Meet an Athlete of Merit: Katie's Story
Katie Kreider
Merit Member Since August, 2017
Katie is a 28 year old, Calvert County native, who found her way to CrossFit Merit through fellow Merit member Eryka. The Merit community quickly took note of Katie's work ethic and positive attitude. It's no surprise that many members are inspired by her determination to push through any workout and succeed!
Katie, her wife, her step daughter and one of their many family pets!
How do you spend your time outside of Merit
I’m a paramedic for Children’s National Medical Center in DC. I also volunteer as a paramedic for Calvert Advanced Life Support. I have a wife, a step daughter, 2 dogs, a cat, and a hedgehog.
What were your goals when you originally joined Merit?
I wanted to exercise. I had no goals other than showing up!
Have you accomplished any of those goals so far?
I’ve never committed to any kind of organized (or unorganized) physical activity in my life. I’ve been coming to Merit between 3 and 5 times every week for three months, and I’m amazed at how strong I feel!
What is your favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
I like body weight exercises like squats and burpees. Even though they’re challenging, it doesn’t matter how much you can lift or how fast you are. It’s just you, and your body, and you just keep moving.
What is your least favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
Wall balls. I’m not coordinated and I hit myself in the face a lot.
What is your most memorable CrossFit moment so far?
When I ran 400m for the first time without stopping. I’ve never run anywhere for any distance in my life. The first day of fundamentals, I ran 50m and thought I was going to die. So the day I ran 400m, the whole entire distance without stopping, I felt so proud of myself!
Katie sharing her expertise with Merit coaches during a CPR training.
What/Who is your biggest motivator?
All of the other Crossfit members. There are so many members who are so strong and it always motivates me. I say to myself, if they can do it, and if they showed up today, I need to get myself together and do it too. Seeing real people, both young and old, and at all levels of physical activity- everyone getting the WOD done together- that really inspires me to feel like I really can accomplish these things. Merit isn’t made up of a bunch of ripped muscle dudes like on TV. It’s regular people who just want to accomplish their goals and push themselves a little more each day.
“Merit isn’t made up of a bunch of ripped muscle dudes like on TV. It’s regular people who just want to accomplish their goals and push themselves a little more each day.”
Katie with Merit members after completing her fundamentals course.
What would you like to say to people on the fence about trying CrossFit?
Just do it! There is a modification for everything and you’d be surprised how much your body can do. Merit is the most welcoming community I’ve ever belonged to, so you have nothing to be afraid of!