Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Millicent Brady. I grew up in New Berlin, WI, moved to Greenville, NC for 3 years, moved to Montgomery, TX the end of August 2016 and finally landed here in January 2017. I have 4 older sisters, 3 brothers-in-law, and 15 nieces and nephews (with another due in October). I obtained my bachelor’s from Alverno College in math and secondary education, taught middle school and high school math for 6 years, and currently working on my Master’s in data analytics through Southern New Hampshire University. Growing up I was always active, but I didn’t have my nutrition under control. I played soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, and dance. I pursued dance the longest until my junior year of undergrad on our college dance team. That last year (2007) is when I went for a physical and I realized how fluffy I had gotten. I could NOT be this short and that big! I scouted a personal trainer through sister #4 and she helped me to get my act together over the next few years. I then co-coached a high school dance team, taught Zumba, and then joined Racine Raiders Semi-Pro Football Team’s Cheer/Stunt/Dance team in 2012. When I left WI, I found Spartan Races and finally, CrossFit.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue CrossFit?
A: When I moved to NC I was still into doing global gym stuff, but was getting so bored of doing segmented lifting. I started looking up workouts on Pinterest and these “CrossFit” workouts kept getting mentioned. I had no idea what some of the movements were, but the ones I knew I did in the little aerobics room at the global gym. After a year of living in NC and not really knowing anyone, I figured if I was going to live there, I might want to start meeting some people besides my coworkers and a few church people. I knew I my social skills needed A LOT of help. Cue a church friend who told me about this new CF gym that opened up in the city and that I had to try it because she knew I would love it. I attended a Saturday community WOD. People were friendly and inviting, the workout was challenging, but not soul crushing and there and then I knew I was hooked. I finally met people who had similar interest/obsession with working out.
Q: How long have you been a member of Crossfit3040?
A: I joined this great place in January 2017. Whenever I move to a new location, the first two things I find are a church and a gym. I hunted this area on Crossfit.com for finding gyms, read through a few websites, but I had a “must have” list and 3040 met all of those requirements. So…here I am.
Q:What is your favorite benchmark/hero WOD and why?
A: Open workout 16.4. I love a chipper style workout that has variety. Plus, there is a barbell, a movement I struggle with (wall balls), some rowing (not terrible), and HSPUs. Within this workout there is strategy for pacing and pushing. That time cap is just enough to have you push out more reps as it starts to count down.
Q: What do you consider your proudest moment or greatest accomplishment at Crossfit3040?
A: Well, I haven’t been here this long, but overall I would say my accomplishment to being more social and having this “fit” family of people who are genuine and care about each other. Of course those weightlifting PR’s aren’t bad either.
Q: How has getting in shape changed your life?
A: By having the ability to be able to say you’re going to do something and having the confidence to complete that task even if it is overwhelming and terrifying. I also love having the energy to play with all of those nieces and nephews of mine, while their parents need to have a nap or do errands.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do outside of CrossFit?
A: I love to read, travel, knit while watching movies or TED talks, paint/color, put together puzzles, and spend time with friends and family.