Meet member Kara!

Name: Kara

Age: 30

Occupation: Part time RN, Full time Mom. I current work Labor and Delivery at Northside as well as at Atlanta Center for Reproductive Medicine in their OR. (We might have to require that our pregnant CrossFitters are in Kara’s classes when they get into their final weeks, just sayin’) I spend half of my work days helping people get pregnant and the other half delivering babies. Then my home days are spent with Olivia and Caroline, my own little reproductions.  (These little reproductions, or living dolls, can be seen in the box quite often and we are so glad they are finally warming up to us!  Just in time for kids classes soon!)

Previous workout/exercise history before starting CrossFit?  In my younger years I did everything, but never had a passion for anything until I was in college and was on a Crew team. Sadly, that was my last dedication to any activity. In more recent years I kept a gym membership which I would infrequent. I think I have tried every class possible, but nothing ever kept my attention.  (Kara really is an excellent rower so if you need ANY tips Kara is your girl, plus she’s really tall so that helps with rowing.)

CrossFitting Since: January 2013

How did you learn about CrossFit Sting?  I have a cousin who used to own a CrossFit in Alpharetta that Danielle and Jessica were a part of. I contacted him one day after looking at all of his CrossFit pics and he gave me the run down of every box in the area. Within minutes he had contacted Sting and I had the intro appointment set up. The ball started rolling so fast that I didn’t even have time to over think (or back out of) what I was doing. That’s how I knew it was meant to be.  (Very true story, we were all contacting each other simultaneously she didn’t have a choice.  Still wondering what the “blurb” about us said in  the run down of the area boxes.  However, very glad that you chose us.)

Was it love at first WOD? Yes, and I am not lying. When I woke up the next day and could barely move I had a smile on my face from ear to ear. I knew this was what was going to turn things around for me. I remember one night being in so much pain and praying that I could walk in the morning so that I could go back. I love hard work and I still get butterflies in my stomach before every WOD. It’s definitely love!

Favorite WOD or movements? I secretly like the really long WODs. I love looking at the board and thinking there is no way in hell I will finish this and then totally surprising myself. I like the weights, kettle bells, the GHD, wall balls, running and rowing now of course.  (Does this mean that you secretly love the Air Force WOD and can’t wait to repeat that one?)

Least favorite WOD or Movements? Hahaha, this is a no brainer. Anyone who has done a WOD with me knows I dislike jumping. This includes jumping rope, box jumps, lateral jumps, broad jumps, frog jumps, those PVC jumps… Did I miss any? I dislike them mainly because I am nearly six feet tall and feel like it should be easy, but I truly suck at it. I will get over it eventually. I’m also not a fan of sit ups, but mainly because I keep a purple/raw backside. I swear my sacrum is deformed. The more sit ups I do the more I feel a small tail beginning to form. Ha, I’m going to stop there.  (Here is a picture of Kara’s homemade box for her to practice on at home, notice the writing on top…….Today I will not be defeated by inanimate objects!)

Favorite CrossFit Sting moment? When we repeated our intro WOD. I know I have improved over my three months but this was the first real proof of it. It wasn’t just the improvement in time and weight, it was remembering how I felt after that first WOD and the anticipation and excitement of reaching a point where I could RX and be able to function afterwards. To get to that point in three months just blows my mind. And it wasn’t just my own personal achievement, it was everyone’s. To see so many people improve and so many people truly proud of their accomplishment was very powerful.

Why do you CrossFit? I CrossFit because I am addicted. I love the way it makes me feel. Being new to the area I sought out Crossfit at what I feel was a low point in my life. We had recently moved away from all of our family and friends, we had new jobs, new school, new house and I missed the old and comfortable like crazy. I felt depressed, gained 10 lbs and decided something had to change. I even saw a therapist, but after she fell asleep during our session (true story) I decided I’d try something else. Then I found you guys and three short months later I am loving it here. My outlook has entirely changed I feel empowered and strong and I have met so many amazing people. I also love that my girls get to be a part of it and witness what a positive influence a healthy lifestyle can be.  (Kara has really jumped in full force, she rarely misses a WOD and has been eating clean since she started.  If anyone wants any tips or recipe ideas she would be a good contact in addition to a few other members.)

Tell us something new about you that we don’t already know?  I am studying to take the GRE and it’s the worst part of applying for school. I have hopes of starting my WHNP (Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner) program next Spring. I really enjoy being in school and I am getting the itch, weird I know! Before I went to nursing school I studied Forensic Anthropology and spent a lot of time on body farms and with cadavers. People always find that interesting… or disgusting.