Erika Andresen. I began at CrossFit Roots at the beginning of October.

2. Where were you born/raised?

I am from Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard as well as various towns around Boston. I have lived in CO for the last 23 years with brief stints in Hawaii and Uganda.

3. Married, kids, family?  

I am married to Stevan Simich and we have two lively boys, Nathaniel (8) and Kai (5 1/2).

4. What do your days consist of?

Most days start with the chaos of getting two small people dressed, fed and out the door to the school bus and then 3 days a week I am off to Roots, followed by walking the dog, taking care of our 15 chickens and their coop and run and all the other boring daily chores, shopping, laundry, cleaning and cooking–lots of cooking! Feeding 2 growing boys and a husband takes a lot of planning. I love to cook and really enjoy providing my family with nutritious, healthy food. The most recent food challenge has really kept me busy planning and preparing.

5. What is your favorite thing about CrossFit?  

The first time I ever heard about CrossFit (years ago), I knew I would love it. I have always loved the concept of functional fitness and the workouts sounded diverse, challenging and fun. I have not been disappointed. I love that I never know what to expect from day to day, other than the fact that I will be challenged. I really love the “vibe” at Roots. There is not a lot of ego and everyone I have met so far is kind, supportive and positive. That can be really hard to find in a town full of so many über athletes.

6. What is your least favorite thing about CrossFit?

There is not much that I don’t like about CrossFit. Sometimes there is some resistance to getting out of the house to go to a workout–just because I know it is going to be hard, but as soon as I get in the door, that all goes away.

7. Favorite WOD or movement?

I have been loving working on pull-ups.

8. Least favorite WOD or movement?

Nobody likes burpees, right?!

9. Do you have any goals in CrossFit?

A goal I have set for myself is to be able to do 10 pull-ups without any bands–by summer!

10. When you’re not CrossFitting, what activities keep you busy?

My favorite activity is Telemark skiing. I have skied all my life and about 23 years ago I decided to try telemark and I never looked back! I’m now getting to enjoy watching my boys discover the joys of skiing and it is the BEST! I love to ride horses when I get the chance. We also do a lot of fishing and even some lobstering when we are back East.

I also love my job. I work night shift as an RN at BCH in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I work with some amazing people and I feel so privileged to be a part of such a sacred and important time in people’s lives.

11. How do you make CrossFit a part of your weekly schedule?  

I make sure that I get to CrossFit by making it a priority. I schedule as much of my life as possible around my workouts. Taking care of myself has finally come back to the forefront of my life and I’m not letting that go anytime soon!

12. Anything you’d like to add?

The women’s only class is fantastic! From day one I felt welcomed and there is such a sense of support and camaraderie among the women. Ali is an amazing coach and has such patience with all of us! We all get along so well and LOVE to chat–I hope Ali knows that we don’t mean any disrespect!

Want to give the Women’s Only Program a try?