Carolyn Sainty

Posted by Lee on Aug 4, 2011 in Athlete of The Month, WOD | 11 comments

Wow what a surprise. THANK YOU!!!! I just do it because of I love it so much and the challenges it presents.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
Since July 2010. Started earlier that year but didn’t come that often.

Was there a moment, or maybe a WOD (or its aftermath), when you realized you understood what CrossFit was about?
Heaps of memorable moments and achievements. As a result, I’m addicted! When I started CrossFit, I had never lifted a weight bar and had no idea what to do. They had all these strange names – Hang Power Clean, Push Press, Sumo Deadlift High Pull etc – whatever that meant! Then there were pullups, double unders and hand stand pushups to learn. I didn’t realise there were so many different exercises to learn (and master!). But now I’m always determined to beat my previous weight/score and to do my best. CrossFit is about conquering things I thought I would never be able to, or at one point I couldn’t do at all. It’s great looking back and seeing how I’ve progressed / what I’ve achieved and PB’s achieved. I would never have achieved what I have without the great training from Lee and others. It’s also working out with others that are experiencing the same pain and then encouraging each other to finish.

How has CrossFit impacted your life outside the box?
My whole life revolves around CrossFit. I won’t do anything that could affect the next day’s training session (except breaking bones in hockey – but that hasn’t stopped me doing CrossFit). I’m always thinking about the activities I can’t do and how I can improve as I’m determined to conquer them. I would spend all day, every day at CrossFit learning/training if it was possible. I have heaps more energy. Since I play hockey, it’s lifted my fitness level for games. Impact – since I train in the morning, I’ve become an “oldie” and in bed at 9pm every night (haha). All my friends know I’m a fitness junkie and amazed at the things we overcome at CrossFit.

Do you monitor your diet?
Yes, definitely. About 3 years ago I turned a corner in my life and have eaten healthy since, but it wasn’t until doing the “I am CrossFit” earlier this year that I learnt more about the “good” fats and carbs etc needed for doing intense training. I try to eat Paleo as much as possible. I’m very uneducated in the food area and want to learn heaps more so it will enable me to exercise to my best and become a better athlete.

Do you ever get discouraged or burned out? How do you overcome that?
I get discouraged a lot of the time. Especially with lifting weights above the head – I just can’t do them. But then the next day’s workout is something I can do and it puts me back on track. It gives me more incentive and determination to try harder on the things I can’t do. I’m sure we all get burnt out from time to time. The only remedy is a rest day.

Who in the CrossFit community inspires you and why?
Well of course it would have to be our No 9 – oops sorry, No 7 in the world masters! Sue. Someone that is my age achieving and conquering things I will never be able to is definitely inspiring. Then there are people like Will who gives 100% every time and never gives up.

After competing in my first competition on the weekend, I realize there are a lot of amazing and fit people out there in CrossFit, both young and old. Meeting “beginners” and “older” (not old!) people entering a comp, and then watching the finals was an inspiration to what is achievable. Inspires you to keep learning and training.

Which pr—for a WOD or lift—are you most proud of and why?
My very first RXD – can’t remember what it was but I remember being stoked at the time. I didn’t think I would ever be able to achieve a required workout, until then. Also achieving 82.5kg for Back Squats which is 32kg more than my weight.

Hope this helps.
Carolyn

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