CFE February 2016 Athlete of the Month!
Name: Noelle Robertson
Age: 44
Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist
When did you first start CrossFitting? June 2013
Tell us about your sports & fitness background. I never played any sports in school. I took ballet for ten years while growing up. I always loved Aerobics classes, Barbell strength classes, Kickboxing, and Running. I ran two marathons, one in Chicago and one in Seattle. I have never considered myself an athlete and in the beginning, the challenge of CrossFit seemed overwhelming.
How did you first get into CrossFit? How did it go? My husband, Jason wanted to try CrossFit originally and I told him that I would try a class or two. Once I started, I really enjoyed it and loved the workouts and the coaches. It was extremely difficult in the beginning and the best advice I received was from someone telling me to just keep coming back! It was great that Jason and I attended class together because we encouraged one another to keep going back every day.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit? I have definitely made a lot of progression in my overall strength since I started CrossFit. I have lost weight and increased my overall muscle mass. I feel so much healthier, stronger, and happier because of my progress.
What impact has CrossFit had on your life? CrossFit for me has been both a physical and mental journey. It has taught me to believe in myself and to never give up. I couldn’t have imagined doing some of the things that I am able to do now. When I started CrossFit I couldn’t jump up onto a 14 inch box because I was too scared. I stepped on the box for over a year until I finally overcame my fear…with the assistance of our amazing coaches. Then, with more assistance and encouragement…I finally was successful in jumping onto a 20 inch box. I was so proud of myself and it was just ONE of the fears that I have been able to overcome. I never thought I’d be able to climb the rope and with assistance and recommendations from the coaches, I was finally able to conquer the rope climb as well. Aside from my accomplishments, I also feel strongly that our CrossFit gym is the best! We are ALL so lucky to have such inspiring coaches who help to teach us and encourage us every day at the box. I wouldn’t be able to accomplish so many things without their guidance and expertise. Each of the coaches have taught me so much! I love to watch them work out, because it is extremely motivating to see their fitness/skill levels. It makes me want to work harder and to continue to improve myself.
What is your advice for people getting started or thinking about starting CrossFit? I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in increasing their overall health, strength, and fitness level to just attend a class. CrossFit is fantastic because you can modify workouts in so many ways. It is so inspiring to see members of all ages, with different fitness and strength levels, completing workouts together. The CrossFit community encourages everyone and there have been so many times that I have felt like quitting a workout because of exhaustion…but, because of other members encouragement….I didn’t quit. The CrossFit community becomes just like a second family. Other CrossFit members inspire me and I love watching someone attain a skill that they didn’t think they were capable of doing.
What are your hobbies, interests, and other talents outside of CrossFit? Jason and I have a daughter name Darbi. She is a Sophomore, at Jenks High School. We spend our time doing family activities, traveling, and watching Darbi play tennis
