Athlete Spotlight! – Lizzie

By Tricia Wessling
 
How were you introduced to CFO? When did you realize CrossFit was for you?
I found CFO through a Google search of places around the area. I drove to them all to check them out … I had never seen a Crossfit box before. I had just moved here from Ontario, Canada, where I had done it a few times and I really loved the dynamics, movements and variety. It was a few months later that I signed up at CFO and convinced my hubby to sign up to. I always new Crossfit would be for me. I love the physical challenges … burpees and double-unders and box jumping and running and squats and clean-and-jerks and toes-to-bar and everything else that gets thrown at us.
 
What is your first impression ?
Love at first WOD. 
 
What do you like best about going to CrossFit Oakdale?
Several things make CFO the best … the coaches are dynamite, the people are encouraging and cool, music is pumping, equipment is plentiful, plus it is a good and positive environment all-around to be in.  I like how CFO runs and the challenges the coaches give me each day I go.
 
 I have always wanted to…..
 Go to Hawaii! Now that I live so much closer than before … it is way more possible!!!
 
One word people use to describe me:
Hmm, there are usually two words: strong and resilient. I am a stage 4 cancer survivor and have endured my fair share of heartache and tragedy and loss in a short period of time at a young age. It completely changed my life’s path. Dealing with everything took time and effort and energy but I have come through it all a better, more self-aware person. Life is good.
Outside of the gym I like to…..
Play sports!! Hockey and basketball are my #1 and #2 choices. I also like to learn so I study things on my own or go to the local college for some classes. I love going on hikes, going to the water, playing with my 3 doggies, teaching, coaching, traveling, spending time with my hubby, planting trees, visiting friends and family, and going on adventures and exploring things. I have a “Life’s To Do” list that is loaded with stuff to do at the drop of a hat so being spontaneous is something I like too. 
 
Three things in my fridge:
Plums, nuts, and diet Pepsi 
 
The last thing you ate:
Plums 
 
Something no one knows about me or would be surprised to know:
I moved to California 2 years ago and I am now just starting to get settled. I really wilted when I moved here … it has been a very difficult transition for me. I miss all things Canadian and familiar. However, my hubby has been great and well worth the move and after I joined CFO I noticed it benefitted me all around, not just for physical exercise … that I did not expect or anticipate but am grateful for  … thank you!  🙂
 
Favorite physical activity outside of CrossFit Oakdale:
Hockey, basketball, running, hiking, ultimate frisbee, badminton, rollerblading, bike riding … just about any sport really. 
 
Favorite place to eat:
Back home, in Canada, this cute little Italian restaurant called Fellini Coolini’s  and a place called Joe Cool’s. 
 
Proudest accomplishment:
Surviving cancer I guess. Yeah. I would say so. And that I am not bitter or angry going through all of it …  I promised myself in my darkest moments that I would not end up a bitter, angry, ugly-personality person. I wanted to be remembered in a positive way.
 
If you could invite anybody to dinner:
My older brother, Jason! He died in a car accident when I was in treatment for cancer … right after my second surgery but before I started chemo and radiation. We were tight. This broke my heart more than having advanced stage cancer.
 
Favorite workout attire:
My Nike capris with my new CFO tank top, and my Reebok Crossfit shoes!! Ponytail and wrist bands on too baby!

DSC04709 (1) lizzie2 lizziewed lizzie lizzieraft

Workout of the Day

Gymnastics

Handstand Practice

For 7 minutes get upside down.  This may mean:

1 Wall Climb per minute, or Handstand Hold for 20 seconds per minute, or a 40 foot handstand walk per minute. 

Conditioning

“Big Mac”

90 Doubleunders

30 Power Cleans 135/95

90 Doubleunders

30 Front Squats 135/95

90 Doubleunders

Shamelessly borrowed from Ben Bergeron’s Competitors WOD.  But I gave it a name – to me, the DU are like the bread on a Big Mac, and the barbell stuff is like the meat.  Enjoy!

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