Rachel Fives - March - AOM

What brought you to CF?

I was looking for Personal Training sessions and met Darrin while he was at Black Irish.  Shortly after that, he became full time at CFP.  When I was doing my sessions with Darrin, I saw these crazy people doing CrossFit.  I didn’t think that I could do it, and being around all those new people seemed scary, but Darrin told me I should give it a try.  I ended up buying a 10 pass punch card and it was pretty clear I was staying (at CFP) after the 3rd class.

 

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What do you do for a living?

I am a Construction Project Manager at CU in Central Facilities, currently doing a rotational assignment as the Project Intake Manager.

You are also going to school, what are you studying?

I am pursuing a Master’s of Science in Human Environment Relations at the College of Human Ecology at Cornell. With a concentration in Facilities Planning & Management.

What’s your athletic background like before CF?

I was a competitive swimmer from age 4 until I was 16 and swam recreationally before I started CF. I played soccer when I was kid and coached Youth Soccer in Tioga County for 4 years before CF. I also water and downhill ski. When I stopped swimming in HS, I started running to stay in shape. I moved to Chicago in 1998, and I met a bunch of people who ran. I ended up signing up for a Speed Class (running) and met a good friend that was signed up for the Chicago Marathon, and I was too. I ran it in 1999 under 4 hours! (Ask Artie his marathon times… ) I’ve also run 10Ks, 15Ks, half marathons, etc.

What’s your favorite CF movement?

I like to do almost everything- it would be easier to say what i don’t like.

Ok, what’s your least favorite movement?

Burpees. Actually, Darrin made me do dumbbell burpee box step ups. Those sucked.

What makes you get out of bed to make it to the 6am class so consistently?

All my peeps at the gym. There is an energy at the 6am class that’s indescribable - it’s an amazing group of people and coaching staff. AND, knowing if I get my workout done in the early morning, it’s done and I don’t have to worry about it the rest of the day.

If you could write a WOD, what would it look like?

Cash in:

100 DUBS Chipper:

50 GHDs 1 rope climb 40 Power cleans 65# 1 rope climb 30 OHS 65# 1 rope climb 20 pullups 1 rope climb Cash Out:

100 dubs

What do you do for self-care?

I ROMWOD 3 days/week I see Dr. Sarah 1/week I drink BCAAs I eat really healthy What do you like to do outside of CF and work?

I hang out with my husband, go to dinner with my friends, I garden in the summer, and walk my dogs.

What’s a goal(s) you have for the 2017 Open?

I would like to RX everything, if possible. I also want to not stress out about it and minimize the stress that can surround The Open at the gym. Also, Artie and I are taking pictures this year and I really want to capture the excitement, the first time experiences, PRs, and great coaching moments.

What’s a long term CF goal you have?

When I turn 55, I’m going to still be really strong, and I’m going to compete in the Masters Division in the Open and rock it. Also, I eventually want to be able to do everything; pistols, increase squat depth, muscle ups.

What’s a CF goal you’ve crossed off the list?

When I started working out at CF, I was more concerned with body composition and getting lean. I wanted to look like athletes I’d seen in sports I liked. I wanted to look like Eva Wahlstrom, a boxer. Now, I don’t want to look like someone else, and I’m trying to put less emphasis on body composition and more on strength. I want to be really strong and look like myself.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could only bring one thing, what would it be?

Artie

What would you tell someone that’s hesitant to try CF?

The coaches at CFP will help you be successful and not to feel intimidated because everyone starts at the beginning. The coaches and community at CF have changed my life and I am so thankful to have found Pallas. People here work really, really hard and are incredibly inspiring and encouraging.

What’s your favorite book?

I have 2: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

What’s your favorite meal to splurge your macros on?

Pasta…I had a dish at Harry Tony’s in Cortland that I would have all the time if I could. It was Chicken Riggies - chicken breast, hot peppers, tomato filets & onion in creamy wine sauce over rigatoni.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Darrin has been a huge influence on me as a coach, as a person and is a massive reason why I’m successful at CF. He really pushed to try as hard as I can, to be a good example, to focus, to work on my technique so I stay uninjured, to have faith in myself and to trust the coaches there. If it wasn’t for Darrin, there are so many things I wouldn’t have given a chance. Because I trusted Darrin so much, it made me trust the other coaches at the gym and the process more. I wouldn’t have given CF a thought if it wasn’t for Darrin.

In addition, Kylie has been unbelievably helpful to me with nutrition goals. She has been a grounding force for my consistency with the Eat to Perform macro goals she set up for me. Her help and encouragement and co-conspiracy had been fantastic.