A big congratulations goes out to Faye on being the Athlete Of The Month for October! This woman is determined to get better every time she steps foot inside the gym. She is very coachable and always has a great attitude even when faced with something she might not enjoy. Thanks for being such a good member, Faye. You’ve come a long way!

Here is what Faye ha to say about her experience at EDCF:

1. When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

I joined EDCF in June 2014 when I moved to East Dallas after a very short stint at another CrossFit gym. My first impression was — these guys aren’t kidding around! I shortly realized that I was going to be pushed to my limit and this was nothing like I had ever experienced; inside or outside of CrossFit.

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

I typically attend the evening classes. I really love that I get to spend the time with both regulars and also a great rotating cast of characters. One thing is for sure, they are all complete badasses and we all push and motivate each other every time!

3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?

When I am not at the gym, you can find me working my 9-5 at American Airlines headquarters, where I do a silly little thing business people like to call Marketing. In my free-time I enjoy running, rock climbing (both indoor and outdoor), and traveling the world (thanks to my airline travel benefits.) I love going on adventures with my husband, Zac, and our over-sized wolf pack (three rambunctious dogs.)

4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?

Somehow I always find myself hating every workout while I am in the midst of it, and then when it’s all over I say, “Well, that was actually kinda fun!” It must be these damn mind games that make me keep coming back! But for real, it’s the community and the coaches. The coaches truly care about making us better athletes and that means a lot.

5. What is your favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals?

I really love those long, aerobic workouts that tend to make most people grimace. Throw running into any WOD and I’ll enjoy it. My short-term goal was to get a kipping pull-up — check! So, I guess logically my next short-term goal is to get a strict pull-up. Long-term goal…mobility, mobility, mobility!

Jim has been with us now for about 3 years. Man how time flies! At first we used to joke about Jim being the “world’s tightest man” after all his years as a runner. Since then he has not only come a long way with flexibility, but with strength and gymnastics, too! Jim never complains, is always friendly, and puts his head down and goes to work every morning before the sun comes up. Thanks for being such a great part of our community Jim. It wouldn’t be the same without you!

1. When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go? “I think it has been three years, around late spring….  I live at the bottom of Loving so it was only a matter of time before I saw the gym….  I thought the first workout was fun!  When I was younger I avoided weight lifting with a purpose…  I was not naturally “strong” so the concepts at first were intimidating….  However, once exposed in our context, I really liked it…  I appreciate all the guidance and support I have received… I will get there Drew keep working with me! 

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time? “After annoying several classes with conference calls during workouts I realized that I could, with a little discipline, attend the 5:30am class without any conflict…  We have a solid “core” at 5:30 and everyone knows who they are….  I have always appreciated the warmth, support and comradery that occurs so early in the morning….  I love getting in and starting the day with some level of success and/or achievement.”

3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym? “It is busy, but fun….  I work at Huron Consulting Group, a Chicago based firm and I manage a business that helps Community Hospitals achieve their mission through (financial) performance improvement….  My wife Amy and I have two beautiful children, Mary Grace and Miller and we all serve our two pets Stella (Vizsla) and Thor (Dutch Shepherd)….  Our house is fun and chaotic, but sleepy for me in the evening (much to Amy’s chagrin) considering the 5:30 am class (you know what I am talking about Reed)…. My hobby really is watching the kids with their endeavors, they are both great swimmers and the time I spend with them consumes a lot of potential “Jim hobby time”…. However, it also brings me great joy!”

4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?  I like the diversity of the workouts but I also like the discipline of the commitment to the 5:30 class.  If I am in town I am there….

5. What is your favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals? “I like anything that mixes it up and I have to fight every workout not to “dog it”…  I like that I am actually, maybe, squatting now “ass to grass” or maybe a Jim version of “ass to grass” vs when I first started which may have looked something like a brief flex/tweak of my knees…  I appreciate the encouragement I received to break the boundaries of “bands” with my pull-ups…. Short term I try and gently increase the weight or go a little faster or simply stay close to the rest of 5:30 on the runs…  Long term I was want to keep learning and improving, if not in weight, at least in form..

Thanks guys.  This is very fun for me and I have truly enjoyed it!”

Kristen, or “KJ” as she is known around the gym, has been with us for a while now. We know she hates being spotlighted but we just had to do it. Simply put, KJ is tough. She is resilient and keeps coming back for more workout after workout. She competed in her first CrossFit competition just this past November and hopefully we will see her in more in the future. Thanks for all the support KJ, we want that first pull-up as bad as you do!

1. When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

Prior to joining East Dallas CrossFit I was a spin class junkie living in Uptown. Yes, I was one of those people and I loved it. When I finally made the move over to East Dallas I wanted to find a gym in the area. By the way, there aren’t many gyms in East Dallas. I wanted to add some weightlifting to my routine, but knew I wouldn’t do it on my own and would need something a little more structured.

I reached out to a friend who is always trying new fitness programs. After all she was the person that got me into spinning. She suggested looking into her latest obsession, CrossFit. So, I pulled up YouTube. My first thought… “This is ridiculous!?!” Handstand walks?! Flying like monkeys on pull up bars?! I failed the Presidential Fitness Challenge back in 5th grade I’m pretty sure I can’t do any of this. But, I’ll try anything once. So, I signed up.

I never attended a free Saturday workout. I walked right into the elements class and it was about as awful as I thought it would be. Three years later I still can’t do a dang pull-up, but I’m still here and for some reason I keep coming back for more.

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

You will typically find me at the late class. I hate mornings, which is why you will never see me on the weekends. When I first joined the gym the other two folks in my elements class worked with Bryan Perkins, so it was only natural that I got to know him and Jill. Bryan and Jill also went to the late class, and that’s when I like to say we became friends. That and the fact they like pizza and cocktails just as much as I do.

3. Tell us a little about yourself. What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?

My life outside the gym… I love cheese. I’ve never had a “bad” bottle of wine. I like to cook and would secretly love to be a chef for a day. I sit at a desk from 8 to 5 and enjoy my job as brand manager at a local health system, but I’ll spare you the details. I like to ride my bicycle. I rode my first Hotter n’ Hell in 2011, the hottest year on record. It was 109 degrees out, but it didn’t stop me from drinking a few beers at mile 98. Apparently I’ve never had “bad” beer either. I’m also a member of the Brew Crew, “a drinking group that has a cycling problem.” We raise a bunch of money for different causes, like MS and Rise Adaptive Sports. This May will be my 4th time to ride in the MS150 and I’m looking forward to finishing with fellow EDCF member and first-time rider, Christina.

4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?

I love the community of our gym. I love that everyone is always encouraging others to lift a little bigger or move a little faster. Actually they are usually encouraging me because I’m typically last, but I’m fine with that.

5. What is your favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals?

My short-term goal is basically to stay alive during any workout. I enjoy attempting any type of lift, exercise, or warm-up minus the bear crawl. That is where I draw the line. As for my long-term goal, I want to get that dang pull-up. And to of course maintain a healthy lifestyle, and all that other stuff I should say here. But really, it’s just to do one pull-up. That’s it.

Amber has been with us for almost 3 years making her tenure at EDCF one of the longest of all of our members. She has been a great supporter of the gym and everything we stand for. She has competed in the Open with us every year. She is at every competition, happy hour, or any other event we’ve thrown. She gives her all everyday she’s in the gym and we’ve literally never heard an excuse from her. Basically, she’s awesome and we are lucky to have her.

Here is a little more about Amber:

1. When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

I joined EDCF almost three years ago. I was referred to EDCF by Fernando who had attended the box I started out at in Lubbock. The first thing I noticed about EDCF was the community of the gym. Everyone was very welcoming and you can feel camaraderie. This was a trait I was looking for in a crossfit box. I knew this was the gym for me. Honestly, I don’t remember my first workout, but I do remember feeling like I was out of shape my first month. The programming was tougher weight wise that I was used to coupled with endurance work. I recall being winded and sore initially, but that subsided soon after my first couple of weeks.

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

I attend the afternoon and evening classes. The people vary class to class, but there is always someone to partner up with or there to push you.

3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?

I am 28 years old (oh gosh almost 29, yikes!) and I moved to Dallas about three years ago. I am finishing up a second bachelor’s degree in nursing which consumes most of my time. In my free time, I enjoy taking my dog, Bourbon, to the park, hanging out with friends, and making trips down to Austin to see family.

4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?

I love the community we have at the gym. We have a very friendly group that is diverse and, yet, cohesive. In addition to the wonderful people, the programming is another attribute that keeps me coming back. I have seen marked improvement in my endurance and strength and I continue to be challenged by workouts daily.

5. What is you favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals?

It’s no surprise to those that know me, I love gymnastics movements because of my long history in gymnastics. However, recently, I have really come to enjoy Olympic lifting because I am gaining confidence in my ability to lift and it’s fun to see how much weight I can move. My short term goal is to finally make it to muscle ups in an open workout. I have done the open since 2010 and have yet to achieve this. Long term, I want to stay healthy, continue to improve my time on benchmark workouts, and set some PRs on lifts that I have plateaued on.

When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

In July I quit smoking and started to focus on improving my health with a better diet and light jogging.  I knew I wouldn’t stick with running for long, so I told myself that once I hit 200lbs and a ran a mile without stopping that I would try CrossFit. After an extensive search that included going to crossfit.com and searching the affiliate map for the closest location, I found EDCF.  I feel very fortunate to live so close to the best CF gym in Dallas! Saturday August 30th I sat in my truck, facing the gas station, watching the 10am class in my rearview mirror. All the while thinking, “what the hell have I gotten myself into?  I can’t do this!”  I finally dragged myself inside and Ryan gave me a workout that was incredibly difficult, but I could finish. I had a real sense of accomplishment when I finished. The first “real” workout was a lot for my first time out (Row 400m, 8 Wall Balls, 8 Ring Rows (I think scaled from CTB), 8 Box Jumps, 8 Burpees, R3-4M), but I was proud that I was able to complete 3 sets!

What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

I usually attend the 6:30PM class on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I have accomplished so much more than I ever thought possible with the support and encouragement of Jon, Jill, Bryan, Kristen, Casey, Amber and the entire evening crew at EDCF.

Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?

It sometimes seems like I spend all of my time away from the gym either working, eating or sleeping, but I try to make time for my fiance Annie, our two wonder dogs Alice and Milo and our cat Sam.  I work in the IT department for the law firm Carrington Coleman.  (If you’re ever at Bank of America Plaza (the green building) come see me on the 56th floor!)  Prior to joining EDCF my hobbies were pretty much eating, smoking and watching TV, so working out is kind of my new hobby.  But I still enjoy camping, hunting, fishing and immersing myself in all things technology.

What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?

Without a doubt the thing that keeps me coming back is the people. Over the last 5 months, the coaches and members at EDCF have supported me and pushed me to do more than I ever thought possible. Every time I think I’ve hit the wall someone has been there to tell me I can go faster on the next round, show me how to improve my form so that I can lift more, or push me to finish when my head is saying stop!

What is you favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals?

My favorite lift is definitely any type of squat, but especially the back squat. I’m still in the stage where I’m gaining a lot of strength, so over the next couple of months I would like to hit 300 with my back squat.  Longer term I’m focused on better cardio and getting as ripped as I can at my age!

Liz D. has gained so much ground since joining EDCF with her mother, Mrs. Pam. Simply put, Liz puts in work and gets results. Liz is the definition of consistency. She has one of the best attendance rates since joining the gym and works hard everyday she’s here without complaint. She is your Athlete of the Month for September and probably deserves it for more than just this month. Great work Liz. We are proud to call you an EDCF athlete. A little more about Liz:

1. When did you join EDCF? How did you find the gym? What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

– I joined EDCF in October of last year — Halloween was my first class, actually! My mom was the first person to tell me about CrossFit and suggested we check it out. We visited another gym before we found EDCF while running around the lake. Shortly thereafter, we signed up for the prep course and have been coming ever since! My first workout was pretty rough. I think I was sore for about 2 weeks STRAIGHT.

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

– I usually attend 5:30 PM classes – me and mornings don’t get along too well. 🙂 Here’s my fav workout crew: Sarah, Jill, Amber, Holly, Angela, Shannon, and Lisette (my original workout buddy). They definitely push me! And of course my mom, Mrs. Pam. Moms are the best motivators, when they’re not heckling other members. Oh! And I can’t forget my two big, annoying bros Charles and Braz.

3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?