Sunday, July 18, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Beth Adamson

Athlete Profile: Beth Adamson

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Strongsville, Ohio…….(yes.. another Ohioan!) Keith and I have been married 6 years now and have lived in Charleston for 4 years.  We are high school sweethearts dating since the age of 15.  After graduating from Bowling Green State University, Keith and I got married and moved out to D.C. for a couple years.  My family all migrated here from Ohio  and we couldn’t wait to join them.  I have a love for the water.  I’ve always been extremely active and athletic.  I’m not one to sit a whole lot.  A few of my passions include softball, hiking, scuba diving, fitness and traveling.  Always contemplated becoming a fitness instructor some day.  I love a good adrenaline rush and competitiveness runs in my blood.  (suppose it was from having an older sister always telling me how much I sucked!)

2.  Age, Occupation?

So, I am turning the big 3-0 in a couple months, however CrossFit has made me appreciate and not fear that number!  I am an RN and have worked in a variety of settings.  To name a couple..ER, OR, eye surgery, and am now working at Southeastern spine institute where we do steroid injections and out- patient surgeries.  So you can imagine, I am very leery at times with some of these lifts if I know my form is not up to par.  I hear sad stories everyday with spinal injuries….so go to fundamentals class!!!

3.  How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

A Doc I work with knows how crazy I can be about fitness and just from word of mouth..he started the Mt. P one and told me to look into it.  I did P90X 3 times through going from 1 pull-up to 8 and gained a ton of strength.  It was a great steeping stone in my opinion.  I told Keith about this CrossFit stuff and he actually went to observe without me!!!  He came back and said, ” uh…we’re in!”

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

I’ve always thought I was in good shape, but nothing prepares you for intense CF WOD’s, especially in 105 degrees (w/ heat index )!  I have seen my endurance, strength and mental determination sky rocket.  CF to me is largely a mental game.  You must override your body telling you to stop..and mentally keep pushing yourself to finish.  I often finish a WOD and think..man, I could have done a lot better. In the moment though, it’s not that easy!  Fitness has always been a big part in my life…ironically, no one else in my family is into it!

5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

I am going to get a muscle up soon!  I would love to compete some day, but lack the confidence thus far.  I have a lot of work to do!!

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Nailing 26 pull-ups after Paleo challenge…also beating Keith every chance I get and calling him my b*tch!

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

The people!!!  CrossFit people just seem to have so many similar personality characteristics……determination, motivation, goals, competitiveness ( yet great camaraderie), and a friendly nature.  The people really do make this place awesome!   A great example:  I missed a WOD that Amy rocked. So I couldn’t help but come and make it up on a Sat.  There was Amy at my side the whole time pushing me to push myself to beat her time!! Can’t remember the WOD exactly…grueling to say the least…..Where else would you find that attitude?   (thanks AMY!)

8.  Favorite WOD?

Hanson…anything really Met-Con  

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Really disliked that 75 back squats @ 95 ibs ridiculousness!  And of course anything I can’t RX.

10. Favorite movement?

I love anything Ab related.  I like the idea of core development after posted WOD’s.   A strong power house is critical to most of these moves.

11. Least favorite movement?

Heavy lifts.  I believe it’s because I lack confidence in that area and don’t have proper form down.  I’ve got to get better at these.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

I’m on a Bushido’s kick lately for sushi, fat hen, and basil’s.  Keith however, is an awesome chef!

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC