June Athlete of the Month

Congratulations to Keri Glassmire for being named June Athlete of the Month. Keri has been incredibly consistent for the last couple of years, she is a hard worker, Keri consistently focuses on good movement, and she is a pleasure to have in class. Thank you Keri for making Defiance West a better place.

Please tell us about yourself. I was born in Rhode Island but raised in Glenwood Springs. I attended The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley for nursing school. I ultimately returned to where I grew up (though as a kid I always said I would never live here!). My husband and I just celebrated 15 years of marriage (many of you may know him!). We have 3 kids 13 year old boy Cayden, 11 year old boy Keylan and and 8 year old girl Kynley. Oliver is our naughty golden retriever, plus my kitties. I currently work as a Diabetes Educator at Grand River Hospital. I enjoy just hanging out, not having plans or agendas.

When did you become a member at Defiance West? First time in February of 2017 and then again in the Fall of 2017.

What made you join Defiance West and why do you do it now? What do a bunch of Emergency Room Nurses do on a slow Saturday...convince the least fit and least athletic one that it would be a good idea to join a CrossFit Gym. Thanks to Jen and CJ and a long 12 hour shift, I used the free month membership to "try" out Defiance West. But so it goes, life got in the way, so after that month I did not go back. Mind you I really enjoyed it, so once the kids started school that fall, I signed back up and have been going ever since. I have found how to make it work and not let life get in the way but for it to become a part of my life!

What were your thoughts after your first workout? I really do not remember the first workout, but I know it was early in the morning and hard.

What is your athletic background? I maybe the only gym member that has no athletic background. Playing soccer as a child, mainly consisted of picking the flowers. Skiing in grade school was what you did at that age. I think there was a lot of complaining involved!

What is your favorite movement or workout? I really enjoy the rower or any of the cardio workouts.

What is your least favorite? Anything overhead. That is my weakest area.

What has been your favorite proudest moment since joining? I ran my first half marathon at the age of 38. I always said I would never be a runner, but I feel CrossFit has made me want to improve in other areas of fitness and feel confident about it.

How has Defiance West changed your life, lifestyle, and level of fitness? The people at the gym are some of the best. I never feel awkward or self conscious. Everyone is so encouraging, making it easier to keep trying, even if I look silly or am the last one to finish. CrossFit makes me want to make positive changes in other areas of my life.

What are your fitness goals for this year? I am running a 200 mile Ragnar Relay in July and the Golden Leaf half marathon this fall.

What advice would you give to people looking to get started at our gym? Come and try it out, it's unlike any other gym. If I can do it then pretty much anyone can do it.