May 2022 Athlete of the Month: Meet Lanier Loftin
We have so much appreciation for our community, and love to highlight one athlete each month that exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Meet Lanier! Talk about perseverance… During last years 10k she had a falling incident in the first 400 meters. Bloodied and bruised, she picked herself up and went on to complete the entire race. That will always stand out out as a moment of true grit and determination. Let’s celebrate Lanier’s “never quit” attitude by giving her a fist bump the next time you’re at the gym.
Q: How long have you been going to Terminus? What changes have you seen in yourself (physically or mentally) since joining?
I started Terminus in August of 2019. I am in the best shape of my life now and continue to surprise myself all the time with how I can push myself.
Q: How has your journey at Terminus helped you outside the gym?
Terminus has really helped with my mental toughness. The hardest part of any workout is showing up, but I find a way to do it every day. That has translated into getting things done in real life. In 2021 I challenged myself to run a 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathon. Running is one of my least favorite things but had the mental toughness to do it and do it on my own.
Q: Who inspires you at the gym, and how do they inspire you?
Wow what a hard question! So many of the women are inspiring. Sonya, Amy, Jen Emery, Brittany Kidd, Emily, Katie Taylor, I could go on and on. This gym is filled with so many inspiring women and I am so happy to be able to be surrounded by them. If only osmosis worked with strength!!
Q: How would you describe what it’s like to be a part of Terminus?
This is such a welcoming community! I always feel so encouraged by members in class and the coaches. It doesn’t matter if you are the fastest, or lift the most weight, everyone just wants you to do your best!
Q: Tell us about your first day of class at Terminus.
The workout was 10 rounds for time and included box jumps. I was clearly struggling and was not going to make it. I remember Patrick coming over to me and checking in. He ended up saying let’s let this one be the last round. I got the mercy cut off.
Q: What is something that we may not know about you?
I am crafty and enjoy making things. Recently I have gotten into make greeting cards. But you can find me doing my tie-dye, rhinestoning shoes, or just creating in my free time.
Q: What are your top 3 memories or proudest moments in CrossFit?
It is so hard to pick just 3!!
During my first month after a 6am class, Ben made everyone hold hand in the middle of the gym. He then had everyone sing Happy Birthday to me. That little moment made me feel so welcomed and that was when I knew I made the right choice with Terminus.
Getting my first kipping pull up! I made it over the bar during the warmup and squealed I was so excited.
Finishing the Terminus 10k last year after a nasty fall right in front of homegrown. I had a scraped-up knee, hand, and leg. I thought about quitting and walking back to the gym. Then thought about doing just the 5k. But I knew I committed to the full race and shouldn’t quit. So I slowly finished the 10k!! Even won the spirit of the race award.
Q: Moving forward, do you have any short term or long term goals in the gym?
A bar muscle up is on this list! I am also really excited about our new Terminus benchmark workouts, so I am looking forward to seeing where I fall this year improving over the next year.