Athlete of the Day!
January 24, 2008
Ann Marie and I go back a long time. I have spent many years working with her to try to learn to "enjoy" exercise and physical activity. It started with spin class. She is always fun and works hard but at some point in class I can see she loses that edge, that ability to push herself. I can read it on her face, her look says I can’t keep this up any longer. Years have gone by and I still see that look every so often, but they come far and fewer in between.
When we opened Albany CrossFit Ann Marie poked her head in, and quicly ran away. When she was finally ready to join a class we welcomed her with open arms. As with spin, those self-destructive looks were back. But, now they were accompanied with some swearing and her common muttering of "this just isn’t for me!" I kept assuring her she was doing great, and her body was changing, but I wasn’t sure that it was sinking in. That is until today!
I wasn’t expecting her in class this afternoon, but it was a pleasant surprise. Class did 3 solid rounds of the CFWU paying attention to form and virtuosity (doing the common uncommonly well). We then hit the WOD 4×400 meter runs. Ann Marie really shocked me letting me push her speed and intensity and hitting 4 straight 400m PRs. After the run she said she now had a goal, to be her sister in the annual 15k boilermaker race, no doubt she can do it!
With 15 minutes remaining before needing to leave, she allowed me challenge her with "Fran". I asked her to try a solid thruster with the 45lb. bar, she obliged. This in itself is a HUGE show of her new attitude. In the past she would have whimpered and asked to use lighter weight without even trying. She walked to the bar did a great looking thruster and felt confident. Ann Marie proceeded to tear through Fran with confidence and grace in 7:38 with the 45lb. and only the blue band for assistance on the Pullups.
I have never seen her push so hard and listen so well. When she was breathing heavy and I said 3 breaths and we go again, she did it. When I said you can get one more, she did it! Earlier in the week Lenora asked, "What is your definition of success?"…this is it! Awesome job today!
Ann Marie (left) with CF buddy Susie
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Woohoo!!!! That’s my CF buddy, allright. Way to go, AnneMarie!!!!
Susie