Please allow me to introduce a woman who needs no introduction… Janel has been an engaging presence within the Bomber Crew for almost four years.  Janel daily exemplifies grace, determination, and grit as she pushes herself in the gym and through everything she puts her mind to.  Her positive attitude is infectious and she continues to challenge herself and those around her – bringing everyone up to a higher level.  Throughout each week you can catch Janel around the gym in any number of times, so if you’ve not had the chance to meet Janel, make sure you introduce yourself – you’ll be glad you did!

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How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience?

I live very close to the former location of Bombers CrossFit.  I would drive by multiple times a day and I began to notice people running around the building holding wall balls and such.  I would also see the garage door up and wondered what was going on in there.  I have been into fitness my whole life so I decided to just walk in one day and see what it was all about.  Here I am almost four years later!  I cannot remember my first workout, but I do remember Mandy was the first coach I ever had. 

When did you first come to Bombers CrossFit?

I started coming to Bombers in May 2015.  for many months I just did the drop-in classes 2-3 days a week and did some other training on my own.  Eventually I turned it all over to Bombers and let them decide what I was going to do every day.  Liberating!

How many days do you CrossFit?

My goal is five days a week.  My schedule is somewhat erratic, so if for some reason I cannot make a class time I also like to bike, run, swim, or do yoga!  

What classes do you normally take?

I call myself the CrossFit nomad because my schedule is always changing.  Between work, my charity work, and three active kids I just go when I can and its never the same.   I go to great lengths sometimes to make it work (including changing my work schedule, hah).  That being said, this year I seem to be mostly 10:30am or 5:30 pm.  Occasionally 3:30.  I kinda like it this way because I know a lot of the people who come to Bombers and not just one crew. 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to Bombers CrossFit?

My number one motivation is keeping myself healthy.  I have a lot of bad genes that I am fighting against.  Both of my parents had cancer (my mom passed away young from bladder cancer).  My daughter is also a cancer survivor.  She was diagnosed with leukemia at age 7.  All of this scares me and motivates me to be the best version of myself in regards to my health.  The reason I keep coming to Bombers is the people of course!  I love the group setting because it keeps me going even when I don’t want to!

What is your favorite thing about the Dayton area?

I love Dayton for many reasons.  Through some of my work, I have come to realize that Dayton is filled with many amazing entrepreneurial and philanthropic people.  More so than many cities that are much larger than Dayton.  I love the revitalization that is occurring in our downtown area.  Mostly, I am grateful for the amazing children’s hospital that exists in our town.  Many cities our size and larger don’t even have a freestanding children’s hospital… we are vey lucky.  It was a second home for my family for several years.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of (inside and outside of the gym)?

Outside the gym: When my daughter was sick, I had this overwhelming feeling that everything was happening for a reason and this was God’s purpose for my life.  After we got through her three years of chemotherapy and radiation, I decided I had to give back to the people who saved my girl.  I started my own charity called Together We Fight, helping local kids with cancer.  Then I led a campaign to raise the money to build the new patient tower at the hospital.  We ended up raising over $28 million dollars!  It was a lot of work!  Now when I drive by and see the new patient tower I feel immense pride.  All of the children in our region deserve world-class quality healthcare.  I still volunteer a lot of my time there.

Inside the gym: I tried for many years (well before CrossFit) to get my pull-ups.  the day I finally got one was probably my proudest achievement at the gym.  The day I cleaned 150# also ranks high.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

Hmmmm… well after a hard workout I try to get some protein?  But my favorite food is Mexican!

What are some of you interests outside of CrossFit?

Is there anything besides CrossFit?  I love business…my husband and I met both working as CPA’s and now we own our own commercial construction/real estate company.  I grew up in an entrepreneurial family.  We have an RV and we lover traveling across the country.  We are trying to get our kids to every National Park in the US and all 50 states.  (we have about 10 states to go, but will knock our more this year including Alaska)

What is one goal within the gym that you’re working on?

Handstand push-ups have always been the one CrossFit move that is elusive to me.  I feel like I should have the strength but I cannot get them without abmats! I need to work harder.  I also have recently taken a few first steps with my handstand walk…but who knows on that

What impact has CrossFit had on your life/lifestyle/level of fitness?

I have always been a fitness addict.  I love pushing myself.  But CrossFit has definitely pushed me way beyond what I ever would have done myself. I have done a few CF competitions and that gives me a great goal and something to work towards. I love seeing how I can do in the CrossFit Open against other people my age.  CrossFit has given me the greatest gift of many close friends!  I love my Bombers family.

What advice would you give a newbie?

I always advise people that CrossFit is truly for everyone.  Every workout can be modified for injury, age, strength, range of motion, etc. Our coaches do a fantastic job of helping people structure workouts to do what is best for them.  I try so hard to support new people… we are all in this together!