Best Day Wilmington: Christine Ortega

What’s a woman to do with an ideal day in Wilmington? No appointments or obligations, no rainy weather or calories that count. Perhaps most importantly, it’s a day with endless energy to enjoy favorite places, a bottomless bank account to pay for everything, and beautiful weather. 

That’s what we asked CHRISTINE ORTEGA, owner and operator of CrossFit Wilmington, for October’s edition of Best Day Wilmington. 

She’s a little intense. Really friendly. Encouraging and inclusive. And extremely physically fit.  

Ortega works out five to six days every week. And that’s after coaching a group of CrossFit members in weightlifting, cardio, and gymnastics, the fundamentals of a CrossFit workout. 

“CrossFit training focuses on longevity, not just being strong and fit,” says Ortega, who is certified as a CrossFit Level 1 and Level 2 trainer and holds a 200-hour yoga instructor’s certificate including prenatal and post-natal yoga. “It’s about doing hard things in the gym that train your brain to do hard things outside of the gym. The community at CrossFit pushes you. It’s like being on a sports team, and it’s actually very fun.” 

Ortega was born and spent her childhood years in the Philippines as the daughter of an Air Force serviceman until her family relocated to the States in 1986. While Ortega played recreational softball and basketball in middle school and high school, her athletic prowess comes from her own nearly twenty-one years of active Marine Corps duty. She served as an administrative specialist in human resources while stationed at various bases in Jacksonville, Florida, for many years and retired from joint command duty at Fort Bragg. 

“The Marine Corps is really big on physical fitness,” Ortega says. “I also found it to be a great outlet for everything – stress management, emotional regulation, and even leadership. Being good at physical feats, PT or physical training as it’s called in the Marine Corps, helped set me apart as a leader.” 

After retirement, Ortega followed her associate of arts degree in general studies from Campbell University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from University of North Carolina Wilmington. 

When the previous owner of CrossFit Wilmington decided to relocate, Ortega and another CrossFit coach asked to take it over. “CrossFit Wilmington is an inclusive place,” she says, “and we welcome people of all backgrounds and fitness levels.” 

How are you starting your day?  

“I’d start my day at CrossFit Wilmington. It fills my cup to coach a class and encourage and push my athletes to become stronger and faster each and every day. It’s truly my passion to help people become a better version of themselves and to help them become healthy, build resilience by doing hard things, and accomplishing what they didn’t think they were capable of doing.  

Then during my own workout, my coaches, in turn, encourage me to be better and do better.”  

Where would you go next? 

 “After the workouts, I’d have breakfast or brunch with my crew. We would head just a little down the road from CrossFit Wilmington to The Sawmill Cafe and Catering. I’d have coffee and an old-fashioned breakfast of two eggs over medium with bacon and a side of grits. And since it’s my perfect day, I would have some biscuits with butter and not even have a second thought about it. 

Afterwards, I would take my American Bully, Lilly, for a walk on Wrightsville Beach with my husband, ROB. I love the beach in the fall because I can take my dog. It’s more peaceful without the crowds. We would look for nice seashells and sharks’ teeth. We might even paddle out and catch a wave or two before the water gets too cold.” 

What’s for lunch?   

“Rob and I would go to Savorez for lunch. I’d have the Pollo Loco Tostada or the Jerk Shrimp Tostada – always so delicious. Rob may order one of each of the tapas. It’s not unheard of for him to do so.” 

How are you spending your afternoon? 

“For an afternoon of shopping, I’d start at Market House Beer & Wine and consult with Market House bar manager and CrossFit Wilmington coach SYDNEY for drink recommendations. I don’t drink alcohol, so it’s a THC seltzer because I know they have a good selection. My friends would sip on any beer or wine that Syd recommends.  

After chatting and drinks, we would head to Papercut Books on Market Street to peruse the wonderful selection of new and used books, looking for books that may be good for our CrossFit Wilmington book club. Then it’s off to my favorite thrift stores, the Cape Fear artXchange for thrifted craft supplies and Baker Street Curiosity Shop for some truly unique finds. I’d look for antique furniture, vintage clothing, and cool and spooky art. It’s just an all-around cool place to peruse to find unique items you didn’t know you needed.”  

How about dinner? 

“For an excellent dinner, Rob and I would head to Olivero for beignets and warm dates to start, maybe even the roasted beets for Rob. For entrees, it’s the pork chop for me and the ribeye for Rob. But anything from the menu is delicious, and the atmosphere is just wonderful.” 

And dessert?  

“Dessert would be Boombalatti’s. We take everyone who visits us to Boombalatti’s. It’s usually an after-beach treat, but in my perfect day, we would grab a double scoop in a cone, drive the short distance to Smith Creek Park and take a sunset stroll with both of our dogs as we eat our ice cream. This time, we would take our 13-year-old French Bulldog, Minnie, in her stroller along with Lilly. There is nothing like a Wilmington sunset. Ending the day walking the park at sunset is a must.” 

Editor’s note: Responses were edited for clarity.  

Nominate yourself or other women to share their version of a perfect day in the Port City! Send an email to lpodraza@wilmingtonbiz.com with the subject line, “Best Day Wilmington.” 

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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