May Athlete of the Month: Jen Miles

Congratulations Jen, you are the NoCoast Athlete of the Month!

Jen’s NoCoast journey started with a focus on rehab through personal training to strengthen her back from a herniated disc. Jen worked hard in her personal training sessions with Coach Ian, using the same functional movements we use in our CrossFit classes to strengthen and fix her back. Now Jen is in class enjoying our community and continuing to get stronger, healthier, and fitter!

We are so proud of Jen’s progress over the past year and a half and love having you in classes.

Quotes from Jen:

“NoCoast has literally changed my life. When I first started, I couldn't do a full squat, couldn't pick up anything off the ground, and couldn't bend over without pain. With Ian, Dan, and Mary's guidance and patience, I slowly got stronger, was in a lot less pain, and most importantly avoided back surgery.”

“Nutrition has played a huge role in my fitness journey. When Covid hit I was definitely eating and drinking way too much, was in pain, and just felt like crap. When I started personal training, I started logging my food and learned a ton about nutrition. I noticed right away that once I started eating healthier, that transferred to better workouts and better sleep. When I signed up for Dan's Zone challenge, that's when I learned about balancing macros. The Zone Diet was really the icing on the cake:)”

Age/Weight:

43 / 117lbs

Athletic/Sports history/highlights:

Ran cross country and track growing up. Continued running into adulthood. Was never really great at it, just loved being outside.

How long have you been Personal Training/CrossFitting?

Personal training for 17 months and Crossfitting for 4 months.

How did you get into CrossFit?

In 2019, I herniated a disc. As a professional beekeeper, I was repeatedly lifting heavy boxes with really bad form. It beat up my body pretty badly and I was in a lot of pain. I ended up seeing several spine doctors and all but one wanted to do surgery, and every doctor told me I had to quit beekeeping. I was frustrated by how much pain I was in, and the idea of having to quit was heartbreaking. At this point, I was referred to Mary Finck who ultimately introduced me to Ian. Together we focused on building my strength and improving my lifting technique. I decided to give it a full year of total dedication to see if I could postpone or put off surgery altogether. After about a year of personal training, I started to get curious about classes and it took me a bit to get the courage to try one. My first class was awesome. Everyone was so great and encouraging. It really is such an awesome community. I have slowly gotten back into beekeeping and so many other things that I love doing. I don't think I will ever look back.

What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?

The Ski Erg

What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?

That damn bike. Gets me every time.

What is your most memorable CrossFit moment?

The day that I did my first pull-up. I honestly didn't think I would ever be able to do one.

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?

Nutrition has played a huge role in my fitness journey. When Covid hit I was definitely eating and drinking way too much, was in pain, and just felt like crap. When I started personal training, I started logging my food and learned a ton about nutrition. I noticed right away that once I started eating healthier, that transferred to better workouts and better sleep. When I signed up for Dan's Zone challenge, that's when I learned about balancing macros. The Zone Diet was really the icing on the cake:)

How has Personal Training & CrossFit improved your overall wellness?

It has literally changed my life. When I first started, I couldn't do a full squat, couldn't pick up anything off the ground, and couldn't bend over without pain. With Ian, Dan, and Mary's guidance and patience, I slowly got stronger, was in a lot less pain, and most importantly avoided back surgery.

How has CrossFit changed your family?

My husband and I started classes at the same time and he now loves it too. It has been awesome working out together and having something that we love doing together.

Advice to new people:

Don't be scared to try CrossFit. It can be SO intimidating at first. The first time I walked into NoCoast, I almost turned around and left. The community is amazing and everyone is so damn nice and encouraging.