Athlete of the Month: Kristen W.

Kristen is one of those athletes that makes coaching really fun. Every time you encourage her to go a little further than she thought she would, it's a genuine surprise to her. It's like every coaching cue is a present. So there is always tons to celebrate when Kristen is in class. She is naturally strong, and we've been able to see her PR by 10-15 pounds on heavy days several times since joining. She also is a nutrition challenge champion, having the insane discipline to not cheat except for that one time when her BBQ sauce was not exactly paleo. She can really put the blinders on and just lift, just keep going in a metcon, and just say no to banned foods on a food challenge. We've loved seeing her progress over the time she's been with us. She lost 9 pounds and 5.5 inches with the January Nutrition Challenge, then turned around and lost 7 pounds and 2.75 inches in the Summer Ready Cleanse. She is a dedicated noon athlete, so is a great example of making the most of her lunch hour!

Age: 40 How long have you been CrossFitting?

Have been at NoCoast for about a year and a half. Athletic/Sports history/highlights:

Tennis in high school and a casual runner. Do one or two half marathons a year and some various 5K and 10K runs.

How did you get into CrossFit?

My sister belongs to a gym in Grand Junction and recommended I give it a try. I was having a hard time getting myself to the big box gym I belonged to and she thought I would love the atmosphere at a CrossFit gym. What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?

I really enjoy weight lifting and workouts that incorporate those movements. What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?

Forward rolls are the worst!! Burpees are a close second. What is your most memorable CrossFit moment?

I don’t have a particular moment per say but I think when I finally figured out that I could break the mold and lift more weight than I thought was possible is a moment or many moments. It is easy to stay at a certain weight and convince yourself you can’t or shouldn’t try anymore. Adding five pounds without any issue is a great feeling when you thought you could not lift anymore.

How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?

I am an overall stronger person for sure. I have also noticed improvements in my running and my endurance. I am not a fast runner by any means but there is a definite difference. Advice to new people:

Go at your own pace and listen to your body. Competition with others is not necessary. Once you get going the only competition will be with yourself and your own individual improvements. Just get to the gym as that is often the hardest part, and NoCoast will take care of you from there.