excited to share her story with you all. Enjoy!
What are your passions?
My biggest passion is my little girl and my family. I am forever grateful that I am the one that gets to stay home and raise her, teach her and show her all the good in life. On the flip side, she teaches me and helps me grow as a woman, mother and friend. Watching her grow over this last year has been my biggest blessing.
Another passion of mine is my body - seeing what it has done (carry a baby for 9 months) and what it is capable of doing. I'm constantly trying to find ways to improve my physical and mental health and I find a lot of joy and reward in doing so. I'm also motivated by showing an example to those around me what hard work, dedication and discipline can produce in all areas of life. I want to live a long and full life with those that I love, and the best way to do that is to take care of myself.
Why did you start and how did I find CrossFit?
Oh, Mr. Dustin Funk. He is the reason for my addiction. Dusty, my brother-in-law, started talking to us about CrossFit in the last trimester of my pregnancy. And (I'm sure you can understand why) I just kinda blew it off. Two months after Stevie was born, he brought it up again and I decided to try it for a couple of different reasons.
1) The guy couldn't stop talking about CrossFit!
2) Travis, my husband, pretty much told me that we should just give it a shot so I was just along for the ride.
3) I needed an outlet and something with consistency and adult interaction. Being at home with a newborn all day was taking a toll on my physical AND mental health.
I thought that maybe CrossFit would teach me a few things, introduce me to some new people and reignite a fire that had been dormant for awhile.
What has CrossFit done for you?
I 100% underestimated the impact CrossFit would have on my life. I swear I could write a whole novel about it if you let me. I was very embarrassed with my physical health, I didn't even want to show up. But now after toughing it out physically and mentally, I have lost 40lbs and competed in my first competition. Both things I never thought I would do.
I'm in the best shape I have ever been in and I know that the possibilities are endless and it will only continue to improve.
Also, I think I do a pretty good job showing my confidence outward, but internal confidence has always been a struggle for me. I have always been competitive but even more competitive with myself. Always searching for perfection and I would beat myself up if I thought I fell short. I have learned that I'm not perfect but more importantly I have learned to be OK with it.
CrossFit has taught me that as long as I have put in my best effort (in any area of life) that's what really matters.
My relationships... I have made some bad a$$ friends! Seriously, the best people I have met have been through CrossFit. From all different walks of life, people that I probably wouldn't have interacted with in the past are some that I'm closest to now. More importantly though, my family relationships. I now have a common ground with my step sons and my brother-in-law. CrossFit has made my relationship stronger with them in 10 months than it could have over the course of years. I could write a whole chapter about my kids and what it has done for us outside of the gym.
I also have extended family reaching out to me about getting into CrossFit. Family that haven't ran a mile since high school because they see all the results from my work. That is the most rewarding thing.
CrossFit Ampersand has also given me the opportunity to intern and spread the wealth!! I think it's important to always give back to the community! I am fortunate enough that I found the coolest way to do so! Being able to help others in the gym has helped me fill that void. I was struggling trying to find a way to give back and just feel like I was making a difference in people's lives. Now, I receive emails, texts and even have conversations with people thanking me for my help. I love that I inspire and motivate people!! I will admit, you ran that mile on your own sister, but I'm so glad that I helped push you and inspire you.
What are your goals?
My goals are pretty simple. Like I said before, I'm constantly searching for ways to improve physically and mentally. My biggest goal right now is to stop saying things like "I can't " because deep down I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I want to continue to be that example to my daughter, husband, sons, and CrossFit community and give back even more.
If I have accomplished and seen results like these in 10 months, I can't even imagine what the next 10 will produce.
I would really like to buy my big black Dodge back again someday too. But we will see how that one goes... :)