Member Spotlight: Jamie Hayes

I have always been a runner. I participated in cross country and track in high school, and I have coached both sports for almost 20 years. I really focused on running after I had my son Jake 8 years ago. I ran almost every day and trained for different races from 5ks - half marathons, constantly chasing a new pr. While I was putting in these miles, I sporadically strength trained usually with the occasional P90X or other Beachbody workout. I would quickly get bored and just focus on my runs. After years of wear and tear, my body stopped cooperating. In the spring of 2017, I tore a muscle in my left heel and had to wear a boot and go to physical therapy. A few months later, my foot was healed, but I tore my labrum in my right hip. I faced surgery, months of physical therapy, and the possibility of not being able to run again.

About the same time as I was dealing with my injuries, my husband CrossFit Bexley Coach Jason, started doing CrossFit and obtained his L1. He would come home every day excited about his workouts. I attended a CrossFit fundraiser with him, and I really liked the workout, but with my hip diagnosis, I couldn’t do much (I did see Coach Amy kill it in a deadlift contest!). He joined CrossFit Bexley in February of 2018 right before the CrossFit open. I went to watch a few of the workouts, and I could see why he loved it. I watched everyone in awe and wondered if I could ever do something like that. I had surgery on my hip that March, and luckily, everything went well. After months of recovery, I could finally run again, but only 3 days a week. Jason told me that I had to start strength training or I would be looking at another injury, and I finally listened. That September, I organized a fundraiser called the Blue Mile at Bexley High School where I teach and coach. Through Jason, I was able to partner with CrossFit Bexley, and I got to know Brian and Pat. They came to the track and organized the Longest Mile WOD as part of the fundraiser. I got to meet more of the coaches and members, and I was impressed with the community aspect of CrossFit Bexley. I was encouraged to attend a Ladies Night WOD, and after that I decided to try the gym for a month to see if I liked it.

I was quickly hooked. The coaches were all fantastic. I had never really used a barbell before, so I was definitely a rookie. I didn’t know a clean from a thruster or a snatch, and even though I didn’t know what I was doing, I was excited to go to each class. I started using Sugarwod to log my workouts, and I was shocked when I saw how excited I was every time I got a pr. Doing CrossFit has definitely helped with my running, but running has become less of a priority. I used to think working out was time to be myself, but I love the community, and I can’t wait to go to the gym each day to workout with my friends.

I have now been a member of CrossFit Bexley for two years. Not only have I found a strength training program that I have stuck with and brought my fitness to a level I never knew I could reach, Jason and I have found a community where we feel at home. Our son Jake even attends the CrossFit kids class, and my brother Zack joined the gym a year ago. The people at CrossFit Bexley truly make it a special place. I often tell people if I can do CrossFit, anyone can do it, but I could never do it without the amazing coaches and community at CrossFit Bexley.