Besides having possibly the coolest name in the gym, Castle is such an incredibly determined member. She sets goals for herself that at the time seem unattainable, but makes it a point to accomplish each and every one attacking them head on! Congrats Castle! So well deserved. Check out the Q&A we did with her below!
How did you hear of Firewall?
I was chitchatting with the mother of one of my daughter’s friends about exercise and she mentioned Firewall. I hemmed and hawed about why CrossFit wasn’t for me etc.. eventually she convinced me to to come try a class. That mother was the Rockstar Melissa Huntington who is now one of my biggest supporters and best friends. Love ya Melis!
Before you started, what were some of your preconceived notions of CrossFit?
I’ll be honest I thought CrossFit was way out of my league athletically speaking. Some of my friends at other gyms had been trying to get me to try it for years and I kept coming up with excuses.
What would you recommend to someone who’s thinking about trying us out?
Walk thru the door…literally that’s all it takes. Before you know it you will be rocking Firewall Swag and talking about what’s harder, a 1000 meter row or a mile on the bike. (the answer is bike).
What’s your favorite part about Firewall?
By far the people. From the coaches to my fellow athletes, Firewall has been the best gift I have given myself. I would also like to give a shout out to the rope. It has removed a lot of skin from my shin and hands, but I feel like we have developed a lifelong friendship.
How long have you been doing CrossFit for?
I started CrossFit in December 2017, so almost two years. I still remember my first WOD. It was EMOM 20 8 front squats and 8 bar facing burpees. Bucky kept telling to keep my elbows up and let my pinkies fly on the front squats. I can now say I have some damn high elbows and my pinkies fly like the wind.
How have your workouts affected your life outside the gym?
I feel so much stronger now than I ever have and I’m no spring chicken. I also love being able to set an example for my daughter that hard work pays off and taking care of yourself makes you a better person. The hardest part of being a member of Firewall is taking a day off to give your body the rest it deserves.
What do you hope to achieve in the gym within the next year?
Hmm… there are so many options! I feel as though I’ve roped in just about every member to try and help me get that damn elusive kipping pull-up. Also, that nasty b “Kelly” without scaling the box jumps.
What makes CrossFit different from other workout programs you’ve done in the past?
I tried every workout program there is and could never find anything that didn’t become boring after so long. There is so much thought put into the workouts at Firewall that I don’t ever feel bored.
Who’s your favorite current public figure and what’s your favorite quote from them?
I know most of you are expecting me to say Kim Kardashian but in reality (no pun intended) it’s the notorious RBG , Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the quote is “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” .
Is a hotdog a sandwich and why?
I feel like this is a trick question, but I am going to go with my gut and say no it is not. A hotdog is more like an enigma wrapped in a mystery encased in meat like substance. I just can’t get on board with that. Wait, what was the question?