December's Athlete of the Month
Time to highlight one of our spectacular athletes! What makes up an Athlete of the Month? Not RX’ing every workout or lifting the most weight. This athlete exhibits consistency and a hard work mentality. Every time they come to the gym they have a good attitude and give their all. This person is also welcoming of others, helping make CFHD the best community there is. Each month we choose a different athlete and post some fun facts about them to help y’all get to know them better.
We couldn't think of a better person to represent athlete of the month for one of the greatest months of the year than Miss Shannon McLaughlin. We have never seen this girl without a smile on her face.. and that's not an exaggeration. She brings everyone's mood up just by walking into the doors of CrossFit H Dub. Aside from being one of the most positive people ever, she is also dedicated to her fitness goals. Just recently she suffered a meniscus tear and had to undergo surgery. Shannon did not let this discourage her. She took all the right steps: rehab, listened to her coaches, and eased back into the gym. Now she's back and killing it again! Thank you Shannon for bringing so many good vibes and much hard work to our community.
Name: Shannon McLaughlin
Hometown: Arlington Heights, IL
Age: 26
Occupation: Production Manager at Able
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Grew up outside of Chicago, went to Belmont, studied Graphic Design. I love country music, camping, hiking, kayaking, doing florals for weddings. I have a dog named Honey and a fish named Shannon.
What were your goals when you started CrossFit?
To not throw up
How long have you been doing CrossFit and how did you get into it?
A little over 2ish years now. I was training to be a barre instructor and during that time a friend bet I couldn’t do CrossFit so had to prove him wrong. Sorry Barre3...
What is your favorite/least favorite thing we do in CrossFit?
Favorite: anything gymnastic-y. Handstand push-ups, toes to bar, pistols
Least: Olympic lifting. Although I tore my meniscus just by walking...
How has CrossFit H Dub positively affected you?
Oh my golly! Everyone at HDub is beyond encouraging and unbelievably non-judgmental. I can go to the gym after a hectic day at work, sit through traffic for a half hour, but once I’m at the gym that’s exactly where I want l be. I’ve never felt pressured to push myself too much or guilted into going harder which is huge for me. I am truly inspired by how Lacee and Trey have created such an inviting and supportive community.
What advice do you have for newcomers?
Give it at least three months. You may hate those three entire months but the following day you’ll be so flipping proud of yourself, both mindfully and physically. Plus everyone sucks at the beginning- you don’t learn French before you start taking French lessons.
What is something no one at the gym knows about you?
I lied about having a second middle name all throughout my childhood and then had it printed on my diploma.
Who are 3 people you would have a meal or drink with dead or alive?
Ellen Degeneres, Morgan Freeman, Chris Harrison
Favorite Sport?
To watch: football, I don’t really get it but I like screaming at the tv
To play: baseball
If you could have one super power what would it be?
To stop time
What is your favorite cheat meal?
NACHOOOOOS and margaritas (especially at sweet cinco de Mayo <3)
