Congratulations to Kim Rydel for being selected at December’s Athlete of the Month! Kim has been a staple member at Mission since she joined Mission in early 2012. She came from a strong running background and slowly progressed with CrossFit over the last four years. She has pushed and challenged herself every day, which can be seen in what she does during WOD’s. We love having her apart of our community not only for what she has accomplished, but also the person she is. For those reasons and many more, she is certainly deserving of the title “Athlete of the Month.”
Name: Kim Rydel
Started CrossFit: February 2012
Favorite WOD: Partner/group WODs
Least Favorite WOD: Anything with OHS or Snatches
Favorite Lift: Cleans
Least Favorite Lift: OHS
Story: I am a late bloomer! I was an extremely unathletic child, very uncoordinated, skinny, always the last to get chosen for a team. It wasn’t until college that I did any kind of physical activity. I started to run to lose weight and realized that it was something I could do. Most of my adult life my primary form of exercise has been running. In my 40s I took up distance running just with the goal of completing one marathon…that turned into eight marathons including the honor of running Boston three times! Along with that constant pounding came injury and I scaled back my running and began going to the gym and developing my own workout routine of sorts. It was hard to challenge myself and come up with exercises and after a while I grew bored. Someone suggested that I try CrossFit. When I first came to Mission I was so nervous and kept to myself (I know some of you may find that hard to believe) and felt that uncoordinated feeling once again! I couldn’t keep the names of the lifts straight or how much each bar weighed. I was corrected on my form for years, and still am at times, which is a good thing as I know the coaches want to prevent injury and help me get stronger. The first year I came only 2x/week and cherry picked those days. My second year I decided if I wanted to see better results I needed to come at least 3x. That quickly turned into 5x. I look forward to coming every single day…no matter the workout. I love everything about Mission, the coaches, the facility, the camaraderie, the people, the workouts! Our 6:30 p.m. class has grown from only a handful to being the biggest class many days. We have a special bond and encourage each other and celebrate our successes both in the gym and out! I am so inspired by all the younger members who are so friendly and dedicated to pursuing fitness and health. I am proud of myself as well for what I’ve achieved. I have accomplished things I never thought I could. At my age to do something for the first time in your life is really special. I FINALLY got unassisted pull-ups in no-band October and couldn’t be happier! It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my coaches and classmates. Now I have other moves I want to conquer! I hope to be a model to show others than no matter your age, you can be fit and strong and even get stronger! I’m thankful, too, that I no longer have to be worried about being the last one picked for a team!
