BTSCF Newsletter - January 2024
The new year has come and we are already through January. That means only one thing! We are are steamrolling toward the CrossFit Games Open. Check out what’s going on at BTSCF this month.
Bring A Friend Week
We kicked off the new year by inviting friends and family to come try out what we have to offer. A big thank you to everyone who brought their friends! Bring a Friend week will be back again later this year!
The Jim Faggione Midnight Madness Endurance Relay
The Midnight Madness Relay is a 3 mile infinite loop on the beautiful watershed trails of Port Jervis that will take place on April 20-21st, 2024. The race is a 12 hour relay that can be completed solo, in pairs, or in teams of 3 or 4. To learn more about this race and to register, please click here.
The CrossFit Open
The CrossFit Open is coming! The Open is a fun annual event that is the starting point of the CrossFit Games season. This serves as an annual fitness check up for the majority of us. At BTSCF, we encourage all of our athletes to embrace the challenge and test of the Open, while creating a fun environment to do so. The Open truly is for everyone and our staff is ready to help guide all of our athletes through their Open journey, whether it is their 1st or 5th Open.
We will be holding our annual intramural competition, splitting all of our athletes into four teams. Athletes will be able to earn points for their teams each week during the open. The CrossFit Open begins on February 29th, 2024. Our Friday Night Lights events will be on March 1, 8, and 15. After Friday Night Lights on the 15th, we will hold our Annual Open Closed Party.
Becoming A Judge
Each week during the Open, we will hold a special Friday Night Lights event. These are so fun and the energy is always high! One of the most important parts of the Open and Friday Night Lights is the judges who help us put on these events. Judges are vital to ensuring that movement standards are met and every score is reported accurately.
To become a judge, click here to take the judges course. We will also be holding a meeting on 2/24 at 10:45am for anyone who is interested in judging.
Open Skills Classes
We will be holding Open Skills Classes that will focus on common movements that we traditionally see each year. These classes will take place on Sundays at 11am in February up until the Open begins. Any skill level is welcome to attend, have fun, and practice different skills.
BTS Feature Athlete: Meet Amanda Gonazalez
When did you start CrossFitting?
I got into CF back in 2012 with a former personal trainer I had in NYC. He incorporated WODs as my training at the time. It was a totally different approach, which I enjoyed. I did not know what to expect each time he trained me. After about 2 years or so I lost track with my fitness journey on and off.
If different, when did you start at BTSCF?
July 2023.
What brought you to CrossFit?
I live in PJ and was looking around for that extra oomph. Working out at home was not enough for me. I walk to work, so I always pass by the gym. I was super hesitant though as some gyms seem really competitive or not too welcoming. Coming here though, everyone has been so nice and welcoming, which I dig. I also wanted to get back into a regimen as well to stay active as possible. It was a chance to do CrossFit again as well.
What have you learned from doing CrossFit?
I have learned that it is OK to scale, OK to be patient with myself & it is OK to be the one to finish last. It is super important to realize that it is a privilege to be able to workout & I am grateful to have an hour of my day just for me, to better myself inside and out. I also learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
JUST DO IT! Take it at your own pace, and do what makes you feel comfortable. In time, you will see the strength, endurance, and progression. Plus it is a great mixture of exercises all in one.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to travel, spend time with hubby and my cat. Being the craziest auntie to my nieces and nephew. I enjoy my time up here on the river and visiting the city to catch up with friends. I also love to walk/hike as well. I love trying new foods, anything vegetarian!
What do you do for work and how has CrossFit impacted how you do your job?
I work as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic. Since the job is very sedentary, I try to walk around as much as I can. If help is needed to lift something I will happily do it. We get calls for food, and it means lifting a 17 pound bag or a case of 48 cans of dog/cat food. Some movements from the gym help get the job done.
We threw some rapid fire questions at Amanda, this is what she had to say:
Q: What super power would you give yourself?
A: Teleportation!
Q: What's your favorite healthy food?
A: Avocados, strawberries and peanuts.
Q: What's your favorite not so healthy food?
A: Pizza and cakes.
Q: What TV Sitcom family or group would you be a member of?
A: Bob's Burgers, Tina is my home girl!
Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A: Spreading peace across the globe.
Q: If you could write your own fortune cookie fortune, what would it say?
A: Don't be scared to fail at something, at least you tried it. You always have time to try again!
Q: If you were a professional wrestler, what would you finishing move be called?
A: The Deadlift Crusher!
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at BTSCF?
A: To be honest, each coach I had in class has been an true inspiration to me. They are always patient with me and have helped me a lot with these amazing progressions. Also my fellow BTCF members. We support each other and have seen one another get better and better each day. It truly means a lot to me.
Q: What is your favorite and least favorite movement?
A: I adore deadlifts and back squats! I don't want to really say I have a least favorite movement as I am still learning each day, trying to perfect the techniques, like the almighty snatches!
Q: What is the one thing you've done at BTSCF that your old self wouldn't ever believe?
A: Who knew I'd be doing a WOD that has running involved. Before joining, as I walked to work, I'd see some runners running out the door from the gym, and I'd say to myself "NO WAY AM I DOING THAT!" Look at me now with this cool crew! :)