Q: When did you first hear about CrossFit and how did you get started?

I heard about CrossFit casually when the games were first introduced around 2007.  I really started following the sport during the Rich Froning era. I decided to give it a try, soon after my start at ESPN in 2013 when some colleagues were current members of Bell City and raved about it. I gave it a try and never looked back.

Q: Why did you stick with it?

There are a couple of reasons why I stuck with it as long as I have:

1) I started to see results after a seven year struggle to regain muscle back in my right leg after a complete ACL reconstruction. My legs finally started to feel stronger and I saw my quad muscles developing.

​2) After successfully completing the some of the more intense WODS, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I may have not been the fastest or achieved the most rounds/reps, but I did the best I could that day and that in of itself is very rewarding for me.

Q: What do you enjoy most about Bell City CrossFit?

I whole heartedly feel that Bell City cares for their members.  I have witnessed on various occasions the owners/coaching staff take the time to listen and understand a member’s individuals needs and actively work on their betterment.  For me that translates to just more than a work out community, but to FAMILY.

I also love that simple fact that I’m accepted and have the freedom to be ME -  Yes, that member that throws random dance parties in the middle of class, that member that grunts and screams on heavy lifts, that member that complains about workouts but still goes hard at them, that member that keeps asking that the music be turned up louder when it’s already at the loudest.  They just get me and I appreciate that more than anything.

Q: Most and least favorite lift?

My most favorite lift would have to be the Clean & Jerk, my least favorite is the Snatch. That word alone is a turn-off.​

Q. What do you train for?

I train now for my overall physical and mental health.  After decades of playing basketball and softball at a high level and dealing with some serious injuries along the way. I just now want to enjoy what my body can physically still do, maintaining a strong heart and calm mind to take advantage of everyday and what good I can contribute at this thing we call life. We only have one shot at it.

Q: What is your greatest CrossFit success story?

I’ve recently have had some success with setting some personal records on lifts, which I admit felt absoulfreakinglutely amazing, but nothing beats the moment I strung my double-unders together.  It only took me five years of whipping abuse and a few self-destructed ropes, but it finally happened 8 months ago.  Now, As Coach MeLo would say, “I own them” …. That’s right, I own them.  Practice and persistence does pay off.

Q: What do you do for work?

I’m a Senior Project Manager for Disney’s Direct to Consumer-International Sector.  What does that mean? I manage scope of work, resources, budget, and timelines for Technology projects that support Disney/ESPN’s Affiliates from functions such as accounting needs, to distribution of our video on demand content.    

Q: What do you do for fun with you’re not at the gym?

You could find me flying, driving, or cruising to my next destination. This world is full of so much color, flavor, and culture that I just yearn to experience as much of it I can.​

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in CrossFit, but not sure it’s the right fit for them?

There is such a misnomer with CrossFit;  one of them being that you have to be this elite superstar athlete to do CrossFit. The hard core truth is CrossFit is scalable and any workout can be tailored to a person’s skill and strength level.

You really don’t know if it’s a right fit, unless you give it a try.  If you’re enjoying it, give yourself at least 3 months before you decide if it’s for you or not. Be patient, results take time.  If you’re consistent, they absolutely will come. The exciting thing as a beginner is that results come fairly quickly, even in 30 days you can really see a difference in your strength and overall fitness.  STOP being so harsh on yourself, and START being proud your little accomplishments.

Q: Favorite breakfast meal?

Turkey Bacon, Egg, Cheese, and Avocado on Portuguese Roll --- Yasssss, I’ll take 2!!

Congratulations D, and thank you for sharing your story!  

When you see Daisha at Bell City, be sure to give her a high-five and congratulate her!!!

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