June 21, 2012 in Blog by remps

June 2012 Member of the Month: Valerie Champagne

CrossFit Winnipeg’s June Member of the Month is Valerie Champagne. Val, a dedicated 6am ‘er is who you’d call a little firecracker! Always up for a challenge and not a negative bone in her body she is truly an inspiration to other CFW moms. Setting a good example for her little girls is definitely a driving force in her training and lifestyle choices. Anyone who thinks they don’t have time or the energy to work out while raising two little ones should have a chat with this lady. Watching her do 3 strict pull-ups and ring dips I can only hope that when I grow up I’ll be as strong and fit and gung-ho as Val is!

Val before starting On Ramp

Val competes at the 2012 FrostFit Games

Age: 41
Height: 5″4
Weight:122lbs

What is your favorite exercise or workout? Back squats, Deadlifts and Snatches, because they were something I was so scared of at the beginning but now love the challenge.

Least favorite: Rowing, it is always such an ass kicker..and those double unders have not been successful.

Something interesting or surprising about myself: I’m a reality game show junky!

Favorite hobby, pastime or sport: Besides Crossfit, I like to run, hang out with friends and take my kids to all their activities.

What were you doing before Crossfit: Prior to children, I did a lot of running and ran two half marathons, and after the kids I did the bootcamp circuit.

How did you find out about Crossfit Winnipeg? My husband Darren had just finished onramp and told me to try it out without really giving me all the details. Went in thinking it was a bootcamp type set up. Needless to say after the first class and baseline I went home and puked! I was hooked!!

What changes have you seen in yourself or your life since joining CFW?: After losing both my parents by the age of 30 due to heart disease and cancer I wanted to make sure that I am here for a long time to pass on a positive healthy lifestyle. Crossfit and its community has really allowed us to be surrounded by the values and people that I want my daughters to aspire to. Also being able to have a common interest with Darren has strengthened our relationship. We are a fitter and happier family because of it!

Do you have any memorable Crossfit moments? It would have to be Frostfit this year. In spite of all the nerves before hand, it was such a great day all around. I PR’d in an overhead squat and I actually got 3 double unders (which continues to be the last time I did them).

Advice for newbies?: As a newbie I remember driving to the gym each morning for almost 6 months feeling nervous and almost ill coming to face the WODS and not feeling comfortable with what I was doing. I say stick with it! When those fears are overcome you will see really how much you can do. I would consider myself a cautious Crossfitter not really knowing what my capabilities were. You will surprise yourself!

Biggest accomplishments at CFW? I tend to celebrate the small and big accomplishments. I remember being thrilled when I could actually use enough weight to move up to the bumper plates, or no longer have to use the big mat under me for the GHD situps! I am proud I can do 3 pull ups and never thought I would have abs in my 40′s.

Thanks to all my fellow Crossfitters and coaches…it’s a community I absolutely love!!