April Featured Athlete: Shan Smith

1. How did you find out about Crossfit?

Through Taylor Richards-Lindsay, a friend of mine and previous trainer at CVSC.

2. What is your favorite Crossfit exercise or WOD?

I love anything with pull-ups and doubles. And used to be burpees before I got pregnant, now those take FOR-EV-ER!

3. How long have you been Crossfitting for?

5 years.

4. What do you do for a living?

I recently quit my job as a mental health therapist at the end of 2013 to stay home full time with my daughter, Claire, and soon to be baby boy, who has yet to be named:) I also volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center in Logan (Center for Pregnancy Choices) and am blessed to get to know some amazing women (and men) in our community and share resources.

5. What are your hobbies?

I enjoy biking and skiing, gives me a little something extra to do for each season. I also enjoy reading, baking and experimenting with new cooking recipes.

6. What are your goals?

My goals seem to change since I've started CrossFit. Like most people, I started out with the goal to lose weight and get into shape. As I started weight lifting I had goals that centered around my 1 RM on different lifts. But like many, work and family take precedence and my goals have changed, especially since I've quit working, Currently its to keep healthy during pregnancy and to show my daughter the benefits and fun to working out and being active.

7. Why do you Crossfit?

There are two major reasons I CrossFit: 1.) The people at CVSC. It is such an awesome community and I've made such amazing friends. This is why I keep coming back day after day, month after month, year after year. 2.) Continuation of being in shape. I like how being active and healthy feels. I like the feeling of knowing I can complete these workouts and learn new skills and get better at my weaknesses. I grew up on a farm and am not afraid of physical labor, but I am and have been for years, in the best shape of my life.

8. Any advice for future CrossFitters?

The advice I have, the soreness you get when you're new doesn't go away for good, but it gets better. You start to enjoy it and its a little reminder you've worked your hardest and you're continuing on this journey of getting healthy, so don't quit. AND ask questions. The terminology is confusing and no one knows it at the beginning.

I'm honored to be chosen for the athlete profile and give a HUGE thanks to you and the other trainers for teaching me more than just what it takes to get in shape. Add to that discipline, dedication, having a great time and meeting remarkable people along the way.