CONGRATULATIONS TO ASHLEY - One of TWO very special May Members of the Month.
Here’s what people are saying about Ashley and then a few words from the woman herself.
- Ashley has such a great attitude. Her effervescence is infectious; she is always laughing and making light of the situation. She works hard on her weaknesses, and has made so much progress in a short time. She is humble, inclusive and very encouraging; always taking time to get to know the other members. She enhances our community with her presence - showing up to cheer at competitions with booze and hazing the bros by making them drink it out of princess cups. Priceless.
- Ashley attends regular class frequently which means she has become a celebrated part of the community. Being there means she knows whats going on and is always willing to contribute.She regularly attends specialty classes and social events as well which strengthens my previous point. This most notably (for me) includes her coming out to support competitors during the MAAC for BOTH days, and other events.always smiling, works hard,listens to direction from coaches, supports other members, encourages progress through hard work,brings her knowledge of sprinting with her and shares secrets
- Ashley encourages her fellow athletes and gets excited at her improvements. Her enthusiasm is infectious.
- Ashley brings positive energy and encouragement both inside and outside the walls of PUSH511. She challenged herself to compete and pushes herself towards her personal goals- as soon as she meets one, she has another in mind to start working on. She is a great representation of what I envision the PUSH community to be- and her fresh perspective and light hearted energy will keep it evolving.
- Attitude is what comes to mind when I think of Ashley. She has an amazing attitude on how she approaches her training. She works hard and pushes herself to improve on her weakness while at the same time always smiling and staying positive
Started CrossFit: January 2013
Favorite WOD: Nancy, it was the first WOD I Rx'ed at PUSH.
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with tricep dips and handstand pushups
Favorite Movement: Double Unders
Least Favorite Movement: Tricep dips
Story: I grew up in Massachusetts on Cape Cod. I hated growing up there but now I think its one of the best places on earth. My high school friends are still some of my closest friends and I love going back over the summers and spend time with them, when we are all together it’s like nothing has changed. After high school I went to the University of Massachusetts and studied exercise science then went to the University of South Carolina for grad school. I moved to Baltimore after grad school for my current job. I feel lucky that I have a job that I really enjoy.
Tell us a little bit about you and your family: I have an amazing family that still lives on Cape Cod. My mother is a nurse and my dad built houses. I have an older brother who is always helping out my parents when they need it. I don’t think my parents ever missed a sporting event growing up. They truly were my biggest fans and best support system, and they still are! My favorite holiday with them is the Fourth of July, we drive my father’s trunk onto the beach and spend the entire day out there grilling out and at night hang out around the bonfire watching fireworks. And of course I can’t forget my dog Hank, but everyone already knows Hank.
Occupation: I am a Physical Therapist. I work with people that have been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury. My patients are truly inspiring people.
Words to live by or Favorite Quote: “Live in the moment”
Tell us something we don’t know about you: I love Charleston, South Carolina. I love going on long weekend trips there. It’s one place I fell in love with when I was in physical therapy school.
What were your thoughts after you completed your first CrossFit workout:“Oh Thank God”
What is your fitness background: I played soccer for about 11 years then started track to stay in shape for soccer. I ended up getting a scholarship for track college. I was a high jumper and did the heptathlon occasionally.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit: The community and the people. I can’t believe the friends I have made in the short time I have been doing it. I feel like its helped to make Baltimore my home over the past year. I always look forward to going to PUSH.
Fill in the Blank:
I like napping on Sundays.
I eat way too much sugar.
I do talk to my dog when no one is around but that is normal, right?
Favorite Cheat Meal: Ice cream and Frozen yogurt
Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete: Easy, my dad. My dad is paralyzed in one leg because he was shot during the Vietnam War. Growing up I knew he wore a brace but I never realized how much more difficult things were for him. He was my soccer coach and always managed to kick the soccer ball with me in the front yard although he didn’t move that fast and sometimes lost his balance. He never complained or even made it known that he was having a difficult time keeping up. It wasn’t until I was older that I started to realized how much harder he had to work to do these things and many other things.
