Oh Off-Season, My Dear Ol’ Friend…

Hello Off-Season.. We meet again! However, we’re changing things up around here - Let’s dive right in.

This year, I wanted to get out of the typical thrower’s routine of throw, lift, rinse, repeat. So I went back to where it all started, Crossfit. Back in May, I joined NCFIT, a renowned CrossFit gym nestled in the heart of the Bay Area. I immediately befriended a lot of people in the classes I joined and it felt nostalgic to come back. I started Crossfit back in 2011 and it played a huge part in my endurance on the basketball court, and my strength in the throws, which then gained me a spot on the OSU Women’s Track and Field team. 

Incorporating CrossFit into my training has been a game-changer. The emphasis on functional strength, agility, and conditioning perfectly complemented my hammer throw preparation. Every session from Olympic lifts to high-intensity interval training left me feeling stronger and more explosive, ready to launch that hammer further than ever before.

2024 TYR Wodapalooza - Huntington Beach, California

Next up was the TYR Wodapalooza CrossFit competition, where I teamed up with two fellow athletes for an unforgettable three-person team challenge. Competing against some of the best in the region, our team fought hard, combining strength, strategy, and sheer determination. 

We navigated through a series of grueling workouts, each designed to test our limits. The atmosphere was electric, filled with camaraderie and friendly competition. To say we were pumped would be an understatement! Our collective effort led us to an impressive 9th-place finish overall. Not only did we prove our mettle, but we also forged lasting friendships and learned valuable lessons about teamwork and resilience. 

Side note, for my OG crossfiters from the 2010/2011 era… Would the names Valarie Vobiril and Sam Dancer ring a bell?! After all these years, I finally got to meet them! They were the kindest individuals and so fun to compete with! 

2024 San Francisco Half Marathon.. More like “The San Francisco 8-miles-of-hills half marathon.”

No off-season would be complete without a little bit of distance running! I decided to challenge myself further by participating in the San Francisco Half Marathon. With the picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the crisp morning air, the race was as beautiful as it was daunting.

I set out with a goal in mind: to crush my previous personal record of 2:30. With every mile, I felt the burn, but I also felt the exhilaration of knowing I was capable of more than I believed. As I crossed the finish line with a time of 2:16:31, a new personal record, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Will I run another half-marathon? Maybe go for the full marathon? I’m not sure, but I won’t say never! If anything, I would love to run the London Marathon and/or do the London Hyrox race. 

As much as I enjoyed the Off-Season, I’m ready to compete!

This off-season has been a whirlwind of growth, challenge, and triumph. Joining NCFIT, competing at Wodapalooza, and smashing my half marathon time has not only enhanced my fitness but also reignited my passion for the sport. 

As I look forward to the upcoming outdoor track and field season, I can’t help but be proud of the work I put in during this off-season. I’m coming out this fitter, stronger, and more confident than ever before. Here’s to breaking that 70m mark this year!

Throwing it Far,

SGB

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