Though I sincerely doubt she needs an introduction, our Marpril Member Spotlight is introducing Val Bucholtz. Val has literally been here since day 1 of CrossFit Sandpoint. Most recently, she became our first athlete to move on after the Open. This year, she placed 152nd in the World and will compete in the worldwide Qualifier over the weekend of April 25th and 26th. Pretty damn cool.
Val showed up at CrossFit Sandpoint on the first day we were open. She walked in when we had 800 square feet and only a small selection of equipment. I’m not 100% sure what her first workout was, but I’m fairly sure we rowed, rode Airdynes and did box jumps. I remember being really nervous to have 6 new strangers in the gym. I wanted to make sure they had good time, stayed safe and got a good workout. I think half of them loved it, half of them hated it (I don’t think they had any idea what they were getting into). I really didn’t know for sure if any of them would come back. Sure enough, Val showed up the next day, and the next, and the next. Since then, she has been here almost every day for the last two and a half years. I would estimate that in the last 30 months, she has taken a total of 20 days off. This is incredible considering she has participated in countless races and competitions in that time. Where most people would take some time off and/or get burnt out, she only seems to get more dedicated and more involved in her sporting events. This dedication has resulted in great success in competitions and a tremendous level of fitness.
Aside from her personal successes, she has been the cause and support of countless other’s successes. If you have had the pleasure of working out with her in the 8am class, then you’ve probably been the beneficiary of her motivational push. I can’t begin to describe the amount of PRs that have been a result of Val making sure that her workout partner was actually working at the best of their ability. She has a tendency to see abilities in others that they aren’t always aware of, or don’t want to explore. Usually, that exploration/extra attempt/extra couple of pounds results in a chorus of cheers when that person sets a new PR or does something they never thought possible.
It’s been awesome to have her as a part of the family, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. Maybe we’ll go to LA in August for the CrossFit Games….
Enough from me, here is a quick series of questions that will help you get to know Val better:
1. Hometown – Plains, Montana
2. Age – 45 this month
3. Occupation – Lonepine Appraisal Co. Owner/Real Estate Appraiser & Asst. Manager of Tierra Madre Juice Bar
4. Favorite thing about Sandpoint? I love that we are an outdoorsy/active community.
5. Least favorite thing about Sandpoint? the grey, dreary weather that seems to find us all too often.
6. What is your sports/fitness background? I played a lot of high school sports, and still have the Plains High School high jump record. In the last 7 years, as I finally found some time for myself again (4 kids). I’ve done marathons, 1/2 marathons, triathlons, 1/2 ironman, and century bike rides.
7. When did you start at CrossFit Sandpoint? I started the very day the first official class was held. End of November, 2012.
8. How would you describe your first class? I had been looking for a more intense workout, while still being in a group setting. The fit was perfect. I don’t remember the exact workout, but I remember realizing there was so much to try and learn that I couldn’t wait until the next class.
9. How would you describe your first month? We were a bunch of chatty hardworking ladies that laughed a lot! I remember talking about CrossFit nonstop to anyone that would listen. I actually still do that.
10. What changes have you seen since starting here? The gym has grown so much, in members as well as skill level. I have officially changed from being a triathlete/runner/biker that trained at a CrossFit gym, to a CrossFit athlete, who also likes triathlons/running/biking. I like applying CrossFit to real life and I’ve noticed that I can hike for hours, raise a sail in big wind, and carry the big bag of dog food through the store with a gallon of milk and bananas too! But the most important change of all is the relationships with the other crossfitters, which has grown from acquaintances to sincere friendships.
11. Favorite movement/lift? Squats, Lunges, anything Kettlebell
12. Least favorite movement/lift? Rope Climb.
13. What are your goals moving forward? I simply want to continue to improve. I plan to put extra work into my weaknesses and continue to compete locally and regionally.
14. Any advice for those just getting started or looking to try CrossFit? If you’re curious, I say try it! It’s not for everyone, but it is badass. You’ll have to decide if you are badass or not.