As I put in Linda’s answers I realize that I have made a huge mistake of not sharing her story sooner. Linda has been a member with us for over FIVE YEARS! She could run circles around most of the people in this town and is twice the age of most ladies at our gym. She is a motivation to anyone that meets her. If you have ever done a class with Linda you know that she makes you feel like you can do better, not only through her constant cheering but the amount of effort she puts into each workout. Linda is a fighter. If you’ve met her you see a soft-spoken super sweet lady and you would not get ‘fighter’ as your first impression, but read her backstory and watch her workout and you’ll understand there are not many people in this world who can fight like Linda. She has fought cancer, been through a heart transplant with her husband and now they are in another fight again as her husband Mike battles cancer. Religious or not Linda and her family need your PRAYERS, positive thoughts or good vibes as they move forward with this fight. Click here to read more about Linda and Mike’s fight as well as help them out. From everyone at BayWay CrossFit, We Love You Linda 🙂

-Richard

First Name & Last Initial

Linda B

 

Home Town

Baytown

 

Age

65

 

Occupation

Business Owner – Embroidery

 

When did you first start CrossFitting?

3/28/2013

 

When did you first start training at BayWay CrossFit?

Started here 🙂

 

Favorite WOD

Anything with the rowing machine, jump rope or deadlifts. 

 

Least Favorite WOD

Anything with BURPEES or the ASSAULT BIKE!

 

Tell us about your sports & fitness background?

When I was in high school, there were not many girls sports, and I was not involved in any. After graduating, I got a job at a women’s only gym. (men and women did not work out together then) We had to wear black tights and a body suit. (my how times have changed) I became the manager eventually. I was in and out of the gym for many years after that when my children were growing up. I started back on a regular basis after they were grown. I had to stop when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After my surgery, chemo,k, and radiation I was told I should not exercise because I had developed lymphedema. I tried to follow doctors orders but missed exercising so much; I started back. I was doing very good, lymphedema disappeared and was getting back in shape when my husband became very sick and had to have a heart transplant. I again had to quit to take care of him. As he started getting better, I found myself missing the gym and getting bigger and bigger. Then I found CrossFit, and I have been hooked since.

 

How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD…what was it, and how did it feel?

I don’t remember how I found out about BayWay CrossFit. I remember making an appointment with Coach Richard to see if he thought I would be able to do it. Little did I know at the time that it would not have mattered how bad I did on the evaluation, he would have said, “Yes you can do it.” Thank you, Richard!!! I don’t’ remember what my first WOD was, but I remember loving it!

 

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit? (before/after)

I have lost 35 pounds since I started CrossFit. I have learned so much about nutrition, and that has helped me stay on track with my weight. When I first started, I could not even use a rope to jump rope. I just pretended to hold one….lol. I can now do MANY jumps with a rope. Also, I was so out of breath and could only walk a short distance and run a short distance. Everyone was so encouraging, and I kept on, and now I can run 3 miles without stopping! I have much more energy and feel great!

 

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were unexpected?

I have osteopenia from the cancer drugs. My numbers have improved since beginning CrossFit. I do not have to take any drugs, and I attribute that to CrossFit. I can also keep up with my ten grandchildren! I love to play basketball with them. (even if I am not good at it) I have much more stamina and sleep better than ever.

 

Please share with us any favorite CrossFit/BayWay CrossFit moments?

I loved the 2018 CrossFit Games Open. It was so awesome how encouraging everyone was. I love the family feel of the members. Even though I don’t see and know everyone, through our family facebook page, I feel like I know them and are connected to them.

 

Any advice for people just getting started?

Don’t be intimidated. The coaches are the best and will make sure you are safe no matter what the age or condition and that you know how to do each move. Be determined to do your best each WOD, and you will improve with time. It doesn’t happen overnight, but I promise you will improve. I love the saying at the gym, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Sometimes it is good to leave your comfort zone.

Thank you to all the coaches and fellow athletes that have encouraged me to keep at it. It is not easy sometimes as we get older, but I see others my age that is struggling physically, and I thank God I found CrossFit. I know that I am not going to do what the young ladies do, but I know that I am doing MY best to keep fit.

 

What are your hobbies, interests, and talents outside of CrossFit?

I love spending time with my family, working in my flower beds, crafts, and swimming.