Athlete of the Month

Congratulations Katie!

Hometown: Warminster, PA
Current Location: King of Prussia, PA
Age: 38
Occupation: teacher (currently preschool!)
College: Lancaster Bible College and I'm taking grad classes at Eastern University

How long have you been a CrossFitter? 2 years and 2 months!

Did you ever play sports? I was a cheerleader in high school and college and I ran track in high school (I was super slow then too...My nickname was the red caboose!)

Got some cool (or uncool) hobbies you'd like to share? I used to go all out with hobbies like crocheting, making my own soaps and lip balm, re-staining/painting old furniture, candle making ect. I love a good craft if it's something that I can use. I haven't delved in to the craft world in a while though.

What has been your biggest achievement at CrossFit in the 2017 year? Getting pull ups without the band and doing multiple rope climbs in a WOD.

What do you feel that you still need to work on? Absolutely everything....but the two things that come to mind the most would be making my core stronger and nutrition

Goals for the rest of this year? Stringing DU's!! Mike San told me he kept his hop in between each DU for 3 years...and that it's not a good goal to have - so I'm going to try to knock that hop out sooner than that!

What's your favorite WOD? I love anything with multiple movements involved (chipper type WOD's like filthy fifty)...I also love a good partner WOD. I always push myself harder with a partner and don't feel so defeated through the really tough and grueling moments that Crossfit likes to dish out. 

How about your favorite food/snacks? I love Thai food...I could eat it every day of the week!

What is the craziest workout outside of CF you have ever done? "The Bonefrog" in June of 2017 - I went with several rock stars from the early morning crew - I'm not sure how I got invited but I did. And I really loved every minute of it. I love mud runs and obstacles - I couldn't achieve every obstacle but I still felt pretty accomplished afterward.

What’s your least favorite WOD? I really don't like to run (unless mud is involved) - so any WOD with running in it is pretty much dreadful to me (sorry coach Tim wish I had your passion!). I've done Nancy twice this year and I did beat my time this last round by a minute and a half - I was really shocked (and excited) by that!

Favorite lift/movement? I love the power snatch. I need to work on squatting with it as the weight gets heavier. I've been loving the power clean lately too! And even though I'm not proficient in them yet...I really love HSPU's.

What’s your least favorite lift/movement? I hate front squats for some reason. HATE THEM.

What skill are you planning on working on as the new year 2018 rolls on? It's not a skill but really it's my nutrition. It's always on my brain! I need Aimee's nutritional challenge every month!

Whats your favorite piece of workout "gear"? Froning SR-1F speed rope - it's the 3rd rope I've bought and 3 truly is a charm! (Thanks Jeremy!)

What you say is your biggest improvement since starting CF? My confidence for sure has improved a great deal since joining Crossfit KoP. I didn't join to gain confidence...but I gained it with out knowing I needed it. I never felt like I was really good at any sport...but as you know Crossfit covers such a wide range of movements that I can feel accomplished after a workout because it's all about me and how I can better myself. I often think "I didn't walk in to Crossfit KoP as an athlete like so many do...but I sure feel like one when I leave each day." It has also taught me about true body image - and what that means. I no longer look at myself as imperfect, I look at myself as strong.

Who is your favorite coach? I've had the privilege of getting to know a lot of the coaches and so many are my favorites for so many reasons! Steph is by far my favorite lifting coach - she's so knowledgeable and always knows what to say to get me moving in the right direction. You can just hear her passion for lifting when she coaches - plus her personal story is SO inspiring. Manisha is also a favorite - she always gives me amazing tips to improve my movements! And even though I've only taken Giulia's class a few times - she is definitely up there too. She can get me motivated and can get me to push myself like I've never been able to do before. I get to see Tim P once or twice a week too - I love his energy and his passion for running. He never makes me feel like I'm a failure and is always so stinkin' positive!! I always hear his voice when I run "pick up your knees...pump those arms....come on give it 80%, 90% now 100%!" He coaches me even when he's not there!

Aimee is by far my overall favorite coach - she's a natural, she's talented - she knows how to command a room of adults (and children!). She instructs so perfectly to where I understand exactly what I'm supposed to do to make the motion better. She can spot a mis-movement a mile away. I love that about her. If I don't hear her scream "Yeah Katie!!" during a WOD I get very disappointed with myself! She's an amazing leader and I am so grateful for her passion and for starting the community at Crossfit KoP! I love Gordy, Jason, Jenna and Keith too!! Somehow I've never had the privilege of taking Rachel's class - sorry Rachel! I hear amazing things about you!!

PR's to mention? Goals Reached? Nutrition highlights?.. PR - sticking with an exercise regiment longer that 3 months...I"ve never done that before and I owe it all to this awesome community and our amazing coaches!