Tag: Athlete profile

Name: Arpana

Age: 35

Occupation: Pastry Chef / Owner, Dutch Monkey Doughnuts  (check them out at http://www.dutchmonkeydoughnuts.com/)

Previous workout/exercise history before starting CrossFit? I was that kid who was afraid of PE in grade school. Walked-on to the varsity fencing team at Columbia (or as I called it, anger management). Gained about 40 lbs. in my late teens/early 20s, and lost 50 lbs. over the course of two years by just walking 4 miles a day. Since I hit 30, I’ve needed to do more. Started really working at it last year, with a few half marathons, a marathon, a couple of metric century bike rides, and a triathlon. (Check out Arpana’s before and after picture above.  We can’t take credit for that but we can say we are helping to make her stronger.  Just look at the progress in those few pictures.  Aprana has most recently signed up for the Disney Dopey Challenge which is a 5k the first day, 10K the next day, half marathon the third day and a marathon the last day!  Talk about pushing yourself!)

CrossFitting Since: Nov 12, 2012

How did you learn about CrossFit Sting? Emily Kallos said she was trying it out, and I begged her to let me tag along.

Was it love at first WOD? Yes and no. I felt totally incompetent at first WOD, which just made me want to try it again. And the soreness was epic. I remember my arms being so sore that I messaged Danielle and said, “I don’t know if I should come back tomorrow–I can’t even get my hand close enough to my face to eat.”. (Completely a TRUE story, she emailed me the night before asking if she should come in or rest.)

Favorite WOD or movements? Everything I suck at. Step-ups, hang cleans, etc. I like doing the things I’m terrible at, so that I can see more progress. I love lifting, even though I’m a lightweight, because I can always do 5-10 lbs. more than the last time.

Least favorite WOD or Movements? Wall balls. As many as I’ve done, I can’t seem to go up much in weight.

Favorite CrossFit Sting moment? Describe your experience here. The 10:1, 1:10 burpee/box jump workout where I fell and gashed my shin. It hurt like $#@* hell, but I was so happy about having made it halfway through the workout on a 24″ box that it made everything a little better. And it was totally awesome that my fellow Crossfitters stepped up to help get my kid to school, take me to the emergency room, hold my hand while the doctor shoved needles in my shin (Kathie), while videotaping the whole ordeal (ahem, Danielle).  (Let’s not forget to add that Arpana wears glasses, for depth perception, and was NOT wearing them that morning, ahem!  Even after previous shin encounter with the box.)  Field trip……

Why do you CrossFit? Because it makes everything else in my day feel easier: Carrying my kid to bed is easier. Lifting bags of flour and sugar at work is easier. Laundry is easier. Walking the dog is easier. Pushing a shopping cart through Costco is easier. All of the little things that you whine about doing on a daily basis become not such a big deal. And I feel younger. That’s a big reason. The calluses are sexy, right? 😉

Tell us something new about you that we don’t already know? I found out a few weeks before starting CrossFit that I have an irregular heartbeat that basically limits my endurance and speed. I get frustrated when I can’t do things as quickly as other people, or when I have to take breaks to bring my HR back down. CrossFit has been pretty great for me in this respect, because there are so many varied aspects of it. It’s not like running, where you’re either fast or you’re not. I love that I can find things that work for me, and do them well, even if I positively suck at other things. (Arpana has been a great addition to CrossFit Sting and has had a hand in helping the “cool kids class”, the 6:30am class really grow.  We thank you for your help over the past months and your continued support.)

Name: Kim Wood

Age: OMG 50 (look at you in that picture, you would never know it!)

Occupation: I am a domestic goddess (maid, chauffeur, and most importantly a MOM!)

Previous workout/exercise history before starting CrossFit? Well over my 50 years of life I was one of the lucky ones. My dad use to call me “Stretch” because I was always tall and skinny. But after having my three children the fat began to settle in. I’m sure you are thinking post baby weight. NOT! I am a freak of nature. With my first child (Justin) I lost 12 pounds, gained the 12 back with an additional 7 pounds and then he weighed 7 pounds. With my second child (Kelsey) I lost 4 pounds and stayed that way throughout my pregnancy and then with my third (Kalyn) I didn’t gain or lose any weight. I am skinniest when I’m pregnant. Well that’s not happening anymore. So I joined a few fitness (beauty) centers, starting running a couple of miles a day but could never stick with anything more than a year. Additional, I am from New Orleans where the food doesn’t get any better. Everything you do revolves around food.

CrossFitting Since: I’ve been doing Crossfit for just about a year

How did you learn about CrossFit Sting? My daughter Kelsey was instructed to do CrossFit as her summer workout from her college volleyball coach. After hearing of the things that she did as CrossFit, I knew there was no way I could ever attempt it. Luckily she talked me into joining and I never looked back. (Kim has really stepped it up and is coming to more classes per week and has even been changing her diet.  She said she feels so much better and is sleeping better.  We even got reports of her WODs she did while on vacation last week!)

Was it love at first WOD? NO! Most definitely not. After my first WOD (whatever that meant at the time) I went home, showered and stayed on the couch the rest of the day and evening. I could not move. Two days later the soreness kicked in. I felt 90 years old and looked that age while trying to walk. But the soreness eventually subsided, of course until the next WOD. It was very hard in the beginning, not that its not hard now, I am just stronger and feel so much better physically and mentally.

Favorite WOD or movements? Well it sure isn’t BURPEES! Who ever invented those needs to be shot. No, TORTURED. I like the GHD machine and the weight lifting.

Least favorite WOD or Movements? Besides BURPEES . . . oh yeah RUNNING! Cardio sucks for me, but thats what I need. I think I’m getting better.  (Kim is definitely getting better and doesn’t have to walk during ANY of the runs anymore including the 800m.)

Favorite CrossFit Sting moment?  Consecutive DU (double under) for those non crossfitters, I didn’t know what it was. I was so excited that after I did one I stopped. Jessica and Danielle helped me to further the number of consecutive DU’s I think I’m at 6. My goal is to do 10 consecutively. CrossFit Sting is an amazing environment to make yourself feel better. It’s a family. Take it from someone who has moved around a lot. I consider everyone at CrossFit Sting my friends. I’ve only lived in Alpharetta for about 20 months and you guys are my FRIENDS!  (We all consider you our family and friend as well.)

Why do you CrossFit? I Crossfit to be strong and healthy. What am I talking about . I want to lose weight. But I now understand how all of those things go hand in hand. I also CrossFit for the friendships. I love our 9:30 a.m. class. I didn’t think I would ever say this, but when I miss a class I feel very guilty. In addition, Saturday Team WOD’s are so much fun. That’s when I get to see all the working class people. HAHA!

Tell us something new about you that we don’t already know? Let’s see, there’s not much you don’t know. I am an open book. Ask me, I’ll tell you. Stan this is for you. I AM FROM “THE WHO DAT NATION” and the SAINTS are the greatest NFL team. GEAUX SAINTS! You already knew this. Tony and I are not married. We are living in sin. We divorced in 2003, got engaged again in 2006 and I’m thinking he has cold feet. Can you imagine he wants to marry the same chick as he did way back in 1986. Well, maybe I’m like wine, I get better with age.