February Athlete of the Month: Beth Romero
Congratulations, Beth! You are our February Athlete of the Month!!!
Beth has been at NoCoast for almost a year and we’re so glad she decided to become a part of our community. After nearly 10 years of CrossFitting, Beth has seen and done it all, but she swears she is still learning and still improving! Her CrossFit journey has included throwing down with the elite of the sport at multiple Regional competitions, to being a mom to two beautiful girls, to learning how to use CrossFit as a way to stay healthy and keep up with her girls. We love her desire to learn and compete each day. If you’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with Beth, you’ve probably picked something up from her 10 years of experience, and you’ve probably gotten your butt kicked in a WOD or two!
Age/Weight:
36/121
Athletic/Sports history/highlights:
I grew up in a small town with limited options for women's sports. I ran track and cross country throughout high school and a little bit in college. I joined my university club rugby program in college and later played adult league after college for a few years. I then dabbled in different modalities of fitness but I didn’t love anything. I get grumpy and plumpy if I don’t exercise and eat well. Crossfit has been the sport I've stuck with the longest. I have competed in local competitions in Southern California and Colorado. My most competitive span was between 2010 and 2012. I finished 7th in Regionals in 2012.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
It will be 10 years this year, and I still have so much to learn and get better at!
How did you get into CrossFit?
My husband was trying out this new thing called CrossFit at a MMA training gym while we were living in Southern California. He tried to convince me to try it and he was going on and on about how great it was, but there was no way I was working out at a MMA gym. We worked out in our garage but it became difficult with limited equipment and little knowledge of the WODS. We eventually found CrossFit Kinnick in Upland, CA and decided to check it out. I was so terrible at everything. Every movement I did was scaled except running. Most people at the gym were new to CrossFit so it was fun to go through that process of learning with a group of people. We watched a lot of YouTube including Buddy Lee’s jump rope progressions
How is CrossFit different as a Mom?
Before I had my daughters, I spent more time in the gym and was more competitive. My goal now is to stay healthy, keep up with my kids, and fit into my pants. What I value most now about Crossfit is that in one hour I can get a good workout in and hang out with good people at the same time.
What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?
I like workouts with handstand pushups and squats.
What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?
The bike and anything with intervals of set times of work and rest. Why are they always together and every week?!
How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?
It is huge. If I’m eating clean and getting sleep I feel better and do better. Knowing that, I still have periods where I don’t always eat the best and it shows.
How has the Performance Challenge helped (or not) your nutrition, recovery, and performance?
The performance challenge has been great for me. It’s been good to dial in my nutrition and get back to Zone. I was skeptical, but I have seen good results. The other habits included in the challenge (sleep, mobility, etc.) have been good for me too. I rarely got 8 hours of sleep and making it a priority has made me feel better all day.Overall, I've felt better. I hope to stick with this after the challenge.
How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?
CrossFit changed my life. I’ve seen huge changes in body composition and health habits. In addition to making me physically fit and healthier, I’m grateful for the community aspect and the relationships I’ve made. I’ve moved cities twice since CrossFitting and each time I’ve moved and joined a new gym I’ve found an excellent community of people who keep me coming back and learning new things. Joining NoCoast has been no different, I’ve joined another great community of people and have learned so many things.
How has CrossFit changed your family?
My family doesn’t really know life without CrossFit. Like a lot of parents in the CrossFit community, we are trying to teach our kids some of the valuable lessons about nutrition and exercise from an early age. I’m really trying to brainwash my daughters early! I hope that exposing them to healthy and fit people will give them some good role models.
Advice to new people:
Be patient and kind to yourself. Keep showing up. Track your workouts. Some days may not go as planned, write it down and give it a go again. Ask other people for tips or help, I’m always learning new things from other members and the coaches. Have fun and laugh at yourself!