Athlete of the Month: Christine Ingleton

This month’s Athlete of the Month has made some some major progress and continues to get better each day. Her dedication and pure energy are contagious; it’s a pleasure to feature Christine Ingleton as our next bad ass athlete!

I originally started CF just over 5 years ago. I had just suffered a miscarriage and was in a very dark place. My husband had been doing CF for a few months and the box was hosting a Murph celebration. I couldn’t believe the energy and family feeling – not to mention watching the athletes powering through the workout. I started the next day!
When we were getting ready to move to Middletown I’d not worked out for over 8 months and had gained over 40lbs! I started at Salus in February 2015 – my CrossFit Re-boot so to speak!

I was never very athletic, I didn’t do sports at school, I was never a runner and I swim like a rock – but I was always active. A lot of hiking & biking and now with my family, backpacking and rafting.
My stamina is much improved, both in the box and with my family. It’s good to know that I can not only perform at my “sport”, but it carries over into my leisure activities.

Yes – everything! Before CF I really had never moved my body in this way! I’m not very coordinated, so kipping and double unders did not come easily!

I am starting to see muscle definition in my extremities! My arms and legs are becoming more muscular and I love it! (I’m pretty sure I might have an ab in there too!!)
I know that with my frame and body composition that I will never be waif-like – but I’ll be thrilled if I could be Briggs-like!

When I started CF I really was in a bad place. I was depressed, drinking too much, not taking care of my self – only going through the motions of my life.
Now I’m in a much lighter, brighter frame of mind – when I lift it’s all consuming, you can’t think about anything but the lift – and that has helped me in ways I can’t describe.

Most of my friends are CF’ers – so no explanation is necessary! LOL
It’s hard to explain the camaraderie and feeling of belonging that comes along with CF.

CF to me is the most empowering thing I have ever done in my life; I am fitter, stronger and happier that I can ever remember. I can push myself physically in a safe environment, discovering what my body can do.

My favourite lift is by far the deadlift – no surprise there! But then, not much beats a good back squat either!
I really enjoy WOD’s where you just keep moving.. Small bites over a long time – anything but running really!!

Leave your ego at the door.
We were all beginners once – we all struggle – it all sucks until it’s over.
Ask for help or advise, we are all here for each other.
Work the program, trust the coaches.
You can do it – smile – HAVE FUN!!

I’ve discovered that I’m really competitive – I want to improve my open position to the top 100 in my age group and division next spring (212 this year). I dream about perhaps making regionals eventually (I’ve got 15 years to peak!!)

It would probably be a long chipper. Rowing – deadlifts (ha!) – kettlebells – s2oh and back squats.

I enjoy being in the mountains, spending time with my family…. But mostly I enjoying doing a whole lot of nothing for fun! Nothing beats an epsom salts bath, a glass of wine & a good book!

I like to keep my food simple – nothing beats a good steak and steamed veggies.
Cheat, argh…. so many things lol. but probably I’d have to say ice-cream. Vanilla soft serve with chocolate sprinkles – old school.

I think I’d like to be a hurdler – it was the only thing I was half way good at in school. Short, with a technical spin. It’s about technique, not just pure speed, just like a good lift.

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