I was in the Army for 12 years so while I had maintained a certain level of fitness, I didn't feel the need to get serious. I guess I have a problem with staying in shape if someone tells me I have to! After getting out of the Army and working in Afghanistan, I found that the gym was the best way to get some time to myself, let off steam, and help me sleep better. I had a friend who suggested I get into lifting weights and the rest is history.

I've been back from Afghanistan for several years now and have switched careers. I have also developed a thyroid condition; I'm not sure if that has contributed to my difficulty in losing weight but it has been extremely frustrating. I am the strongest I've been in a long time but I am also the heaviest. I'm trying to find a balance between maintaining my strength and being thin....I don't think I am able to do both, or if I am, I haven't found a way.

The gym is my happy place. It's where I go to let off steam, have some private time, and do something totally for myself. Some women read in the bathtub, I prefer to deadlift.

I love the sense of community that Crossfit forges. It's constant sense of change, challege and community is the only reason I keep going. That, and I kind of think the blisters I get as a result make me look like a bad ass :)

Plus, who doesn't want to look good?