Each month we highlight a different CFR member using our “Athlete Spotlight,” where we will ask a series of “get to know you” questions. This will help introduce you to the members of our community that you have yet to meet, OR If you have met them, teach you a little more about them! You might just find out something new or something you have in common!
March's “Athlete Spotlight” is Missy! Missy has really hit her stride lately. She is very consistent and her hard work has been paying off in the form of heavier lifts and new skills! Missy is very coachable and is realizing just what she is really capable of. Find out more about Missy and her fitness journey below:
Missy Jungling
Tell us a little about yourself (background, family, work, etc):
"I have been a fitness fan for over 25 years. I started my love of exercise at the YMCA (which still holds a special place in my heart), added in road running (completing 7 marathons), fell in love with indoor cycling (I instructed for 2 years at the YMCA). And, now I’m 2+ years in love with Crossfit (how lucky is Butler to have such a high-quality Crossfit box?!).
I’ve been married for almost 16 years to my hubby, Dave. We have 2 children, Jackson (12) and Gianna (9). Plus our dog, Pele, some chickens and guinea pigs too. I’m just about finished with my 20th year working for Butler County. I’m thankful for a position that has allowed stability with flexibility for my family. (an important combo in and out of the gym) And, I have a serious love for Hawaii….a dream will be realized if I can call it home someday."
When did you join CF Recreate and what prompted that decision?
"My daughter dances next door at Shelor. During the spring of 2018, I would wait for her in my car and I could hear the music playing and I would watch people come and go from CFR. I knew that once dance season started in the fall, I was going to check it out. About that same time I ran into CFR rock star member, Carolyn Sabo; she told me she had been going to CFR and I should go check it out. She handed me a free pass and that sealed the deal. I joined CFR in September 2018 and spent 6 months strictly as a ReBooter before joining CrossFit classes."
Over the last 500+ classes you’ve attended, what do you think has changed the most within yourself? (be it physical or mental)
"My mental health has improved as well as my physical strength. I have found that to be successful in the gym you have to carry positivity into all areas of life. I work harder on my mood, energy, nutrition, & relationships all as a result of what we work on and talk about in the gym. Also, I can remember hoping to be able to lift 100 pounds in some lift, any lift. I have reached and passed that goal on a few lifts and it is a measurement of gained strength. Finally, I think a common reason people join a gym is to lose weight. I was no different but over the last 2 years I have learned to not worry so much about the weight I lose because I am more focused on what my body can do. We are all different shapes and sizes with different strengths and weaknesses and I try to celebrate that individuality more than worry about what the scale has to say-that is huge change and something I continue to work on."
What is your favorite aspect of CrossFit Recreate?
"The community ! I have always considered myself a bit of a loner, kinda shy but there is something about the community at CFR that has opened me up socially. I have never felt so supported and accepted as I do here. And, I love that it is more than a gym there are social gatherings and outings, educational clinics, community fundraisers, social media interactions. The people at CFR really are the best around and they are what motivate me to show up day after day. Another aspect I like is that CrossFit is measurable. I love that we track WODs and create benchmarks so that I can look back at what I did previously and more easily strive for improvement."
What is your favorite WOD/movement and your least favorite WOD/movement?
"My favorite movements are push press and hand stand push ups. My favorite WOD is Wesley’s WOD-specifically, for what it represents to our community and because when I did Wesley’s WOD for the first time I signed up without having a partner to do it with but I was paired up with someone who has turned into a close friend and forever partner in WODS. And, now the negative…the idea is to promote CrossFit right?! I have a long list of least favorite movements, mostly anything hanging…..hang clean, hang squat with barbell or dumbbells or hanging from the rig. "
Any advice for “newbies” & those looking to try CrossFit?
"Remind yourself often of why you decided to try it out. Hopefully, and likely, that reason includes to better yourself in some way. Don’t lose sight of that when it gets hard or you’re tired or busy, you deserve to take care of you. It may be intimidating and confusing for a while but know we all started with those feelings. Get to know the members because they will always be there to support and cheer you on, it’s what CrossFit is all about."
Proudest CrossFit accomplishment(s) so far?
"Definitely hitting 500 classes. I am not going to lift the heaviest weight or have the fastest time but you better believe I am committed and will show up time and time again to better myself. Finally getting some double unders after 2 years has felt pretty good too. That skill has allowed me to complete an Open WOD RX which I never imagined I would do."
What are your fitness goals for this year?
"I’m hoping to clean up my nutrition and finally get a pull-up (c’mon after 2 years, I should be able to do it?!)"
You are participating in the CF Open, what is your take away from doing this world wide competition?
"My takeaway is that the open is for anyone in the sport and everyone should participate. It’s similar to the race in running, competition in cheerleading or the tournament in baseball/basketball/soccer. You have an opportunity to test the skills you practice day after day, month after month and you should! It really creates a different energy from a typical WOD. The community unites and everyone supports each other, there is chatter about strategy and the SugarWOD meme’s and fist bumps are fun. I absolutely love to witness the determination people find in themselves, the support and encouragement shown, and the tears (both of joy and frustration)-it shows we are human and vulnerable. So many people see what they are capable of by pushing themselves physically and mentally. I love it."
Any additional comments you want to share?
"I probably rambled too much already… as I look back through this, I can recognize that I joined for exercise but my experience at CFR has been so much more than just exercise. I have become a better person by joining CrossFit Recreate. I want to thank all the coaches for fostering an environment that is safe, supportive and fun. I can’t imagine my life without CFR and hope for its continued growth in the Butler Community."
Missy is always a positive person to be around. We love that she encourages her friends and classmates at CFR to reach out of their comfort zone and try new things (like the Open!). She's also that friend that gets you to attend an extra class or two each week that you may not have otherwise attended. Keep bringing the encouragement and positivity, Missy! We are lucky to call you one of our own.
Eager to learn more about our awesome members? Be on the lookout for next month’s Athlete Spotlight!
