December 2018 Athlete Of The Month

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Name: Emily Odend’hal

Age: 41

Occupation: Sr. Graphic Designer at Baltimore magazine

Length Of Time CrossFitting: 3 months

Favorite Lift and Why? Back squat and push press. I can feel the power through my whole body with the back squat. Just three months ago I was squatting to the ball to get the correct depth, and now I hit triple digits with my back squat weight. The push press makes me feel strong when I’m able to lift the bar overhead.

Favorite WOD and Why? Every WOD is a challenge. A few weeks ago, we did the bear complex with a partner and I loved it—I felt really good and strong afterwards. It combined a lot of movements—power clean, front squat, push press, back squat, and push press. I also like EMOMs because it is pretty straight forward, it helps me to challenge myself.

Goals for the Next Year?  I have a long list of many CrossFit goals in the next year. My ultimate goals are weight loss, improving my strength, endurance, and mobility, and to keep challenging myself—pull ups, rope climb, and box jumps are a few areas I can’t wait to do unscaled in the future. I also want to continue being consistent going to class and improving my nutrition (I’m trying, Nov/Dec are hard months to not cheat!) to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle. I realize I have a long way to go on my fitness journey, but I am here and grateful to have support from awesome coaches and other fellow crossfitters. I am psyched to see where I will be in the next 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from now.

How has CrossFit Impacted your Life? CrossFit has taught me, both mental and physical, toughness. In the beginning, I would walk in terrified, and now I walk in looking forward to challenging myself. I am inspired daily by everyone at CrossFit Baltimore. Thank you to all the coaches and other members who motivate and push me to challenge myself. I am surprised at some of things I am accomplishing in such a short amount of time. I have met some really awesome friends! CrossFit has been such a positive experience and my only regret is not joining CrossFit earlier! Thanks CFB!