Athlete of the Month: Angie McMullen

Athlete of the Month: Angie McMullen

Birthday March 31st, 1983
CrossFit Birthday August 5th, 2014

How did you hear about CrossFit? My good friend and neighbor, Taryn, talked my husband and I into trying it. Her husband was doing CrossFit while deployed, so we thought we’d give it a whirl too while he was gone! I really had no idea what it was all about when I walked in on day 1.

How has CrossFit changed your life? I feel like I could write a book about how CrossFit has changed my life! Here are some of the highlights. My whole life I wanted to be skinny and weigh less. I now want to be strong, fit, and healthy. The numbers on the scale do not matter to me anymore, as long as I am working hard and taking care of my body. For three years after having my second child I was the queen of making excuses as to why I just couldn’t workout. Most of those excuses were related to not having enough time because of having 2 kids and working full time. What I realized shortly after starting CrossFit is that I was never going to “find” time to workout, I had to “make” time for it. I finally decided that taking care of myself needed to be a priority that I was committed to. It didn’t take long for that to become part of my lifestyle.

Favorite & least favorite movement My favorite movements are definitely bar muscle-ups and anything involving a handstand. That must be the former gymnast in me! My least favorite movements are probably wall balls and burpees… and thrusters…and running…

Family info Chris and I have been married for 8 years, but have been together since my senior year of high school. We started dating when we were both part of an athletic enhancement class in our hometown of Spencer, IA. I love that we met in the weight room and are now doing CrossFit together (he’s a 5:30am guy). Chris is a commercial builder for Hubbell, and works his butt off for his family! We have a 6 year old son named Max who is filled with personality and is as rowdy as they come! He’s been working on his burpees since Bobby told him to get that chest on the floor, and he also tells me to look at his muscles daily! Future CrossFitter right there! Our daughter, Madelyn, is 4 years old and while loving her tutus and purses, she’s the first one to find a puddle and jump in it! She’s a perfect combo of sweet and sass!

Something interesting about me. I just asked my son what was interesting about me, and he said, “that I’m your kid.” 🙂 I was a four sport athlete growing up (5 if you count my younger years of gymnastics). I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and ran track.

Favorite saying
-The reason I am a teacher is because I feel it’s my mission to inspire kids to find the greatness within themselves. The following quote from Mark Twain is a great reminder to find your purpose: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
-“The only bad workout is the one that didn’t happen.” I sometimes get wrapped up in the moment of not performing how I want to, but
often need to remind myself of where I was just over a year ago, and where I am now. We should all be proud of ourselves!

Favorite songs to workout to This old elementary teacher likes herself some rap! I also feel a little more pep in my step when I hear Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger”. I grew up a Spencer Tiger, and this song was played constantly during high school sports. Brings me back to the days of running out onto the basketball or volleyball court.

Favorite TV show or movie I have a guilty pleasure of watching reality t.v.; especially The Bachelor (and all of its spin offs) and most of the shows on Bravo. My husband will NEVER admit it, but he likes them too.

What movement or skill were you most excited about when you were able to do it? I was most excited when I did a bar muscle-up, mostly because I totally surprised myself. I had wanted to try it for a long time, and thought that I maybe could do it because of my gymnastics background, but I was so nervous that I would embarrass myself. I decided to quietly just sneak over where nobody was around and just try it. I got it on my first attempt, and I absolutely loved the look on Jaime’s face when she turned around and saw me up on the bar.

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