December Athlete Of The Month: Janet Daum

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For the first time since we started the Athlete Of The Month blog series, we have chosen one of our masters athlete to represent the month of December! Everyone meet Janet Daum. She can be seen at the Tuesday and Thursday evening Masters’ classes working her butt off. With the help of a better diet and consistent exercise, Janet has managed to lose more than 70 lbs. She is moving better than ever before and really has no limitations from here on out. Congratulations Janet! Your positivity and drive are infectious!

1. When did you join EDCF?  How did you find the gym?  What was your first impression or how did that first workout go?

I believe I joined EDCF in either late April or early May of this year. I was told about Crossfit by a man that I ride the bus with to downtown most mornings. After hearing about Crossfit for a year and a lengthy rehab following my last ankle surgery, I decided it was finally time to join. My first impression was that this type of workout was definitely something that would keep me motivated.  The first workout was really tough but I knew it would eventually get better…

2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time?

We have a great group of folks in there that made me feel welcome from the beginning. During the workouts, I usually partner with Susan, Isabel, one of the Debbies, Vickie or Marci. Can’t forget about the guys- Jay (from the bus), Tom, Tim, Rick and Dennis…oh and Joe and anyone else I may have left off.

3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym?

I work at the federal building downtown.  I will spare you the details. I have a dog and a cat which my parents refer to as the grand-dog and grand-cat. It’s just me and the critters right now, no boyfriend currently. I started volunteering in 1999 at Equest, which is an amazing place that offers horseback riding for people with disabilities.  I returned to Equest just this past September after a 5 year hiatus and a few orthopedic surgeries.  It’s good to be back!

4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back?

Crossfit keeps me coming back because it keeps me motivated.  Every workout is different and there is always something that challenges me in each class.  I keep telling myself that I will eventually like doing burpees…. The people keep it fun as well.

5. What is your favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals?

I really don’t have a single lift that I could currently call my favorite. I usually like anything with kettlebells, which I have actually caught myself encouraging others to get the next larger weight…imagine that. I find the AMRAPs a good challenge every time. My main goal in joining Crossfit was to lose weight and get moving.  That is still my goal today….to keep moving!