Name: Angela Lai Age: 35 From: Portage, MI
How long have you been with CrossFit Torrent and what made you decide to start?
I think I started in October of 2018 around the Open. I wasn’t super excited about the other gyms I had been going to before and Jeremiah invited me to try Torrent. I’m so glad he did!
What do you do when you’re not at CFT?
I’m a neonatologist (i.e. a newborn intensive care doc) – so hanging out with the babies mostly! Otherwise I love being outdoors: hiking, biking, running, kayaking, being in the mountains. I also love traveling, running Ragnar relays, cooking, learning new things.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
After trying a few gyms in a few different cities, I wasn’t fully sold on it until I found the right people at the right gym! Having accountability and community are wonderful.
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
About 2 minutes in I thought, “Why am I so tired already?! “
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
Favorite – kettlebells or rowing
Least – Thrusters and burpees (it’s a long way to the ground)
What is the one thing you have done at CFT that you never thought you would do?
100 burpees in one WOD, haha
What motivates you during a tough workout?
Head down, eyes forward, just keep moving. For us slower runners out there, I always think “forward is a pace”, and it works.
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
Community, accountability, and how efficient the workouts are
What are your short term and long term goals?
Continue to stay strong and mentally and physically thru the pandemic and the winter. Survive the Spartan Beast I signed up for next year. Hike parts of the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trail. Hike to Everest base camp. Maybe run a marathon…
How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Torrent? What impact has CFT had on you in and out of the gym?
Since my schedule changes, the consistency of the gym (classes, community, coaches) has helped to keep me mentally sane. Throughout residency and fellowship, I found that being more physically active on a consistent basis has really helped my mental health and ability to cope with stress – in my job and in life. I’m also enjoying the physical changes but more importantly the ability to hike, run, and backpack while feeling good!
Do you have any advice for people just getting started at CFT?
Being new and ‘bad’ at something is hard! New things (place, people, movements) are intimidating so we often don’t put ourselves out there for fear of not looking or feeling awkward. You never know what you’ll learn about yourself, what people you’ll meet, or new amazing experiences you’ll have just by saying “yes.” So take a deep breath and just jump in, it’s worth it!
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat Meal: any carbs (bread, pasta, ramen, pho)
Favorite Musician/Band: I listen to everything. But really into the 90’s throwbacks lately
Favorite Sports Team: Cubs
Favorite Tv Show/ Movie: Don’t Have One
Favorite CrossFit Athlete: Julie Foucher-Urcuyo
Coach’s comment:
Really humble! Kind, consistent, and supportive
Everyone’s cheerleader. So encouraging. Very humble considering how bada$$ she is!
She is silently strong! Just comes in and gets it done. One of my favorite coaching moments was a partner Workout she did. She’s an amazing teammate to everyone!
Angela is a model of consistency, she always has a smile on her face, always works really hard, and is always looking to get even better!