Sunday, July 24, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Ashley Morgan

Athlete Profile: Ashley Morgan

1.  In general, what is your background?

I am originally from a small town in West Virginia where my entire family besides my sister still live.  I have been living in Charleston now for 16 years and have no plans of leaving anytime soon.  I absolutely love this place more and more each day.  I went to Trident Tech, which I turned into a 4 year college, then transferred to the College of Charleston. I originally majored in Pre Pharmacy but after three failed attempts at Chemistry, I changed my major to Business Administration and decided to sell drugs instead and go into pharmaceutical sales.  I finally graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 2007 and since the pharmaceutical industry crashed I am stuck selling copiers for the time being, so if anyone needs a copier call me.

2.  Age, Occupation?

29.  Outside Sales Rep for Docusystems

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

My best friend Jen works with Vanny and she always spoke of how Vanny lost all this weight and was in such great shape from CrossFit.  Jen wanted her husband, Joel, to lose some weight but wanted no part in helping him do so.  So after one night of drinking at Red’s, Jen convinced me to join CrossFit with Joel so she wouldn’t have to.  I have always been very competitive and love beating Joel in EVERYTHING, so I saw this as a perfect opportunity.

Every day I would look at the website and try to get up enough nerve to actually go to a class but the more and more I saw pictures the more scared I was.  I finally ripped the band aid off and went to the intro class.  After walking in, I instantly became nervous after seeing the ropes hanging and tons of people doing ring dips.  I was so scared I turned pale and probably could have thrown up and the WOD hadn’t even started; even Brian asked me if I was okay.  However, after the first day, I was instantly addicted and the rest is history.

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

I grew up playing 3rd base in softball so I have always been pretty active but my senior year I injured my shoulder and couldn’t really play anymore. I started waiting tables and bartending and thought that it kept me in shape, I was sadly mistaken.  I pretty much boycotted any form of working out for a while; my roommate was even a personal trainer and begged me to workout and I still refused. 

It wasn’t until I started my sales job and sat in my car all day that I realized I needed to get my butt in gear, literally.  I finally started walking/running on tread mills, swimming, biking, and kickboxing but I quickly got bored.  Since I started CrossFit, I enjoy going to the gym everyday and eagerly await the posting of the WOD to see how I may die that day.  I have always struggled with any form of cardio and despised running. For the first time ever, this year I ran the 10k Bridge Run and a 5k mud run.  I am now in the best shape I have ever been.  My eating habits have changed tremendously and I even did the paleo challenge recently.  I now try to eat paleo at least 75 percent of the time but struggle with cheat days; I really have a weakness for sweets.

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

Wow, there are so many but I would love to be able to clean more weight or consistently do box jumps without pausing.  My ultimate goal is to shed 15 minutes off my time from the Bridge Run next year if not more.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Probably the first time I did a pull up without a band and Rx’d a full WOD with pull ups.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

The competitiveness is what keeps me coming back every day and the people I workout with.  Everyone always pushes you to keep going and it is very motivational.  I know that when I leave there I completed a true workout to my fullest ability and the pain I am in afterwards is the proof.

8.  Favorite WOD?

“Dirty Thirty” or “Angie.”  Oh and of course EVERY WOD I beat Joel.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Most WODs that have wallballs – I am short so I struggle getting the 14lb ball to the right line.

10. Favorite movement?

Pull ups without a doubt!! Back squats and handstands come in a close second

11. Least favorite movement?

Deadlifts due to the massive bruises it leaves on my shins

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

My favorite restaurants are Rue de Jean and Triangle for Sunday Funday

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC