Dawn O'Regan won the top prize in the Improvement Pool! Here is her story:
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the Improvementpool. I would just like to say that I was completely surprised to be standing on the center podium as a first place finisher. I don’t usually “win” things. I was pleasantly and genuinely caught off guard!
Of course you know the real secret to improving Crossfit… it’s Lululemon!!! You feel good, look good, and OMG, your fitness level skyrockets!
Seriously, I was really amazed to see the data (the “scientific” evidence) that proves the success and the possibilities of the Crossfit program. I entered the pool to support others and to hopefully improve my scores and not decline them. (I never imagined winning!) I am so impressed with Crossfit Santa Cruz and the way Danielle and Hollis run the gym. You can count on vigorous workouts, (getting your butt kicked!) a supportive community of people who seem to share the same passion (addiction) for this fitness craze, and dynamically attentive coaching that encourages and pushes you to believe you CAN succeed and improve. I can tell you right now that I would not push myself as far without the dedicated coaching encouragement.
As far as “what” made this happen for me… I think it was a combination of things and a committed effort.
- Personalized encouragement and support from the coaches. This has been a huge part of my progress. I have made big leaps because I was told that I was capable.
- Healing a shoulder injury with stretching, rolling, and acupuncture. Constant focus on shoulder/chest opening included working with the rings to engage and educate my back muscles.
- Compatible workout partners. Beth D. and I were teamed up a lot during workouts and that proved to be a well matched inspiration for both of us. I received further positive encouragement from the fantastic CF community.
- My husband Brian, daughters Bailey and Hana joined the CF program right as the improvement pool began. This has been an unexpected pleasure (and pain) to share together. When we recently started the re-testing, Bailey showed up to a soccer game we were attending and said excitedly, “I beat your (2k row) time by 7 seconds! My only goal today was to beat your time!” I know Bailey and Hana may pass me up at some point but, I must hold them back as long as I can!
- As far as food goes, I eat fresh, simple (nothing processed EVER) seasonal, organic (when possible) and delicious homemade food. I choose elements from the Paleo method but I do not follow it strictly. I have mostly cut out bread, grains and dairy from my lifestyle but still enjoy them in moderation. I love good food and refuse to eat it if it doesn’t taste amazing and make me feel good. I supplement my diet with omegas, vitamin D, and B daily.
Congratulations to everyone for participating! The event seemed to boost the overall spirit of the community and the results were impressive and validating to witness the gym-wide success.
I would like to thank Danielle and Hollis for an outstanding fitness program. The dynamic functional movements we learn and practice at CF give us useful fitness and compelling results. I have been at CF for a year now and it has become such a positive part of my life. The improvement pool results are proof that the Crossfit Santa Cruz program is hugely successful! Onward we go… Strive for personal improvement, appreciate the process, and celebrate what we have!
-Dawn O'Regan
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Workout:
"Fight Gone....."
In this workout you move from each of five stations after thirty seconds. You will do each station twice. This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed before repeating for a total of three rounds.
- Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 12 ft target. (Reps)
- Sumo deadlift high-pull: 95 pounds (Reps)
- Box Jump: 24" box (Reps)
- Push-press: 95 pounds (Reps)
- Row: calories (Calories)
- Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 12 ft target. (Reps)
- Sumo deadlift high-pull: 95 pounds (Reps)
- Box Jump: 24" box (Reps)
- Push-press: 95 pounds (Reps)
- Row: calories (Calories)
The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. On call of "rotate," the athlete/s must move to next station immediately for good score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each calorie is one point.
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Tyler will be performing at the Blue lagoon; it starts at 8:30 and there is a 5 dollar cover. Come out and laugh at Tyler.
