Athlete of the Month for April is…. GAIL!!! What an animal!! I’m sure most of you know Gail by now…you know, the one who pulls the most magnificent faces upon her first bar muscle up, drops the ‘F-Bomb’ unexpectedly and is one of the most consistent and hard working beasts among us. Gail has been working extremely hard with all aspects of her training, all that stuff that goes toward building a solid foundation as a CrossFit athlete. She is extemely dedicated with her Gymnastics (of course that automatically qualifies her to be one of Boss Lady’s faves), is consistent with her weightlifting and CrossFit classes each week, and has gone that little extra mile by mapping out her training plan on paper, inclusive of weaknesses, to give her direction with training and goals. Well done Gail, BRILLIANT F*#KING JOB 🙂 Let’s learn a little more about our April Athlete of the Month…
Why did you start CrossFit?
My youngest son Graeme had been talking to me enthusiastically about CrossFit – he lives in Melbourne and was attending a box there. He suggested CrossFit would be “right up my alley”. Turns out I didn’t just enjoy CrossFit….I loved it.
What is your most memorable moment to date?
Well there are lots of “moments” but I think for me it is the accumulation of moments as you feel stronger, more confident and things start to click…those good old ‘ah-ha’ moments. I also love other people’s moments, especially those who have the guts to keep chasing their goals; they inspire me to chase and achieve my goals.
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
This may sound like a cop out to some, but the reason I love CrossFit is the challenge and variety it offers, always different. Turn up and get on with what confronts you, challenge yourself and do your best. If I had to choose: I do quite like chippers, bunker down, chip away and get it done.
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
* Use a journal and record everything. When those times come that you doubt yourself, you look back and see where you came from and how much you have achieved. When I first started CrossFit I could barely overhead squat a broomstick let alone do pull ups, toes to bar, double unders or rope climbs. Do the work and the results will come.
* Try not to compare yourself with others. It’s a hard one! But we need to remember we are all unique individuals with different goals, backgrounds, abilities, strengths and weaknesses.
* Be coachable, listen to your coaches, listen to your body and always listen to your mother.
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
In the early 1980’s (yes that’s a long time ago), with a good friend, we founded a local running club which later became the Mareeba Running and Triathlon club. We often travelled hours to attend races all over North Queensland. We also organised and ran many of our own successful triathlons and long distance races. Commandeering the local dam, frogs and eels included for free. Had an absolute ball.
Extra stuff that came to mind
* I am always proudly announcing to anyone who will listen that I am coached by amazing coaches at Niche and feel spoilt and privileged that the owner and head coach is an Olympic Gymnast who has outstanding coaching skills and leads by example.
* I used to be a scrawny distance runner and triathlete, there wasn’t much of me (some would say there still isn’t!). When I started CrossFit my bodyweight was 51kg – ringing wet. Since then I have hulked out of my CrossFit shirts and today I am a massive 54kg. I’m pretty happy about that, a lot of that gain in muscle has been in the last 6 months at Niche – thanks Jen!
* CrossFit has changed my life. I feel confident and strong. And have a weird feeling of having an extra firm grip on the Earth.
