Do you have a nickname or something people tend to call you around the gym?
Not really! But I’m open to suggestions 🤣
Outside of CrossFit, what are some of your favorite hobbies, talents, or skills?
I have two children, two dogs, and a farm full of animals. That’s where all of my time is spent! My son plays all the sports, and my daughter is into theater and music. I thoroughly enjoy watching them do anything they love!
At home, we have donkeys, chickens, goats, pigs, ponies, horses, and a big cow. Keeping everything alive is both a talent and a skill—ha! We also love spending time at the lake during the summer.
How did you find CrossFit Eclipse, and what led you to join?
Well, I’m a T-Town South transplant, but I had known about Eclipse before just walking in the door. I’ve “competed” (🤣🤣I use that term loosely) in KO the last two years and have always perceived it as the elite gym in town! I’m SOOOO grateful to be a part of the family now!
Is there a motto, phrase, or piece of advice you try to live by, either inside or outside the gym?
I can’t pick just one, so here are two:
- “Never dilute your own cup of coffee trying to be someone else’s cup of tea.”
I love this quote because I have a big personality. It took a lot of years for me to realize we aren’t meant to fit a specific mold, and not everyone is going to like us—and that’s OK! Just stay true to who you are, and those meant to be in your life will love you no matter what. - “The quality of a person’s life, the lifestyle they lead, and the successes they celebrate are in direct proportion to the efforts and sacrifices given to achieve them.”
This is a handwritten quote from my dad that hangs in my closet. I read it every single day. The good things in life don’t come easy. You have to put in effort every single day to live the life you want!
What kind of music gets you pumped up during a WOD? Any favorite artists or genres?
Literally an impossible question! It depends on my mood and the workout. I love ALL music. My playlist could go from Metallica to Post Malone, Hall & Oates, Snoop, Dolly Parton, Tyler Childers, Judah and the Lion, some praise and worship, 90s country, and even Broadway show tunes 🤣. My musical taste is completely unhinged.
What’s your favorite WOD (Workout of the Day), and why?
Anything with power cleans and presses/jerks. Cleans are my favorite barbell movement, and I’m pretty strong overhead. Oh, and no cardio movements with a good rest period between rounds 😂.
When it’s time for a treat, what are your go-to cheat foods?
A bowl of BlueBell homemade vanilla ice cream with a spoonful of creamy peanut butter and Hershey’s chocolate syrup…stirred up until it’s like soup. Not something I eat often, but it’s my favorite indulgence 😆.
What’s one thing you’ve accomplished at CrossFit Eclipse that you never thought you would?
I’ve only been a member since the end of July, but I did get 2nd in the October nutrition challenge! I also unexpectedly PR’d my snatch last week during a Barbell class (to check off my Bingo card!). Those were both unexpected and fun!
What keeps you motivated on your CrossFit journey, even on the tough days?
Just knowing I’m doing something for myself. I do CrossFit for me, and no one else. I’m staying physical so that as I get older, I can live a full and mobile life. It’s a stress reliever, self-care, and I’m setting a good example for my kids.
I’ve literally NEVER done a workout and thought, “I regret that.” I always know I’ll feel better if I just get it done! Plus, it helps that there’s always a smiling face when you walk in—someone will always be glad to see you!
What changes or results have you noticed since joining CrossFit Eclipse?
I just feel really good. I’ve never been one for a “proper” warm-up, but doing that every day has made a huge difference in how my body feels outside of the gym. My movements are improving as well, and I credit this to those daily warm-ups!
Do you have any special memories or moments at CFE that stand out to you?
Since I’m still pretty new here, I think I have a lot to look forward to! I signed up as a judge for KO and am excited to see things from the other side. I’m a natural hype girl, so I can’t wait to cheer on strangers and see some really exciting moments!
Have you experienced any life changes since starting CrossFit that you didn’t expect, either physically or mentally?
I’ve only been at Eclipse since July, but I’ve been doing CrossFit-style training since 2017. I lost 80lbs and got in the best shape of my life at Sky Fitness. In 2019, my life took a rough turn with family tragedies, a health scare for my husband, and then COVID.
The gym shut down when I needed the outlet most, and I struggled. After 18 months of being “gym-homeless,” I officially joined T-Town in 2021 and was beyond grateful to be back. I’ve never made it back to my 2019 self, but I’m just grateful for what I’m capable of today.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone new at CrossFit Eclipse, what would it be?
Just keep showing up! If you’re intimidated, don’t be—everyone is proud of you for walking through the door. No matter your level, be grateful you can move your body, and just keep going!
What are your current training goals or personal records (PRs) you’re aiming to hit?
I’ve been chasing a 155# power clean since 2019 but finally hit 160# this week! My next goal is to become efficient at toes-to-bar—I’ve NEVER successfully had this skill until last week when Nate gave me some good cues and confidence. I’d also love to work towards a muscle-up someday.
If you could design your own WOD and name it after yourself, what would it include?
It would definitely include some farm chore movements: sandbag cleans (unloading feed sacks), heavy farmer’s carries, odd-object carries, box step-ups (step ladder), and heavy sled pulls (stubborn donkey!). Plenty of rest between rounds and maybe a mimosa break, too!
Cowboys or Sooners?
I bleed ORANGE!! Pistols are always firing—even when they suck 🤣. I’m an OSU alum, and everyone in my family went to school there. Forever LOYAL AND TRUE!
Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you or your fitness journey?
Eclipse has been so welcoming to me. I was nervous about stepping into a new environment, but I absolutely love it! I’m loud, always dancing, and try to keep a positive attitude. I’m not the best or the strongest, but I’m grateful for my able body and enjoy every moment of movement! You’ll always hear me complain about running (or something in every WOD 🤣), but I’ll do it and love every second of it anyway!
Thank you for sharing your journey, Sara! We’re lucky to have you at CrossFit Eclipse!