THE ATHLETE

An ordinary small-town girl, raised in the Colorado Rockies, Jenny is an avid outdoors woman. She was just 3 years old when her parents took her on her first high mountain hike (10 miles round trip). Although she may have been coaxed up the trail with Reeses Pieces, Jenny walked every step of the way.

Now, her nutritional habits have taken a turn for the better, but her love for being outside, moving, and exercising has remained consistent throughout her life. As a young girl, Jenny tried every sport available, but decided to focus on softball and soccer in high school. Her performances there, earned her positions at the collegiate level at Cornell College. Pursuing soccer all 4 years, Jenny decided to pick up track in order to enhance her speed. Running the 800m, 400m, and 4x400m relay, Jenny surprised herself and others with her performances. This was the beginning of her love for running.

Having a successful collegiate athletic career, Jenny was longing for the competition after it was over. She decided to start racing 5K's, 10K's half-marathons and eventually ran a full marathon. The monotony of running didn't quite match her competitive desires - that was when CrossFit took over.

The constantly changing, high intensity, and functionality of CrossFit workouts felt like home to her. In December of 2010, Jenny was convinced she should train for the CrossFit Games. Her response, "Ok, what are the the CrossFit games?" And that's when it all began.

In early January of 2011, Jenny began her journey toward what would prove itself to be the most intense, exhilarating, humbling 7 months of her life. Conquering fears, overcoming obstacles, and improving as an athlete. Jenny surprised herself and others, taking 6th at the 2011 Reebok CrossFit Games. From here, Jenny continues to work hard in and outside of the gym to get stronger , more fit and healthier in order to be able to continue to pursue her love of movement.

Although CrossFit has become a path Jenny has chosen as her main stay of training, the little girl picking up Reeses Pieces remains alive inside. The mountains are where her heart is, whether mountain biking, hiking, fishing, skiing, or just being.

 

DID YOU KNOW...

  • Biggest Obstacle

    - At the age of 8 years old Jenny was diagnosed with Epilepsy. Overcoming the physical/mental/emotional challenges, medication side effects, and fear of being “different”, has defined her as a person today.

  • Favorite CrossFit WOD (Workout of the Day)

    - Helen (3 rounds for time: 400m run, 21 x 1.5 pood Kettlebell Swings, 12 Pullups)

  • Favorite Quote

    - “One moment, one change, always.” ~Anonymous

  • Inspiration

    - Her parents, Jeff LaBaw and Cathy Desautels and her brother Luke LaBaw

  • Perfect Day

    - Spending time in the mountains (hiking, biking, running, fishing, napping ☺)

  • Three Things Always in Her Fridge

    - Grilled Chicken, Avocados, Local Veggies

  • Proudest Moment

    - Workout 4 at the 2011 Reebok Crossfit Games = Conquering her muscle ups!

  • First Job

    - Assistant at a plant nursery in hometown, Rifle, CO.

  • Something She Never Leaves Home Without

    - Her 40oz Klean Kanteen (water bottle)

  • Indulgence

    - Ice Cream!!!

  • One Word People Use to Describe Her

    - Passionate