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Kim has been a core member of the Bomber Crew for almost two years.  Her positive attitude and willingness to try new things make her a wonderful to be around.  Kim, who proclaimed to not enjoy anything athletic, continues to push her limits, raise her goals, and fight for new ones.  She has been able to accomplish so much in her time with the Bomber Crew.

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How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience?

I had been hearing about CrossFit for a while from various people on Facebook.  But it looked scary and intimidating so it took me about a year to look into it more seriously.  I was in a rut and desperately needed something new to get myself into some kind of exercise routine.  I started looking around online for a box in Dayton and kept coming back to the Bombers’ site.  I finally got up the courage to visit during a 10:30 class so I could see what this was all about.  I showed up and Coach Dawn gave me the scoop.  I stayed for about 45 minutes, just to watch, and knew right then that I wanted to try this.

When did you first come to Bombers CrossFit?

The week following my first sit on the sidelines and watch visit I took my first class.  It was April of 2016 and also the week of my 40th birthday.  I LOVED it immediately.  I remember my first workout involved thrusters.  I believe I was using the 15# barbell and was subsequently crippled for two weeks after.  I could not walk up and down stairs without looking like I was dying.  My daughter said to me, “I don’t think you should go back to that class, Mama.”  I told her that I was absolutely going back.  I drank the Kool-Aid and I never looked back!

How many days do you CrossFit?

You can find me at Bombers 4-5 days a week Monday through Friday, with the occasional Saturday thrown in.  If for some reason I can’t get there, I completely regret it and feel guilty for not going.

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What classes do you normally take?

I will occasionally bounce around the afternoon classes depending on my work schedule, but 10:30 is my class.  That is my favorite (not that all the classes aren’t wonderful, of course) time to go as my incredible group of fellow Bombers’ babes athletes are there.  They are a great group of like-minded, and same age gals (yes, most of us are in our 40s or close to it and we are PROUD of it). We have a fun and entertaining group of girls who like to chat, sweat, and support each other. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to Bombers CrossFit?

I would say the motivation to keep coming back is two-fold, it’s the people and the gains.  I still can’t believe how many great friends I have made because of Bombers. Everyone is constantly supportive and helpful, not only the coaches but the fellow athletes as well.  When you think you can’t do something, someone is always there to remind you that you can and you will.  I can’t wait to get to the box every day to connect with my friends and support their accomplishments.  But it’s also great motivation to see what new PR I will have next.  You never know what kind of wonderful torture each WOD will bring.  And with it comes awesome achievements that you never saw coming.

What's your favorite thing about the Dayton area?

This is probably going to sound like a paid advertisement, but…Bombers is my favorite thing about Dayton.  I moved to Beavercreek five years ago from California.  Yes, I moved to Dayton from California, by choice.  I came here for my job, which I love, but my favorite thing about moving here is this box and everything about it.  I have enjoyed the last two years living here even more because of Bombers.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of? (inside or outside the gym)

I would say that my biggest accomplishment was stepping into the box in the first place.  I have never been interested in anything athletic (which is shocking coming from a family of sports fanatics) and have never liked any workout regimen enough to stick with it for more than three months, tops.  I mentioned at my first throw down last year that I had to do extra credit in high school just to pass my PE classes.  I was not joking, that was a true story.  When we had to do the mile, I walked it.  When we were allowed to choose our sport for the semester, I picked ping pong.  I hated anything to do with exercise.  But here I am, almost 42 years old, and in the best shape of my life.  I still can’t believe that I love working out now.

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After a hard WOD, what is your favorite meal?

Without a doubt scrambled eggs with a bunch of veggies thrown in, an avocado on top, and a side of bacon.  I’m so glad cross fitters eat bacon!

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Wait, people have interests outside of CrossFit?  Weird.  Well, I do love to read, hike, spend time with my daughter, and I have been known to binge watch Netflix on occasion. 

What is one goal within the gym that you are working on?

Although I have definitely gotten stronger and have been able to increase my lifting weight, that isn’t a huge goal of mine.  I am much more interested in achieving things like pull ups, pushups, double unders and handstand pushups.  My success at these is slow-going, but it is happening.  I love that I can see the improvement over time in my ability to finish WODs, pace myself and push myself beyond my comfort zone.  As Coach Amy says, “It doesn’t get easier, you just get better.”  I can tell that I am getting better. 

What impact has CrossFit had on your life/lifestyle/level of fitness?

CrossFit has definitely had an incredible impact on me physically, emotionally, and mentally.  It sounds corny, but it’s true.  Physically, I have, no doubt, gotten stronger, I have muscles I never knew I had.  I can tell that overall I am fitter and healthier.  The physical activity along with the connections with the people have also had a big impact mentally and emotionally.  I know I walked into the box that first day thinking I could never do what these people are doing.  I’ll never climb a rope, lift 100 pounds or kick up into a handstand.  But, now I can do all those things and more!  I have more confidence in myself and what I am capable of doing.   And for the first time ever I actually understand what people mean when they say that when working out is a lifestyle it isn’t a chore anymore.  This is TOTALLY true.  Doing CrossFit every day is just part of my day.  It is built into my schedule.  It’s as important and no different as eating, getting sleep, or working.  I have never thought of it as something I HAVE to do.  It’s something I GET to do, something I WANT to do, and something I WILL keep on doing. 

What advice would you give to a newbie?

Just walk into Bombers (or any box, but Bombers is the best) and give it a shot.  We all started somewhere.  Even the best athletes couldn’t do a pull up at one time.  It takes time to learn the movements and to master the techniques.  But you will, and you will be better for trying.

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