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 October 2023 Athlete of The Month is Shawna Barker-Fry! Shawna began her CrossFit journey with us on October 30, 2022. Shawna has a personal story filled with perseverance, strength, and grit. As a breast cancer survivor, Shawna is an advocate for women to become disciplined in self-exams and prioritize the pursuit of whole health. She is a dedicated 5am athlete whose strength and mobility have greatly improved with even more potential ahead. We are incredibly proud of you Shawna and look forward to more growth and fun with you in the gym!
Get to know Shawna in her interview below.
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
Hello, my name is Shawna Barker-Fry. I was born and raised in Wharton and never left. I am the oldest of 6 kids. I am married to Frank Fry and have 2 children: Sheldon & Layla and 1 grandson, Shad. They all have to put up with me on a daily basis (lol). I am a full-time Pharmacy Technician at HEB in El Campo. For those that do not know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 37 years old and before I could even start having mammograms done. I was diagnosed in July 2017 with Stage 1A ILC (invasive lobular carcinoma). According to the doctor, my cancer was a rare type since it was in the milk duct. I was lucky enough to have found the small nodule on my own and raised the concern to my doctor who sent me to a breast surgeon. I had a mammogram done at that time which showed no suspicions of breast cancer and was read as a negative mammogram. Since the small nodule I found was hard and non-mobile, that negative mammogram did not sit right with my breast surgeon, and she decided to do a biopsy. It was then confirmed that it was definitely breast cancer. After all the other testing I had to do, I was lucky enough to not have lymph nodes involved which determined that it was an early stage of breast cancer. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I am very thankful that I did not have to go through chemo or radiation since it was caught early enough with no evidence of metastasizing. With this being said, I encourage all women to do self-exams/mammograms and talk to their healthcare provider if they suspect anything. Even if they think it is too small to worry about. Cancer definitely does not discriminate.
2. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT?
I started CrossFit because I needed more motivation to work out and a good support system to keep me going. I had asked several members (Heather and Emily) in the past when Coach Jason had CrossFit in his driveway. They would say it is not bad and there are a lot of modifications that can be done and to just try. I still contemplated it. I messaged Coach Jason as well regarding CrossFit. After several months of thinking about it I decided to give it a try and glad I did.
3. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CROSSFIT 1710?
I have learned that no matter how hard CrossFit looks, it can be done. Anything can be accomplished as long as you push yourself and have the support from other members/coaches. CrossFit does work as long as you stick with it.
4. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT 1710 OR CROSSFIT IN GENERAL? I enjoy all the support and encouragement you receive from other gym members and coaches. Everyone pushes each other to finish each and every WOD. The coaches demonstrate all workouts. If you aren't able to do the RX workouts, the coaches will help you modify the workout or have you do something else to help you out any way they can.
5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
My proudest moments are completing the workouts within the time cap that is given, especially with the workout being very challenging. I am also proud when I am able to PR any workout or lift. However, the biggest proud moment is just showing up even when I do not feel like it..
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? My favorite CrossFit movements would be anything that has to do with leg strength. I love to do squats, deadlifts, and anything with dumbbells.
7. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? My least favorite movement would definitely be rowing. Rowing is definitely not for people with short legs (LOL). Running and rope climbing are also my least favorite.
8. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR LIFE IN AND OUT OF THE GYM? I have noticed since starting CrossFit, I have had more energy throughout the day and do not feel as sluggish.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?
My goals are to build and tone up my body, improve my upper body strength, lose some inches and eat clean. I also want to be a better runner and maybe be able to run a 5K (without stopping).
10. WHEN YOU’RE NOT CROSSFITTING WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?
I enjoy spending time with my family since you never know when it will be the last time you will have with them. This can be from having a small get-together or going out to eat. I love going on cruises/vacations with my family. I especially love spending time with my grandson and watching my daughter accomplish all her goals at Texas State University.
11. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT STARTING CROSSFIT OR JUST STARTED?
Just give it a try and do it! It may seem hard but with all the support you receive you will enjoy it. I would also tell them how the coaches work with you to become a better athlete. Besides, if I can do it, anyone can!
12. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HOW HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT?
A healthy diet can be very challenging. My diet is far from perfect and has always been one of my biggest struggles. I try to eat healthy, but life/work gets busy which makes it hard for me. However, I do try to eat clean and have tried adding more protein to my diet to keep me satisfied longer. It is a work in progress for me.
13. RESULTS? TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESULTS!
Since starting CrossFit at the end of October 2022, I have not lost weight but I have been able to maintain my weight. I have lost a few inches and my energy level is way up since continuing to CrossFit 3-4 times a week. I have also been able to accomplish movements that I never thought I would ever be able to like pull ups with bands or lifting a 45 lb bar during warm-up and not even realizing it (LOL).
FREEWRITE-
If you are thinking about joining CrossFit, just do it. It is all worth it. I would like to thank the CrossFit coaches for pushing me to accomplish goals and setting PRs when I think I cannot. Also, thank you to all the 5am athletes for all their support and encouragement they show each and every morning.
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