Jenna’s a recent transplant to Rochester and CFP but she’s caught on beautifully and gives a killer chili recipe!

What do you do for a living?

I am a Civil Engineer for Short Elliott Hendrickson.

Where are you from?  Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mankato, MN.  Since college I have lived in Faribault, MN; Iowa City, IA; Austin, MN; and moved to Rochester this past July.

What brought you to CrossFit Progression?

Krista Blessing brought me here.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of the gym?

The little things that put a smile on my children’s faces, (reading a story with different voices, coloring a picture with them, dance parties, etc).

We have Hip Hop Friday, but do we need to talk about an entire day at the gym devoted to Country music?

Maybe country/pop, pure country might be difficult to work out to.

Favorite cheat meal?

Most common is pizza but my favorite would probably be lasagna.

What’s your favorite healthy recipe?

My Chili.  I have never written it down before and usually don’t measure the seasonings, so please season as you desire.

• 2 lbs. tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbs chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3-4 diced bell peppers
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 can no-salt added dark kidney beans
• 1 can no-salt added light kidney beans
• 1 can chili beans
• 1 container of tomato juice
• 2 bay leaves

In  a large pot, cook tomatoes, sea salt, one-third of the chili powder, and ground cumin over medium-low heat.  Cook until tomatoes have reduced.  Place in crock pot.  In large frying pan, saute onion, bell peppers, and garlic in oil.  Add to crockpot.  In same frying pan, brown ground beef and mix in one third of the chili powder.  Add to crockpot.  Rinse dark and light kidney beans and add to crockpot.  Add chili beans to crockpot. Poor in tomato juice to desired consistency.  Add final one third chili powder and bay leaves.  Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Would you rather: clean and jerk or overhead squat?

Overhead squat I guess, I haven’t tried a clean and jerk with a barbell yet.

Would you rather: leopard crawl or mountain climb?

Mountain climb

What’s your least favorite movement?

Inch Worm

What’s your perfect WOD?

I like to row so it would need to include that, but otherwise just a good challenging workout in an encouraging environment is what I look forward to.

What goal(s) are you currently chasing?

Better health, continued weight loss, getting stronger, and continuously setting a good example for my children.

What’s one thing that your fellow CFP members would be surprised to know about you?

I have been to the BWCA 11 time sand I can’t wait for my kids to be older and stronger so that I can bring them.

What’s the hardest part of CrossFit?

Keeping it in my schedule, being a single mom of town active kids can make it difficult to make time for myself.

What’s the best thing you’ve gotten out of your time at CFP?

Self confidence (still working on this but I have improved) and supportive community.

Favorite piece of advice you’ve gotten from a coach at CFP?

No matter what is going on in your life just keep coming into the gym.  Use your time here for what you need that day, you don’t always have to go all out, but take this time for you.

What’s your spirit animal?

Umm… dolphin?

How has your outlook on yourself changed since joining CrossFit Progression?

I am stronger than I thought and even though it may take some time, I can do what I set out to do.

What has been your fondest memory during your time at CrossFit Progression?

The friendships created at bootcamp.

How is your experience at CFP different from what you’ve done previously?

I feel supported and pushed to improve myself at the same time.  I like the feeling that I am actually being coached, I am there working hard and not just going through the motions.

What would be your one piece of advice for someone who’s just joining CrossFit Progression?

Just keep coming in.  Each day you will be better than you were the day before.

The Next Progression Challenge Starts soon!