Athlete Profile: Cathy O

Let me set the stage…50+ year old lady, dogs it on a two day ride during Ragbrai; feels like sledge is running through her veins (due to the 2 donut habit every morning from Caseys’s); can no longer fit into current clothes; and has two teenagers who run circles around her.  Decides a regular 24/7 fitness gym is boring and needs to find another venue for getting back into shape.  This new trainer, with a new concept, has come back to Winterset and is located in a small receiving area attached to the local Dollar General store.  This guy only has a few pieces of equipment; some exercise bikes and something called a Kettlebell.  The workout area is painted gray and there are mats on the floor.  I ask myself, “How effective is this going to be?” But I signed up anyway, needing something new.  WHAT WAS I THINKING…?

Mike Brown hands me an outline of his “RAW Athletics” program.  He says, “These are my rules, commandments, statues, laws, or whatever else you want to call them.  Read them. It is important to see what your initial thoughts are.”    1) Become familiar with FEAR  2) Listen to your BODY  3) NEVER QUIT  4) No COMFORT ZONES  5) JUDGE  No One, Except Yourself  6) Do not try; DO.  The handout was direct.  Words like meatheads, better have thick skin, and you better be able to handle motivational bantering, filled the pages.  He even used the descriptive “F” word stating YOU NEVER “F’ing” QUIT!!!  I knew this guy meant business!  But through all the tough words there was one line that I underlined, “We don’t promise specific results, we promise a more fulfilling lifestyle.”  That was my hook.  Who would have ever known that after that first 10 week session I would migrate with Mike to CrossFit Des Moines?  But as his words were so eloquently stated, “It’s a lifestyle change.” 

It’s the word “lifestyle” that keeps me coming back to CrossFit.  At 50+ years old, I’m not so concerned with the runway model look, comparing myself to the beautiful Hollywood actress, or keeping up with the latest and greatest fashions.  CrossFit is so much more than the actual physical results. I have adopted the “Strong Is The New Skinny” motto.  Strong refers to the mind, body, and soul.  It’s the camaraderie, compassion, and encouragement from the coaches and athletes that help to make each one of us stronger. 

You know the saying, “you are only as strong as your weakest link.”  Well there are no weak links if you are a member of CrossFit.  So, I may be the one who is always bringing up the rear and the last to finish a WOD, but you know what… everyone else who has completed the WOD, including the coaches, are always waiting at the finish line to see that my butt crosses it.  There are always high fives and “good jobs” waiting to be said.   Nothing big, quiet in general.  It’s the personal satisfaction of completing the task at hand that gets the red carpet ceremony.  Thanks everyone for your encouragement!!  The lifestyle change has been very rewarding. 

Oh, and BTW…the results of my first 10 week session with Mike, in that place he called a gym, with that thing he called a Kettlebell…lost 7 inches and 24 lbs. and I haven’t looked back since!  Coach Mike, there will always be a place in my heart for you…Coach Kelli, keep riding my butt. 

Thanks Cathy for all hard work and dedication. Keep it up and see what another year brings you.