Each month we spotlight a different CrossFit 1710 athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, RX’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow athletes and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit 1710 Community should be about.
Our February 2019 AOTM is Jodie Hutchinson! Jodie has always been a positive voice in the gym, even through the suck. During the school year, you will find her getting her work done with the 5:00 am class and then heading home to get ready for work. If you can crawl out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, come meet this hard-working gal for yourself. Get to know Jodie in her interview below. Congratulations Jodie! We are thrilled to have you as this month’s Athlete of the Month.
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
My name is Jodie Hutchinson. I am a 36-year-old Christian wife and mom who loves Jesus, really likes hot coffee, and has a ton of fun picking up heavy things with my friends. Thanks to CrossFit, I can honestly say that I’m in the best shape of my life! I have been married to my husband Gabe for 13 years. I’m a proud mom of two incredible young men: Bradley (10) and Max (6). I’ve been teaching psychology at Wharton County Junior College for 11 years now and hold a license to practice counseling in Texas.
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
Prior to CrossFit I began jogging in 2009 to improve my health and fitness after my first pregnancy. I trained for and completed several races over the course of 7 years (with another pregnancy in that time frame) including 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and even 2 full marathons. Running not only improved my health, it also introduced me to a wonderful group of people in my community who also liked to run. One of my running friends, Jennifer Fojtik, invited me a few times to attend a strength and conditioning class with her at Lion’s Den Strength & Conditioning in Wharton (which would one day become CrossFit 1710). At first I didn’t really give it any consideration, because I didn’t have a lot of confidence in my fitness and didn’t think I would like it (boy was I wrong!). I finally agreed to come one day after we finished a local 5K. I remember being nervous for my first work out, but I knew a few people at the class which made it easier, including the owner Jason Llanes (another fellow runner and unbeknownst to me at the time, my future CrossFit 1710 Coach). The warm up felt like a full work out to me and I was sure I was breathing loud enough for everyone to hear me during the workout. However, I remember feeling very proud of my effort when the class ended. I knew I would be coming back for another class! I use to regret that I didn’t try CrossFit sooner, but in God’s perfect timing I found a sport that has strengthened me physically and mentally more than I could ever imagine.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
CrossFit 1710 has given me confidence in my physical and mental strength both in and out of the gym. I have a history of depression and anxiety centered on poor body image and negative self-talk that consistently heightened my private insecurities. Those tough times in my life are a huge part of my Christian testimony; not only did God carry me through those dark seasons, He guided me to the healthy hobbies of running and eventually CrossFit. Running was a healthy coping mechanism for me, but I never really felt like I was “a runner.” However, just within the first few weeks at 1710 I started seeing how pushing myself a little harder than I thought possible during a workout, really translated into improved personal confidence and positive thoughts throughout the week. Consistent attendance, the genuine encouragement from my coach & teammates, and being fully committed to learning and pushing myself during WODs gave me confidence in my physical strength and mental toughness. I’m continuing to learn SO much about improving my personal health and fitness each time I am at CrossFit 1710.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CORSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?
CrossFit continually shows you that you are capable of doing more than you thought possible. CrossFit 1710 has taught me how important and rewarding it is to work on your weaknesses. Naturally we want to avoid the things we don’t like or aren’t very good at, however Coach Jason consistently encourages us to “trust the process” and be consistent to become stronger. I enjoy the opportunity to continue to grow and learn something new every day. All of the athletes at CrossFit 1710 are truly inspiring and encouraging. We may have different backgrounds, strengths & weaknesses, and personal goals, but everyone at 1710 is genuinely reassuring as we cheer each other on both at the box and in life. God brought some amazing men and women into my life through CrossFit and I am truly grateful to be able to continue to make memories with the CrossFit 1710 crew.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
Every CrossFit moment has been a lesson in one way or another, but there are 3 CrossFit events that I will always cherish:
Completing the Murph Hero WOD with my friend Patrick Gilley and all of our fitness family in May 2018: It was an emotional day for all of us. Future Murphs won’t compare, but I’m really hoping to truly RX Murph this year with a weighted vest.
Competing in my first individual CrossFit competition in September 2018 and winning the Intermediate division: I had previously participated in partner comps and always had a strong athlete to silence my insecurities before a workout. I was pretty nervous to be competing alone that day. My friend Leslie Gerberman was also in the competition and she encouraged me throughout the whole experience. At that competition I met and became friends with Dawn Andrews, a fellow competitor in my division, who was super friendly and knowledgeable. In true CrossFit spirit we cheered each other on (even though we were competing against each other) and have since teamed up as partners in another competition with more planned for the future.
Completing the Spartan Beast obstacle course race with my coach, Jason Llanes, and fellow athletes, Charlotte Atkinson and Lana Massey, in October 2018: Before CrossFit I thought obstacle course races were a waste of time, dangerous, and silly. Another total error in judgment on my part! Pushing through more than 13 miles of hills, mud, 30 obstacles, unexpected leg cramps, and too many burpees to count with 3 of my fitness friends was a day I will never forget!
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Lifting days are my favorite days at CrossFit, especially cleans. I also like sit-ups and squats.
My least favorite movement is rowing, but I’m working on changing my attitude about it.
7. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?
I have learned that I am stronger than I thought I was, can push myself harder than I realized, and that with time I can accomplish goals I didn’t know were possible.
8. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
I would like to continue to get stronger and eventually be able to complete/perform every CrossFit RX movement. Right now I am pretty focused on strengthening my upper body to successfully handstand walk and eventually perform unassisted ring dips and muscle-ups. I know that if I am consistent and continue to work on technique that I will eventually get there.
9. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
Beach days at Matagorda or Rockport with friends and family are my favorite things to do in my free time. Road trips, going to the movies, and listening to music with my sons are some of my favorite experiences with them. Music always plays a big part of my day- in the car while I’m commuting, getting me through a workout, and sometimes getting to experience live music with friends.
10. THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
Start today. Don’t overthink CrossFit. You are capable of performing movements, scaled or modified to your current level of fitness. I wish I wouldn’t have waited as long as I did to try CrossFit. No matter your age, current level of fitness, or health background, my coach Jason will work with you to find the right level for you to safely get in a good workout, yet push yourself a little further (each day) than you thought you could. Everyone at CrossFit 1710 will welcome you with a smile and cheer you on throughout your workout.
11. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
I would describe my diet as “clean” and mostly low carbohydrate. My meal will include about 1 cup of protein, as many veggies as I want, and sometimes a sweet potato or red potato. I like cheese and my favorite “cheat” meal is supreme pizza. I try to limit added sugar and desserts because I like them way too much! Since I started CrossFit, I have consistently meal prepped on the weekend- preparing 4-5 servings of 1-2 meals to eat during the week for my lunches at work or dinners after a late afternoon workout. CrossFit works, but I’m a firm believer in the idea that “abs are made in the kitchen.” It takes effort and time to prepare food ahead of time, but I have seen results in my reduction of my body fat and know what works for me.
12. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
My results are “non-scale victories.” My weight has not really changed much since I started CrossFit nearly 2 years ago. However, my lean muscle has increased and my body fat has noticeably decreased. I really struggled with the lack of weight loss at first, but my legs, arms, and mid-section are more toned than I ever thought they could be. I know with consistently clean nutrition and continuing CrossFit that I can continue to improve my health and fitness in strength gains and fat loss even if the number on the scale never changes.
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