#memberofthemonth

            Congratulations Denver Weil!

Denver's morning presence has been met with excitement and joy. The sun isn't up, the coffee is barely brewing, the music is still just firing up, and he's there happy as a clam. It's infectious, and I've really enjoyed talking to him about everything. He's been pushing through workouts and nutrition to reach his goals, he understands where he might be limited, but knows that it's just a limit for now as he keeps driving ahead. I know he'll keep pushing, and I can't wait to see what the next year brings for him!

**** Denver has decided that he wanted to change his life and get healthy. He shows up and works hard every time he is here. He has an amazing attitude that is infectious. He continues to make progress and is slowly changing his life for the better every day.

**** Denver always comes in with a great attitude and the biggest smile! He comes in prepared and motivated to put in the work regardless if he has to alter a movement. His happy demeanor is contagious and he is great to have in class!

**** We see Denver getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. He is doing great work and we all are thankful to have him!

**** Denver has been working so hard lately, and every day that he is at the gym, he gives it his all. His smile and attitude are infectious and he makes friends wherever he goes. I love seeing his progress and hearing of his weight loss. You’ve got some awesome goals ahead of you, Denver... you’ve got this!

**** Denver makes the best pickles…in addition to that he is a joy to be around and brings a smile to your heart.  Keep up the awesome work and “just keep swimming.”

Come in and meet Denver!

 Started CrossFit:  September 2017

What is your fitness background:  Didn't have one.  That's why I got so fat.  LOL

Favorite Movement: Deadlifts, Biking, Ring Rows, kettlebell swings

Least Favorite Movement: Running, or anything that deals with squats

Occupation: Mad Scientist/part time Chemistry teacher

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I'm a native Marylander, living about half my life in Harford County, moved to the Greater Lauraville area in 2007.  I am the baby with 2 brothers and a sister.  I graduated Towson University with a degree in Chemistry and in Biochemistry.  Then got my master's in Biotechnology with a concentration in Regulatory Affairs from Johns Hopkins.  

I've been with my husband, Derrick, for 10 years.  We were married 3-years ago. Tiny court house service in Harford County.  Our fur baby's name is Nugget.  He's 5-years old blonde cat, and owns the house.  I love my baby and is the perrrfect pet for Derrick and my life style, but I'm a big dog lover.  With me out the door at 4:30 am and not home until 6 most nights and Derrick traveling for work a lot, it makes it hard to care for a dog.  Derrick and I like to go for day hikes when the weather's nice and go see any type of good entertainment (Musicals, plays, concerts, movies).  Derrick and I love to cook.

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I'm an introvert.  I also sing for New Wave Singer of Baltimore.  I'm starting (very early stages) of writing a novel.  I love the Hallmark Mystery Channel.  I'm sure this is an obvious one I'm in love with Hugh Jackman.  

Words to live by or Favorite Quote:  Treat others how you would like to be treated.  "Bubbles" -- Bubbles from Finding Nemo (It just makes me laugh).

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym:  I have way more energy (not sure my co-works like that so early in the morning.  LOL).  I notice I don't eat as much as I use to. 

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: The people. Fill in the Blank: I like… my life, can't ask for more than that. I eat… anything that's good food. I do… not like coffee, or raw tomatoes I am… easy going and shy Favorite Cheat Meal… Pizza or Mac and Cheese Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete…  My mother. Being a single mother, she worked 3 jobs and still found time to take care of me.

Thanks again for this honor.

                            Congratulations Jessica Duchen!

Jessica has the best attitude and I love having her in my class!

**** Jess is a rock star, by all means. For one, she is a speedster and flies through endurance workouts.  She is also incredibly strong and dedicated to improving herself, no matter what it is.  But more importantly, she is a great team player and a positive person to work out with. She encourages people around her and I am so glad to have met Jess through PUSH511. One of my favorite memories will be running the American Odyssey with her this past year. She motivates me to do better and to train harder! :) Miss you Jess!

**** She embraces the challenge, works hard, and is capable of bringing others that she loves in to do the same.  

****

Jessica always strikes me as a person with a positive attitude. She has grown so much since the early days of Grit, becoming a very complete athlete. Doesn't matter what the Endurance workout is: run, gymnastics, weights, she masters each one of these components. She also puts in the extra effort with accessory programming or extra classes. She is a pleasure to workout with!

Get gritty with bootcamp classes.

**** Jessica embodies positivity and consistency and is always great to have in class. Vast improvements everywhere across the board on strength/gymnastics.

**** Jessica's smile, encouragement and positive attitude always brighten my day and WOD. I have loved getting to know her more and am so glad she is part of our PUSH Family.

**** Jessica comes in smiling every single day and instantly makes the gym a better place. She works so hard and it shows. We are a better community because she is in it.

Time to get to know Jessica!

Started CrossFit:  I started CrossFit in October 2012, took a break for a couple years and came back in August 2017.

What is your fitness background: I've always loved sports, but unfortunately lacked the athletic skills and coordination to play beyond high school. After college, I started running and training for long distance races.

Favorite Movement: Kettlebell Swings, CARDIO!

Least Favorite Movement: Overhead Squats and Snatches.

Occupation: Research Data Analyst at Hopkins.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family: I grew up on Long Island, NY (it is not that bad!!) with wonderful, supportive parents and 2 siblings, and went to college at the University of Scranton. I met my husband Dylan in grad school and we have a furbaby named Ruby (who in my unbiased opinion is the cutest dog in the world). Moved to Baltimore in August 2017, after living in San Francisco for about 3 years. I love living back on the East Coast and being closer to friends and family. I am an aunt to two (soon to be three!).

Tell us something we don’t know about you: I LOVE reality television - the trashier the better!

Words to live by or Favorite Quote: "Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me." - Michael Scott (The Office)

How has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym: In so many ways!! It has given me more confidence both inside and outside the gym. Before this year, I never thought I would be able to do a pull-up, but PUSH has helped me build the confidence and develop the skills I needed.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH: What is not to love! But most especially, I enjoy the people and the atmosphere at PUSH. I love that every time I come to the gym, I am working out with friends who always push me to do my best.

Fill in the Blank: I like… wine, The Office, mint chocolate chip ice cream. I eat… a lot of sweet potatoes. I do… not like to parallel park. I am… a huge Harry Potter fan. Favorite Cheat Meal… French fries, pizza. Favorite Real-Life Hero/Athlete… Serena Williams.

Thank you so much! I am so happy to be a part of PUSH511!