MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MEET LUCY

Our Member Spotlight is back, and we are excited to kick off the month of September with an athlete that personifies the values of CrossFit Tay Ho - say hello to Lucy!

Lucy is a member who, day in and day out, is committed, shows integrity in all she does, is welcoming and inclusive, and is always striving to be a fitter, better, stronger version of herself. 

Lucy tends to jump into any class that she can - from early morning to late evening (all days of the week) - so chances are if you have been a member of CFTH for the last couple of years, you have met Lucy! If you haven’t you would recognize her by the smile that is always on her face and the dedication she brings to her training each day. Before writing the member spotlight each month, the coaches always have a chat about the member we are highlighting. For this month, every single coach had something they wanted to contribute about Lucy. Says a lot about who she is! 

Lucy joined CFTH in October of 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. She has competed in multiple throwdowns we have hosted, and even won the Scaled Division of the CFTH Invitational this past May. Her dedication to her training has been pivotal in the transformation she has made. Not just physically, we have seen Lucy’s confidence and excitement grow in all areas. She really is a shining example of what is possible when you commit to yourself. 

CrossFit Tay Ho has had an impact on Lucy and her time in Hanoi. In her own words:
 
“CFTH is a space to de-stress, feel part of a super welcoming and supportive community and to challenge myself and achieve things I never thought I could!”
 
Read on to find out how Lucy has changed over the last two years, her recent accomplishments (toes to bar - woo!), and advice she has for anyone starting their CrossFit journey. 

Real Talk with Lucy

 As an athlete, you are a force to be reckoned with because... 
I've come so far and I'm determined not to give up!

You are working hard to strengthen and improve... 
Push-ups, Pull-ups and Running Ability 
 
Hard to choose just one, but what is your favorite workout and why... 
Saturday team WODS! They are a great way to get to know other members of the community and I always leave in a good mood. 
 
It might sound funny, but CrossFit has made your life better, here is why... 
As well as being stronger and healthier, CrossFit has really improved my self-belief and self-confidence. 
 
CFTH holds a special place in your heart because... 
It was my introduction to CrossFit and the community is so special and supportive. 
 
Pick your poison - Run, Bike or Row? 
Run!

 How long have you been doing CrossFit/how long at CFTH?
 I joined CFTH in October 2020 and it's my first time doing CrossFit. I actually never knew what CrossFit was before that - I'd vaguely heard the name and assumed it was a gym class focused around the cross trainer, a bit like a spin class haha. Needless to say, the thought of that hadn't excited me much! 
 
What are some of your recent accomplishments/a-ha moments/or something you have been proud of in the gym recently?
I recently did my first ever toes-to-bar which was a huge achievement for me, that's honestly something I never thought I'd be able to do. 
 
What is one goal you want to accomplish in the next year? 
I want to do my first non-assisted pull up! 

Favorite CrossFit Tay Ho moment (doesn’t have to be during a class, just any favorite moment at CFTH)
 Definitely my team winning the scaled division at the CrossFit Invitational earlier this year. 

Any advice for someone just starting?
Don't give up! It will get easier and you will start to see amazing progress so quickly. 

How has your health/fitness/mindset changed since starting CrossFit?
CrossFit has actually changed me so much! Despite trying many times, I honestly could never get into fitness before I tried CrossFit and just thought I hated exercise and it wasn't for me. I'm so glad I gave it a try because I guess you just need to find the type of fitness that's right for you and I enjoy CrossFit so much more than anything I've tried in the past. I honestly never would have believed I'd be the type of person who genuinely enjoyed doing an 8am workout on a Saturday, or got up to do 5.30am WODs before work! 

Hobbies, Talents and or Interests? What does a day in the life of Lucy look like outside of being a CrossFitter? 
At the moment I work at an international kindergarten here and in my free time I like to explore the city's restaurants and bars with my friends. In terms of hobbies, I love cooking, going on trips around Vietnam and I enjoy painting/drawing occasionally when I find the time. 
 
Favorite thing to do in Hanoi (outside of CrossFit)?
I love a good pool day in Hanoi summer. 
 
Favorite Hanoi restaurant?
 It's so tough to pick just one! But up there would be: Pizza Belga, Pizza 4Ps, Cousins, El Loco and The Greek!  

Lucy embarks on a new journey soon, and will be sadly leaving Hanoi. Catch her while you can!