Pam Benes

What is your occupation?

I’m an IT manager in finance for my day job, and I’ve also been a yoga teacher for almost 20 years.

What are your hobbies/interests?

I have a lot of them! Over the years, I’ve tried everything from fencing to pottery, but my current favorites are traveling, photography, mahjong, paddleboarding, and surfing. I’m almost always up for trying something new. And, most importantly, I love spending as much time as I can with my son and boyfriend, who are thankfully very patient with all of my hobbies and adventures.

Tell CFD something we don’t know about you?

I went to college for filmmaking. It didn’t quite stick, so I went back and got my MBA. But the filmmaking never really left me, and now I get to use some of what I learned in photography.

When did you start CrossFit?

The first time I tried CrossFit was around 2015. I go through busy seasons, but I always find my way back.

What do you like most about CFD?

The push that comes from being in a group environment. I work from home, so it’s nice to get out of the house and be part of a community where everyone is working toward their own goals, but also cheering on each other along the way.

What was your first CrossFit workout?

In my head, it was approximately one million wall balls. After I could walk up stairs again, I was hooked.

In what ways has CrossFit changed your life?

It’s taught me patience. For me, it’s always been about the long game. I want to be able to keep up with my son, keep my mind clear, and stay strong as I move into the second half of my life. Not everything happens instantly, and progress can be frustratingly slow sometimes. But when something finally clicks, that feeling is pretty amazing.

Favorite workout/movement?

I love pull-ups and toes-to-bar, not because I’m good at them but because getting just a few strung together has been such a long process. They’ve been some of my biggest challenges, and probably some of my biggest motivators to keep showing up.

Least favorite workout/movement?

Box jumps. I think my feet are made of cement sometimes. But ask me again in another year—I might surprise myself.

Any advice you would give to the newbies?

I’ve learned that comparison is the thief of happiness. It’s easy to look around and be inspired by how strong, fast or skilled other people in our community are. But everyone is on their own journey, with different limitations, strengths and goals. Show up and be present (and stretch).

Katie Howayek

What is your occupation?

Mom!

Hobbies/Interests?

Hiking, snowboarding, boating, cooking

Tell CFD something we may not know about you.

I’m working on hiking all 48 4,000 ft. mountains in NH!

When did you start Crossfitting?