Member Spotlight: Say Hello to Manjusha

For our next member spotlight, and the first of 2022, we bring you a member who was a consistent presence in the 9am classes for the last 2.5 years. A member we have seen change significantly in all ways over her time with us. And a member we sadly had to say “So Long” to recently. Though she is no longer a current CrossFit Tay Ho Member, she will forever be a part of our community so let us learn a bit about Manjusha!
 
Manjusha stepped off the plane in Hanoi on July 28, 2019, and showed up to her first trial WOD at CFTH on July 29th! She joined immediately and became a permanent fixture in the 9am class. Manjusha will be the first to tell you how CrossFit has become a big part of her daily routine. The new challenges it brings plus the camaraderie of the community is what kept her coming back. 
 
Manjusha comes from Bhutan, but left for work back in 2003 – and has been moving every 3-4 years since. She didn’t start CrossFit in Vietnam, though. She was inducted through the box in Tashkent, Uzbekistan… she was curious about CrossFit since her time living in the U.S a few years back, and with her running knees getting older, decided to go for a trial at her local box in Tashkent, and never quite looked back! 
 
Joining CrossFit Tay Ho had a massive effect on Manjusha. In her own words:
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“CrossFit Tay Ho was a big part of my introduction to Vietnam and is now an integral part of my daily routine. I love the camaraderie (thank you my 9am class!!); the sense of “belonging”; the new challenges it presents; the discipline; and the constant source of information which has helped me to navigate life in Vietnam. We are all from different walks of life, at different stages in our lives - but once inside the box, we share the same grit, pain and sweat presented by the WOD!”

Real Talk with Manjusha

 As an athlete, you are a force to be reckoned with because...
I have the motivation to show up and be a good teammate.
 
You are working hard to strengthen and improve…
A positive mindset and physical resilience which benefits all aspects of my life.
 
Hard to choose just one, but what is your favorite workout and why…
Any chippers – it gives me a goal to achieve within a given time frame.
 
CrossFit has made your life better, here is why…
A better attitude; self-discipline; better communication; pursue goals : realistic planning and careful execution of my workouts; flexibility, acceptance of yourself and others; stronger mentally and physically and much more.
 
CFTH holds a special place in your heart because:
-        My first introduction to Hanoi and Vietnam;
-        People who genuinely cheer for you and inspire you everyday;
-        Proud to be a transition member from the old to the new box;
-        Grateful for all those zoom lessons during lockdowns;
-        Blessed to have a community who check on you when you don’t show up for your 9am;
-        Thrilled to have met friends from all walks of life and from all over the world;
-        Sacred as I have met some people who will remain in my life forever.
 
Pick your poison - Run, Bike or Row? 
Run

What are some of your recent accomplishments/aha moments?
Learning how to row for calories! I was doing it wrong the whole time! Now I know to pull hard and release slowly.
 
What is a goal you want to accomplish?
Strict Pull-ups. I need to work on my overhead as well.
 
Favorite CFTH Moment?
Team Manic! The day I did the West Lake Throwdown with Nick. It was the first competition I ever did in my entire life (other than running). As a team, it was a lot of struggle and pressure in front of so many people. That was probably my proudest moment. 
 
Any advice for someone just starting?
Don’t be intimidated by the 9am crew! Lindsey is the most friendly person every and she will take you right in!

What are some changes you have noticed in your life because of CrossFit?
My fitness has been good since I have joined. I did the Song Doon Cave and didn’t struggle. Huge Mindset shifts - I am much more positive. I am self disciplined in terms of everything. I am confident with my body, which I never used to be. I never joined CrossFit because I wanted to look a certain way. I just needed a place to go and workout and have my own space. I enjoyed it, but it was never about my looks. But recently I feel more comfortable in my skin.
 
What do you do out there in the real world?
I am a mother, wife, a good friend, traveler, a music lover, and I love CrossFit.
 
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I like to knit! During lockdown I knit three sweaters. I sent one all the way to Europe to my sister.
 
What is your favorite thing to do in Hanoi?
So much of my life in Hanoi has been in lockdown! I liked our family outings to the old quarter. Going to the Temple of Literature and having a nice coffee there. I also started walking recently and have enjoyed early morning walks around Tay Ho. 
 
What is something interesting about you?
I have lived in 12 countries - Bhutan, India, England, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Afghanistan, Botswana, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and now onto Ethiopia! ​