March of 2015 is here.  That means it is time to feature another one of our great members.  This month, the award of Athlete of the Month goes to a woman who is a relatively new member.  Attending her first class in October 2014, she consistently makes it to the early morning classes, even on Mondays.  By giving 100% all the time, and being willing to try new things and move out of her comfort zone, she has made great progress.

The March 2015 Athlete of the Month is:

EMILY BULGER

1.      Where are you from originally?

Wichita, KS

2.     If not from Pittsburgh, what brought you to Pittsburgh?

A combination of school choices, “spousal” pressure, and nostalgia – University of Pittsburgh’s business school kindly agreed to help get me through their PhD program in 3 years, after traveling around a lot for my Air Force career, my husband, Andy, really wanted to live somewhere familiar and be close to “home” for a bit, and I liked the idea of coming back to Pittsburgh (where I lived for a year when getting my MBA….and where I met Andy and many other wonderful people – like one of Industrial Athletic’s own, Constance Myers!)

3.     Where do you work?

I’m a Captain (soon-to-be Major) in the United States Air Force.  My career field is technically Financial Manager but my job now is student (& eventually go back to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs to teach cadets.

4.     What is your favorite hobby?

Drinking booze and playing games (from board games to sports) with friends

5.     How did you discover CrossFit?

Although I was resistant to it at first, I truly discovered (i.e. got into it) when I was deployed to Qatar for a year and had really good coaches, like Dr. Dave (again, one of Industrial Athletic’s [formerly] very own!)

6.     When did you start CrossFit?

I went to my first CrossFit class (an early morning one….go figure!) in June 2013, shortly after landing in Qatar and before my body adjusted to the different time zone.  Maybe that’s why I didn’t fall in love with it at first??

7.     Why did you start CrossFit?

I first started CrossFit because a) it was a workout that made me feel like I was always out of shape…thus stressing the constant need for me to workout; b) at first, it was a way to get to know more of the folks I worked with since our unit had its own certified coach; c) after that person deployed, I went to the “base-wide” box and Crossfit became a place to make good friends fast…something very important to me during my year over there.

8.     What is your favorite thing to do in CrossFit?

Double Unders.  But I really ‘like to hate’ all things involving the bar because they are skills that I can always improve upon…and they always make me sore

9.     What is your least favorite thing to do in CrossFit?

pushups (the right way) and ski jumpers and toes to bar and….oh wait.  You should “least favorite” as in singular??

10.  What is the number 1 thing you want to get better at?

kipping…who doesn’t love to learn how to make things easier?

11.  What is your favorite part about coming to CrossFit at Industrial Athletics?

It’s been so easy to make it a part of my routine, which is important because I love food too much to not skimp on workouts.  And it’s been so easy because everyone has just been so great, fun to be around, and, of course, the benefits of crossfit speak for themselves…I feel great!