SEPTEMBER 2022: JENNY ARMABULA

What is your name or nickname? 

Possum (yes, possum)

What are your favorite hobbies, talents, skills outside of CrossFit? 

I have a mini-side business called As the Crow Flies in which I make my own crafts including smudge sticks. I needed something to help me decompress and combine my knowledge of healthcare as a nurse and my desire to show alternative methods to healing mental and physical wounds. I also like to sing, draw, paint, take photos, and raid trash cans in the back of CFE. So far I manage to find $1.00 while doing workouts in the back. I also like to stand in lines and wait for the seasonal release of Lil Debbie snacks. 

How did you find/get to CrossFit Eclipse?

I moved to Broken Arrow from Virginia in December. Before that I was in Okinawa, Japan for three years and it is a very small island and finding a CrossFit box was possible but room was a challenge. Once I finally settled I perused the internet and found CF gyms and gave Eclipse a try based on the good reviews. I came in, sipped the Flavor Aid and was hooked. The gym, the coaches, the atmosphere made me want to come back. There is a legit care here, the ability to safely push yourself outside your norm while being responsible in the process.

What motto or phrase do you live by? 

Facta Non Verba, it means Actions Not Words. It is tattooed on my spine to remind me to back up what you say or have a backbone and be strong enough to ask for help. 

What is your favorite music to listen to while WODing?

Gosh, that is a hard one. I like it all. I honestly think if I have enough energy I can even make Enya pump me up. I like classic rock, I mean what prior military person doesn’t? Anything that just gets the blood going. 

What is your favorite WOD? 

My favorite WOD is the Zona Rosa Challenge. Not many know about it but it is named after the four Marine Embassy Guards gunned down in a restaurant in El Salvador on June 19, 1985. It consists of  8 burpees, 27,24,22,20 push-ups, squats, and OH presses, and 800 meter run based on the ages of the Marines. Four rounds total. 

What is your favorite cheat Food(s)? 

DEBORAH coming in for the win and cinnamon rolls. Those Christmas Tree cakes, I mean… it is like the magic of the season really.

What is one thing you have done at CFE that you never thought you would do?

It may sound a bit silly, but gain the strength I have gained in the amount of time I have. I remember a few years ago struggling with just 25lbs on each side. Now I have  more confidence to push myself. I also did the CrossFit open this year scaled while injured. Never would I have thought I would put myself outside my comfort zone like that. Everyone, gym members to coaches, made me push through it and  even after allowed me to adapt in workouts as I gained my mobility back. 

 What motivates you through your CrossFit journey? 

Everyone around me, watching the adaptive athletes get it done. Mainly, not settling for a standard. We all have limitations per say but continuously physically and mentally pushing through those barriers keep me going. Seeing your body gain strength is amazing and watching my fellow gym members just getting after it motivates me so much!

What results have you seen so far in coming to CFE? 

More strength! From pull-ups to cleans, to endurance on bike to learning from the coaches and members. 

Do you have any special or successful CrossFit Eclipse memories/moments?

Watching the members PR in the Backyard Brawl. Seeing them PR, watching them go after a weight they other wise may have not done, that was amazing to watch, to see that self-belief and to hear the members cheering them on.  

What sort of life changes have you experienced because of CrossFit that you didn’t expect?

Going back to my roots, remembering I can do what I set my mind to. Remembering all that I have done and all the things I have left to do. We are never guaranteed tomorrow. CF made me go back to basics not just on form when lifting but also remembering you need a good mental foundation to accompany the physical successes. 

What advice would you give to a newbie or someone just joining CrossFit Eclipse? 

Firstly, you showed up! That in itself is commendable. You walked into the best gym with people doing all sorts of things that looks extremely challenging! Secondly, remember, it takes time to make progress but you started the clock. Trust yourself, the coaches, show up and push yourself safely, and remember we are a family. Take time to get to know yourself and your progress and those around you. 

Current training Goals/PRs?

Get my 5k time down, more pull ups and clean my weight!

 If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be? 

Lil Deborah, for 10 rounds, 10 Burpees Over Bar (jump or step over), 10 Push Jerk’s , 10 Front Squats

Cowboys or Sooners?

Neither, Michigan all the way…GO BLUE. Haters gonna hate! 

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