MAY ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Our May athlete of the Month can very easily be chosen every month. The passion Giuliana Lavallee had for the sport of CrossFit is unmatched. So much so that her entire family has bought into our philosophy including her husband Paul, daughter Emma and son Lucas.  We are very grateful to have the entire Lavallee family as members here at Great Woods CrossFit. Be sure to congratulate Giuliana!!!

When did you start doing CrossFit?

March 30th, 2015

Favorite Lift?

Deadlift and Cleans

Least favorite lift?

Overhead Squat!!!!!!  But I will conquer it someday!

Tell us a little bit about yourself (family, job, sports, military,

interests, etc.).

I have the best 2 kids in the world with whom I love to workout. They, along with my amazing husband, inspire me every WOD.  They may tell me I like CrossFit more than them sometimes, I may have a little obsession.  I guess there could be worse things to be addicted to.  I also love to ride horses and make quilts.  Working all day gets in the way, I would rather be working out (who am I?).

What were you doing before CrossFit?

Eating donuts and sitting on my big butt!  Would walk/run for a while till I would get hurt and then take time off.  Ok I still eat donuts but I have been known to walk around in circles or in place in order to get my steps in now.  Drives everyone crazy but that’s ok!  Just means I’ll hopefully be around longer to keep driving them crazy 😉

What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?

I thought Coach Lee was trying to kill us!!!!  And I knew I was out of shape but holy crap I didn’t realize just how badly I was out of shape.  I actually called a friend of ours with whom we had just had a conversation about how he had just gone back to CrossFit after having to take some time off and asked for advise because I really wanted to go back but I hurt so bad I didn’t think I could move.  He advised to go and do what I could and I was really glad I did.  Although it took the rest of the week before I could walk normally again, it did help.  And I love Coach Lee he may be a little intimidating at first but he knows how to motivate and push you. There were many times that he would tell us that we could do something that I thought he was completely crazy, and in the end I was able to do it. Having said all of this, I was on the KoolAid from my first 3, 2, 1 GO!

What were your goals when joining CrossFit?

To be healthy and lose weight.  And lift some heavy S*&#!

How have you achieved your goals or improved your fitness?

I can some times lift some heavy S*&#!  LOL and I have dropped 3 pant sizes!  And even though I still want new lungs during most workouts I know I am in way better shape than I was a little over 2 years ago.  I will NEVER forget my first workout with burpees and how horrible it was.  I was so embarrassed at how bad I did.  And I still don’t love burpees, I mean who does? but now I try and look at them as a challenge I can achieve, maybe not in the fastest time but I don’t feel like I can’t do them anymore.  I have to remind myself that I am not in my 20s anymore and that trying to keep up with the Kerens and the Linda’s in the box may be a bit of a stretch, but then on those rare days that I am not that far away it just gives you motivation to keep trying.  That is one of the things I LOVE about CrossFit there is no end to your improvement potential.  If you can lift 5# more today then you could yesterday then you are making progress, and your next goal will be to lift 5# more than you did today so there is not end point, you just keep working.  And we all have weaknesses to work on and strengths to build on.  And they all vary between individuals.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside the Gym?

Yes I am now that annoying person that won’t stop talking about it and wants everyone to try it!  And I may have more nanos and metcons then any other shoes which means the wallet is lighter!  But that is ok because I also have more energy, I am way more active and have tried things I would never have before, like comps just for the fun of it, and I get to do it with my family, which is the best part.

What is your favorite part about being an athlete at Great Woods CrossFit?

The community.  We have met so many great people, some that will be friends and part of our lives forever.  My kids have great role models to be surrounded by.  The support is great, sometimes you need that extra push or tip to get you through and there is always someone willing to give it. Even when I am tired or just not feeling it I look forward to going because I know I’ll feel better after.  I love seeing everyone improve and get more confident.

What advice would you give to a newbie just joining Great Woods CrossFit?

Take it one day at a time and don’t compete with anyone but yourself especially in the beginning.  Ask for help and be willing to get help.  Use the tools available to you, including the other athletes around you. Google and YouTube everything.  Know that you have to fail to get better. And don’t be afraid to fail that is how you know what you need to do to succeed.  Everyday is a new day, learn from yesterday.  Keep a journal. Don’t cherry pick!!  Something I suck at, listen to your body and rest when needed.  HAVE FUN!!!!!!!   And if I can do it, YOU can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something you may not know about me?

I was attacked by a monkey when I was 7 months old while living in Africa where I was born.