Katie Hartshorn for June – Marvellous effort, that! Synonymous to her successes on the cricket field, Katie has smashed the ball out of the park (so to speak) in the CrossFit world at Niche!
Her courageous smile and joyous nature has warmed all of our hearts, but don’t be fooled, she is an absolute workhorse that will rarely shy away from a meeting with Mr Pukie. Her work ethic has lead to many phenomenal progressions in strength and skill development is a seemingly short amount of time – a real testament to the efficacy of this style of training and the commitment and work ethic of an athlete like Katie. We salute you!
Already dabbling in local competitions, Katie’s CrossFit career is looking rich! She’s embodied all that Niche represents within the local CrossFit community with outstanding camaraderie, dedication and team spirit. Such an intrinsic part of the Niche family and we’re thrilled to continue this journey with you!
Why did you start CrossFit?
When I finished up playing cricket and rolling out left arm darts, there was an obvious massive hole in my life. Whilst it was the right time for me to stop playing and pursue my career in physio more further, there was so much more than a game I was leaving behind. So I messaged my gal Bissy (now my gal Cruzy) about joining a CrossFit gym together- the thought of going alone was too daunting and I am so grateful we’ve gotten to do this journey together. I joined CrossFit to continue being fit and healthy, but also within a team environment. Niche has provided that and so much more to say the least!
What is your most memorable moment to date?
My most memorable moment to date… Going to name 2 sorry!
My first one was getting to do the Chasing Better Throwdown with Bissy last year in November. Having started at Niche together and after our cricketing days, there was something really special in getting to ‘compete’ again with her by my side. Whilst it’s never about winning or losing- we had come a long way since starting at the gym together and there was no one else I would’ve rather do it with.
The second was this year at the open in 19.1 with RACKS N SACKS. There is something about the CrossFit community that enables people from all walks of life come together and work towards a common goal and I think my team on that day was the perfect representation of that. I have this vivid memory of Jamie (seeing Jesus) in the last heat and our whole team cheering her on- magical!
What is your most and least favourite WOD or movement?
It’s no secret I love a disgusting, long and grinding WOD.
My favourite WOD to date was actually one Em, Mark & I did at Easter time-
10-1 PCJ / Pull ups
40-30-20-10 Rower cals / burpees
100 DU
800m run
25 T2B
25 BJO
800m run
100 DU
My least favourite was a recent 40 min EMOM on a Sunday- I don’t even know what was so horrible about it but I never want to do it again! It was some BBJO, heavy KB swings, double DB thrusters and some other gross stuff. Saw Jesus at least 6 times, gagged twice and cursed Stacey at least 8.
What tip would you give someone just starting in CrossFit?
It sounds super cliche and is said a lot- but you can’t compare yourself to others. Every one is on their own journey and find what is unique about yours and don’t lose sight of that. Respect the grind- every small win equates to so much more than in that moment and nothing is better than looking back and realising how far you’ve come. And most of all enjoy it! Working out can be the best part of your day if you’re willing to let it be.
What keeps you coming back to CrossFit?
I love that every time you walk into Niche you learn- whether its a new movement, skill progression or technique. I am a big believer in if you aren’t learning you aren’t moving forward. Every day you have the opportunity to push yourself in a way that has the capacity to make you a better, stronger and healthier person and who wouldn’t want to be apart of something like that. I have recently learnt that pushing yourself can come in many shapes and forms- and not just going 110% all the time- definitely a big learning curve (‘just pace yourself Katie’).
What is one random, non-CrossFit ‘thing’ about yourself?
Hmmmmmm…. tough one. I moved from Tassie to study Physiotherapy straight after leaving school- cut my second head off and never looked back! (scar is healing nicely)
