Friday 28 September

We've got some athlete recognition going on in the house today!!

Sarah (Coopy) Cooper joined us just over a year ago, thanks to what is usually the reason - friends convincing her.....

After a nervous start, she has made tremendous progress, thanks to her consistent training, her decision to face her fear of strength training by getting extra help with it, and a positive attitude.

She has also joined the list of remarkable cures at CFNZ, thanks to real food nutritional practices - she regained her sense of smell!!  One of the more amazing stories I have heard in person, and one which we'll have to get her to share in detail here one day soon.

In the meantime, here is the lowdown on Coopy.

How long have you been a member at CFNZ?
Officially one year last week – boom!

How did you end up walking through our doors for the first time? Was there a pivotal event that led you to us?
I have known Jogirl (coach Jojo) for years. I would often come along to CFNZ to support her at
events. My opinion on CrossFitters - “a bunch of mentals”. Last year Jogirl asked me to come to
support her at the labour weekend Mt Manganui comp, and mentioned the teams needed a
uniform…. I thought pink tutus would be suitable. Next thing I knew I was making 10 pink tutus
(Craig I hear you still have yours in your car for safe keeping).

I went to the comp (again – full of mentals), and at a series of social gatherings that night was impressed by this community of welcoming (surprisingly un-intimidating) cool cats. Got into some interesting chats – and one in particular with a very inspirational Miss Kristy resulted in me signing up for intro that Monday. Or someone probably just spiked my drink??

My intention was never to join, as I couldn’t afford it – just do the intro and check it out. Weird how
the day after intro finished I made sure I could afford to join……..
I love CF – it’s the perfect combo of individual and team sports – I get to challenge myself and only
I’m answerable to my results, but I get to do it surrounded by the support, encouragement and fun
you get from a team sport.

Inov8’s, Converse, or Reebok training shoes?
7 year old battered grey chucks…. The holes are for air circulation. They are gangsta.
And they are good for at LEAST another year.

Can you remember your first workout? What was it like?
I don’t remember the workout (I have goldfish tendencies) but I do know I was nervous – and was
terrified of lifting the stick above my head – especially with discs on it. I’d never even held a barbell
before CF. I think that’s been the biggest surprise for me – how much I really love lifting.

What tunes do you like working out to?
Not too fussy – but preferably something I can’t sing along to…. I find breathing is a priority in a
metcon. Also – anything that makes you want to dance is not appropriate in a gym environment.

What has been one of the biggest things in your life that has changed since starting CrossFit?
Regaining my sense of smell and being able to breathe through my nose after 9 years.
I’d tried specialists, doctors, acupuncturists, Chinese herbalists, naturopaths. . . . and one week on
Paleo and I’m cured. Been smelling and inhaling ever since…..
My specialist said there is no scientific link to what we eat and our sense of smell – but he said I’m
evidence that there is definitely something between the two.

What are you doing when you aren't CrossFitting? Career, hobbies etc
I work in advertising – so CF is awesome to melt some of the stress, and give me a priority to leave
the office for. I play some social touch, indoor netball and softball. I also have an art/creative
background so I dabble in photography/painting/craft/screen printing and that – I like making stuff.

CF has meant my base level of fitness is so much higher – when I say yes to some random gameplan
– like surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking or walking 100km for charity, I have the confidence I
can get amongst it and give it a decent nudge.

Is there a CFNZ member who inspires you?
Big ups to all the coaches and interns. They always have a decent tip that makes a difference in a
session and are super encouraging – Craig even managed to keep a semi-straight face 3 seconds
after I sat down during a backsquat in strength class – now that’s professional.
I would like to do a massive shout-out to Krista. We did intro together and since day one she has
been insanely supportive and stoked on any of my improvements. She’s someone I aspire to be like –smashing WOD’s, always aiming to maintain form, constantly improving and stepping it up – and she is humble when cracking a new PB.

What achievement at CFNZ are you most stoked about?
My first deadhang pull-up.
I can’t even explain how stoked I was…. I had wanted one since intro – it took around 8 months.

What would you like to have achieved at CrossFit NZ a year from now?
10 deadhang pull-ups? Oh – and handstand walk the length of the gym…. And snatch over
40kg…and, and, and….. continuing to improve on everything. Might as well ask for a few muscle-ups while I’m here......... :)

WoD and S+C

Every 90seconds
Complete a 200m Run, and spend remainder of time in a hanging L-sit or knee tuck
Focus on running at no more than 90% effort for optimal form.
3 rounds

Then,
Run 400m
30 Pullups
30 Box Jumps 60/50cm
Run 800m
20 Pullups
20 Box Jumps
Run 400m
10 Pullups
10 Box Jumps

SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW FOR OUR BRING A FRIEND + CHARITY WORKOUT!

Comments

[Raerae]

Love your work Coopy....congrats gurl!!
RR

[Jojo]

Love you Coopy!!!!!!!
Woohoo!!!