Athlete Spotlight

Melissa Johnson

What is your sport/fitness background/experience?

I have always been a runner. I ran track and cross-country through out High School. I ran cross-country during my first year of college. My last three years of college I decided to joing the U of M Marching Band and that was my exercise. I still ran here and there. After college my ultimate goal was to complete a marathon. I joined a running group and my life becamse nothing but running. I ran my first marathon (Grandma's Marathon) in 3hrs 47 minutes, just missing qualifying for the Boston Marathon by a couple of minutes. I was hooked on Qualifying! Next came the Chicago Marathon and I qualified in 3hrs 38 minutes, year! I had to wait to do the Boston a year and a half later. I decided to run another Grandma's Marathon and again qualified. My P.R. for the marathon was 3hrs 31 minutes. The next year I ran the Boston in 4hrs 9minutes!! My running partner and I decided we would enjoy this marathon since we worked so hard to get there. After that it has been running here and there until CrossFit.

Favorite recreational sport:

CrossFit has become my favorite recreational sport. I still love a run every once in a while, but CrossFit has turned into my #1!

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

I have been doing CrossFit for almost 2 years. I started out trying a Boot Camp in April of 2015 and did 5 weeks. I officially joined right after my Boot Camp was done.

Favorite CrossFit element:

My favorite element is the Clean! I love being able to see how much weight I can clean.

Least favorite CrossFit element:

My least favorite is burpees. For me these have always been the most challenging. I always seem to just die on these when there is a large amount to do.

Biggest accomplishment(s) that you are proud of:

I have so many accomplishments in CrossFit. I love being able to gain strength by adding weights to all of my lifts! My greatest accomplishment for me is being able to do a strict pull-up! It only took me 37 yeras to do my first pull-up!

CrossFit Goals:

**Grow stronger on all of my lifts
**Keep up with the younger group of athletes!

**I would like to one day be able to do a ring muscle-up!

How were you introduced to CrossFit?

I started CrossFit with no expectations. I just thought I would try something different. I signed up for the Boot Camp and that was my start. I enjoyed the movements, the way my body felt and the way it changed my whole outlook on food and health. I do remember when I first started I told my husband I really don't want to get muscular, I just want to get into shape! Ha! Now I enjoy looking at the muscle I have worked for.

How has CrossFit changed your life?

CrossFit has changed my life dramatically. I am healthier, confident, happier and just an overall better attitude on life. I never would have thought CrossFit would change my life so much when I started. I learned so much about myself and have found a place to call home. I do this to keep myself balanced. I do this to show my three daughters you can do anything and it is okay to be strong on the inside and outside.

What do you like best about CrossFit Elk River?

Where do I start?! I love CrossFit Elk River. I have learned so much from out Coach Chris! He has changed my life in so many ways and has taught me so much about myself. He is one of the many reasons I love CrossFit. Another reason I love CrossFit Elk River is that I love the family atmosphere! I truly feel like I belong to a family. Everyone encourages each other, we are each others biggest cheerleaders! I have made so many friendships. This place has become one of my sanctuaries and I need CrossFit in my life.

Rachael Benitz

What is your sport/fitness background/experience?

I grew up barrel racing quarter horses and swam for Northern Lights swim club

How long have you been doing CrossFit?

1 1/2 years

Favorite CrossFit element:

Wall Balls

Biggest accomplishment(s) that you are proud of:

Being able to say I Rx'd a wod. It happened one time!!

Improving my score on one of the CrossFit open wods by 51 reps.

CrossFit Goals:

Continuing to lose more weight so I can do more bar work such as pull ups and toes to bar.
Run without stopping.

How much weight have you lost?

I've lost 45 lbs!

How did you learn about CrossFit?

My friend and neighbor brought me to a Wod & Wine night. I absolutely knew I needed it when I couldn't walk for 3 days afterwards! Lol.

How has CrossFit changed your life?

It makes me determined to keep working on myself. I've oversome many things over the yeras but never was able to force myself to keep going with exercise programs. I've always given up and said, "It's too hard!"

CrossFit has something for everyone - no matter their current fitness level or age and I love spreading my love for CrossFit and being a role model to others and inspiring and encouraging them to live a healthier lifestyle through my actions.

What do you like best about CrossFit Elk River?

I love the people. We seriously are a family! Everyone is encouraging and helpful.
My coach is the bomb.com. He is patient every time he has to stop and repeat a movement 10 times so I can get it. And, he keeps me accountable to show up and keep pushing myself. I'm so much more than a monthly membership to him.

Jay Anderson

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jay Anderson and am 49 years old. I joined CrossFit about three years ago. I was about 50 pounds overweight, had poor posture and declining health.

What is your occupation?

Small business owner.

Tell us something we don't know about you.

I have a Class A CDL license.

What is one belief or behavior which has most improved your life that you would share with others?

It is deeper than nutrition, strength building or fitness which have all been dramatically improved. The most improved aspect is my discipline. To experience the excellent results I've obtained allowed me to understand this is the result of my day-today actions. Applying this lesson to other areas of my life has been the largest improvement.

What is your fitness background?

I have been an athlete and have competed in sports most of my life. Although not in good physical condition since my 20's.

How did you feel before walking through the CFER door for the first time?

I was excited to give it a try but also a bit intimidated because there is so much I did not know. Now I realize that is OK and I learn something new every day.

What did you think after completing your first CrossFit workout?

It felt good and I wanted to do more.

How important is our community to you?

The members of the box are truly a big part of my life I am proud to call the fellow members my friends.

What keeps you coming back to class?

Enjoy the workouts, the coaches, my friends and the results. It is awesome to see the success others have.

How has CrossFit Elk River changed your life?

I lead a very healthy lifestyle and fully believe I'm going to be on this planet for a very-very long time. This is something I could not say prior to CrossFit.

Do you have any special or successful CFER memories/moments?

There have been an unending amount of PR's and goals met and exceeded. The few special memories though are ones of camaraderie and encouragement amongst the members.

What advice would you give to a newbie or someone considering CrossFit?

Don't be concerned about what you can't do, but rather what you can. CrossFit is a great choise for anyone who wants to improve their life.

What is your future CrossFit, fitness or health goal?

To be healthy and walking (ok running) on this planet at 100 years old. Plus a few competitions (CrossFit and other sports) throughout the journey.

Michelle Schroeder

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a 53 y/o mom of 4 grown children. Yikes, did I just say that?

What is your occupation?

My career lends to a lot of interesting conversations. I sell a female urination device which allows women the opportunity to void standing up.

Tell us something we don't know about you.

Something secret- soooo many things, but few I am willing to share. LOL. I have ADD, so CrossFit works perfectly for my brain. Fast, hard and on to the next thing.

What is one belief or behavior which has most improved your life that you would share with others?

Grace. I think this is the biggest thing that I have gained throughout my years. We are all imperfect souls, however we are given an opportunity every day to embrace each other's differences.

What is your fitness background?

I have tried every form of fitness I could get my hands on. I ran for years when I had young children. I jumped on board the step aerobics band wagon for its run. Kick boxing. Zumba, despite my lack of rhythm. Spin class. Road biking. Tabata. Boot camps. Body pump. Swimming. Weight-lifting. CrossFit (obviously my favorite) and most recently mountain biking.

How did you feel before walking through the CFER door for the first time?

I have always lacked physical self-confidence, so walking into a CrossFit gym was overwhelming and intimidating. I mean this is tough stuff, can I really do this?

What did yyou think after completing your first CrossFit workout?

After my first workout I was exhilarated. I was reassured that this is where I belonged. I could see the commitment of all the members to improve themselves, the support and inclusiveness was evident.

How important is our community to you?

CFER doesn't have just a community, it is truly a family. It is important to surround yourself with like-minded people to help you achieve your goals in life and fitness. This family is beside you every step of your journey!

What keeps you coming back to class?

CrossFit is my drug. I come back for the endorphin rush. There is just NO feeling like the one you get from a great workout and the camaraderie of your teammates. It is my drug.

How has CrossFit Elk River changed your life?

CFER has changed my world. It pushes me harder than I had ever been pushed. I have learned better and safer techniques. New movements and the targeted muscles. The role of nutrition and sleep in my quest to become a better athlete.

Do you have any special or successful CFER memories/moments?

I would have to say a big CFER moment is the Open. From the first time Chris talked me into doing the Open to my most recent, the steps I have climbed has been exciting. To be able to say that I am in the top 1.5% of women world wide in my level/age is something I never thought possible. Thanks Chris for the encouragement to try something new!

What advice would you give to a newbie or someone considering CrossFit?

The idea of CrossFit can be overwhelming at first. Be patient, it only takes a minute and it will change your life. You can only be better than you were before!

What is your future CrossFit, fitness or health goal?

My goals moving forward are to continue to refine my eating. To increase my muscle mass and decrease my body fat. To work harder on the movements I am not strong in. To learn to "like the bike". Strive to be bigger, better, stronger, faster! To empower those around me to grab the most they can out of life!... then reach for more.