Congratulations to Val Roberts, our C3 Athlete of the Month for June 2017. Val has been a part of the #Nooner squad since she started at C3 over three years ago. In that time, we have seen Val improve dramatically. This is a product of hard work and dedication, as she is one the more consistent members we have.
Val has worked hard, and in the past year she has participated in a couple of local Festivals Games competitions and also the 2017 CrossFit Open, where she was able to Rx 17.1 and finish well within the top half of her age group. Congratulations Val and keep up the good work!
In general, what is your background?
- I have two grown children 33 & 31 and 5 grandchildren ranging from 2-15 of which I love spending time with. I especially love watching the grandkids play any sport! I’m from the big city of Decatur IL. I moved to Springfield in 2008 where I reside with my partner in crime. We are hoping to add a dog to the family very soon!
Age, Occupation?
- I’m currently 55, turning 56 next month. I have worked for Black & Company for 36 years and am the Branch Manager of our location here in Springfield. No, we do not sell sporting goods (but we used to). We sell industrial supplies to large industry. Tools, Safety Items & Janitorial Products. Just about anything you would use in a plant.
How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
- I decided when I turned 50 it was time to get back in shape. I joined a local gym and realized I had missed being active. I didn’t feel like I was progressing the way I wanted. I played sports in High School, at least what few they had for girls back in the seventies! I played competive softball for 30 years. I retired from softball after breaking my arm and realizing that I had become too slow and too scared of the ball! I missed the competitiveness of sports. I also was a volleyball ref for 25 years, not much physical activity officiating that sport. I’d heard about CrossFit but didn’t really know much about it at all when I joined. Karen’s was going to join with a friend of hers and I wasn’t about to let her do something harder than me therefore I joined with them. I didn’t know anyone that was doing CrossFit to ask them about it. I’d heard rumors is was hard and I wanted to see if I could do it.
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
- Where to start? I’m definitely the most fit I’ve been in my entire life. Well I could stand to lose a few pounds, that dang wine with my dinner. I never dreamed in the million years I’d be doing the type of exercise I’m doing now and I absolutely love it, well most of the time. I’ve got over 3 years in @ C3. The first year or so I was afraid to attempt any type of competition. In the last year I’ve done three including the CrossFit Games. I was fortunate enough to place 3rd at the last Festivus competition I entered. There may have only been 7 ladies total but I still got a metal! I love it when my peers notice that I can do things they can’t. Here’s a few examples. Zip right up a ladder, jump right up on a table to reach something, squat right down and pick something up like it’s nothing. That’s a big deal when you get older!
Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
- Unassisted Pull-Ups
Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
- Hitting my new 1 rep max Power Clean (155) at Festivus Games back in April.
What is your least favorite WOD to date?
- Hmmm. I really don’t have a least favorite WOD. I’m not crazy about any WOD that has running. Sorry.
What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?
- The people of course! I’ve met some fantastic folks by being part of this community. There are rumor’s floating around about a pool party!
Favorite movement?
- Back Squat. Hit my 1 rep max (243) & 3 rep max (223) just over the last several weeks. I can’t believe I continue to hit PR’s at my age. Thank you to all of the C3 coaches.
Least favorite movement?
- Running – Patella Tendinosis & Planter Fasciitis issues.