May Athlete of the Month: Erin Griffith

Congratulations Erin, you are the NoCoast Athlete of the Month!

Holy cow, Erin took the steps to take charge of her life and her health! Any of you that see her regularly or have been a part of her journey since moving to Colorado about a year and a half ago, have been astonished at her progress and commitment! Erin has always been active and fit through her life, but, as many of us can relate to, allowed her health to take the back seat for a season. I am so thankful NoCoast has been an integral part of her taking back her life! She is not only fitter, healthier, and happier, but is genuinely herself again! It is amazing how much our mental and emotional health takes a hit when our physical health falls. Erin is a joy to have in class and always brings the party to life in the 10am class. She has a zest for life that is unmatched and we are so grateful for her spirit, love, and commitment to us and our community! We love you and can’t wait to see the progress continue!

Quotes from Erin:

“I have loved being a part of this gym- the people have always been welcoming and I have an excuse to see my sister regularly ;) Attending structured classes always forces me to push myself harder than I would ever push myself, if left to my own devices. I have made huge improvements physically since 2023, largely thanks to coming here.”

“Since I started at NoCoast in 2023 and particularly since Jan 2024, my health and fitness have improved dramatically. I have lost a significant amount of weight (I don’t need to share how much in writing - Haha) and am finally feeling like myself again. Also, in the last few months I have started to do things I couldn’t before like pull-ups, wall walks, toes-to-bar etc— It’s great to see these small wins along the way.

Age: 42

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: 

I grew up in an active, outdoorsy, and competitive family. That instilled my love for adventure and sport. I have had varied interests throughout the years: 

-In my early 20s I got into running, Pilates, and the gym. I ran a couple ‘easy’ marathons (Baltimore and San Diego), a couple half marathons, and some adventure races. I was also a Spin Instructor for a short time. 

-I then picked up outdoor cycling and CrossFit when living in NYC.

-When living in California, I was on a competitive masters rowing team, competing at Head of the Charles and San Diego Crew Classic several times, among many other smaller races. I also continued cycling in California, training for and completing three ‘AIDS Lifecycle’ rides, riding from SF to LA. 

-I’ve also dabbled in yoga, Lagree, and most recently tried out some fun dance classes.

How long have you been CrossFitting? 

For a total of 5-6 years, but not consecutively.

How did you get into CrossFit? 

Inspired by my sister and brother in Colorado who were doing CrossFit, I decided to give it a try around 2013/2014. I was living in NYC, so I started at a CrossFit gym in Brooklyn (CrossFit Virtuosity) and did it for a couple years before I moved to California. I loved the sense of community, the coaching, and the strength I gained but, when I moved to California, I didn’t find a gym that suited me and picked up competitive rowing instead. I did that for 7-8 years before moving to Colorado. My sister certainly helped motivate me (ahem, forced me) to start CrossFit again and I joined NoCoast. I have loved being a part of this gym- the people have always been welcoming and I have an excuse to see my sister regularly ;) Attending structured classes always forces me to push myself harder than I would ever push myself, if left to my own devices. I have made huge improvements physically since 2023, largely thanks to coming here. 

What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?  

Strangely enough, I like thrusters and wall balls. 

What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement? 

It had always been anything on the bars/rig (pull-ups, toes to bar etc). I refused to do them, or even try. Ring rows all the way! However, I have recently gotten both of those things, so I don't mind them as much anymore. 

I suppose my least favorite ‘move’ currently is running drills during the warm up, particularly that one footed hop/skip thing. Sheesh, I am not that coordinated. 

What is your most memorable CrossFit moment? 

I remember competing in a small competition at the gym in Brooklyn. I was partnered with a friend who had been doing CrossFit but had never done a fitness competition before. She and I were certainly not the ‘favored’ team and she was nervous. However, we went into it to have fun and motivated to beat the other women, to prove a point. There were many different movements we had to get through and could split the reps as we wished. Most of the movements were split equally, but when it came to the burpees, she took the lead and did more. Then when it came to the final movement, hang cleans, I took the lead to finish the workout. In the final seconds, I finished the reps and we beat the other teams. I remember everyone erupting in cheer because it was unexpected. It was awesome! 

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?

Oy vey, this can be difficult to answer. Nutrition is obviously hugely important, but I don’t make myself crazy about it. No calorie counting or tracking macros for me. There was a point, during and after COVID where I let myself get to an unrecognizable point- was going too hard on the wine, eating terribly, and not being as active as I was before. This led to a significant weight gain. It was depressing. In January 2024, I decided to make some serious changes. I stopped drinking completely and started focusing more on food and eating well. I just try to make healthy choices, try to emphasize protein (though I’m sure I still don’t get enough each day- it’s hard!), control portions, and try to limit processed foods. I don’t expect perfection and still enjoy the things I want to enjoy. Oh, I also have Celiac, so I do my best at being gluten free, but I am a bit naughty with celiac compliance at times - I’m working on it.

How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?

Since I started at NoCoast in 2023 and particularly since Jan 2024, my health and fitness have improved dramatically. I have lost a significant amount of weight (I don’t need to share how much in writing - Haha) and am finally feeling like myself again. Also, in the last few months I have started to do things I couldn’t before like pull-ups, wall walks, toes-to-bar etc— It’s great to see these small wins along the way.

How has CrossFit changed your family? 

Well, my dog-son, Theo, loves to come and encourage me during the workouts and he loves that I become a post-workout salt lick. 

Seriously though, me being here and attending class regularly has motivated my mother to attend more regularly as well. She’s 67 and it is helping her stay young, healthy, and strong. It has also brought my sister and I, Sam, closer together. She and all the other coaches have been a big part in helping to motivate me each day and push myself a bit harder. Love you, Sam! 

Advice to new people:

Just go at your own pace- do what you can and scale as you need to. Compete with yourself each day, not those around you. You will see progress, just keep showing up.