The CrossFit Games : Whatever It Takes
February 2013
Name: April Lowe
Age: 37
Occupation: Employed by Soak Fitness • CrossFit Coach at Crossfit Hardcore West in Coral Springs, FL • CrossFit Games Team Competitor
April Lowe has been a competitive CrossFit athlete for 3 1/2 years. In 2011 she and her team, CrossFit Hardcore, qualified for the CrossFit Games and placed 10th. Since then, April has been on mission to qualify for the Games as an individual. After placing 8th at the South East Regional last year, April is just as determined as ever to make it to the Games. I wanted to know more about April's evolution as an athlete and how she plans on attacking the 2013 season. The following interview touches on a variety of components of her preparation physically, mentally, and spiritually.
What type of athletics were you involved with prior to Crossfit?
In high school I played volleyball year round and then I went on to play Division I volleyball for Florida Atlantic University.
What led you to CrossFit and how did you decide that this was the sport for you?
I had a friend who had been trying to get me to try Crossfit but I wasn't interested- I didn't want to suffer, I had never tried most of the stuff I saw the athletes doing on videos and I didn't want to get bulky! Haha. About 6 months after first hearing about Crossfit I was at a point in my life where I was depressed and feeling a little lost so I decided to try it. Never could I ever have imagined what Crossfit would do for me, it has changed my life in every way possible.
How does age play a factor in your training both in terms of challenges and advantages?
How does age play a factor in your training both in terms of challenges and advantages?
Well I absolutely feel aches and pains on a regular basis and I know I don't recover as well throughout wods and competitions like the 20-something year olds but I feel like that is really the only disadvantage I have. My age and life experience helps me to deal with inevitable low points and frustrations I experience throughout my training and during competitions. I find I don't react as much as I did when I was younger, I am more patient with myself and with the learning process and I trust myself more now than when I was younger.
Has the goal always been to compete at The Games? If not, at what point did you know you wanted to compete against the fittest in the world?
When I was a kid, I wanted to be in the Olympics. I really had no idea what that meant, I just knew I wanted to compete at that level. When I started crossfitting, I felt the same way about competing at The Games. I thought it would be awesome to compete there but I had no clue what that really meant or even looked like. In 2010 I went to The Games as a spectator and it was then that I decided I was going to do whatever it took compete there. I competed the following year on a team and we finished 10th. It was an unbelievable experience but it wasn't enough, I knew that I wanted to compete at that level as an individual.
What sacrifices have you had to make in order to achieve your goals?
I schedule my life around my training. I am in bed early on Friday and Saturday nights because I put in a lot of work on the weekends and need to be as well rested as possible. I stay pretty strict with my training, food and recovery year round, regardless if its during the holidays or if I am on vacation. What little extra money I have goes into my training, whether its put towards equipment, physical therapy or a training camp.
What does a typical day of training/eating/working look like for you?
What does a typical day of training/eating/working look like for you?I get up early, usually around 4:30 and have coffee and my quiet time. Breakfast is 4 eggs with veggies and oatmeal. I go to the gym to train, usually I have strength training in the mornings, for about two hours. I will have a protein shake and sweet potato after. I go home to shower and eat lunch which is some kind of meat with vegetables and usually an avocado. Then I go to work. I will snack throughout the day on eggs, nuts, fruit, etc. After work I go back to the gym for my second training session which is generally skill work and conditioning. I will have another protein shake after with either a sweet potato or banana. Then I go home and eat a big dinner and am pretty much always in bed by 9 or 9:30. I also fit in 2-3 chiropractic/physical therapy sessions during the week.
You recently competed in (and won) the Heraean Games. How does competing in an all female competition differ from a typical CrossFit competition?
You recently competed in (and won) the Heraean Games. How does competing in an all female competition differ from a typical CrossFit competition?
That competition had such a great vibe and amazing energy. I think Crossfit does a good job celebrating strength and power in women but the Heraean Games took that to a whole new level. I felt so proud to be a woman and I loved seeing women and girls of all ages compete together. There were so many men there cheering on their significant others, daughters, sisters, etc. and I just thought it was really cool to have our strength, power and grace be the focus for a day.
What do you look for in a coach? What type of coaching do you currently have in order to prepare for sectionals/regionals/games?
What do you look for in a coach? What type of coaching do you currently have in order to prepare for sectionals/regionals/games?
Your coach must believe in you and your ability. And I believe most importantly, your coach must be invested in you. I've been really fortunate to have great coaches my entire time in Crossfit but I believe I have finally found the perfect formula for improving my chances of success. CJ Martin does my programming, I started working with him about 4 months before last year's Regionals and made so much progress. However, I didn't have a coach on-site coaching me through the workouts. That was a big mistake on my part, I thought the great programming would be enough but I was wrong. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to start working with Fernando David. Not very many coaches would be open to coaching athletes who are following different programs. He and I started working together in November and I've made so much progress. He pushes and demands more of me than I could ever do on my own. CJ and Fernando believe in me. They believe I will be competing in the 2013 Games; they are invested in me and are doing everything in their ability to make sure that happens.
How does competing at an elite level impact the way that you coach your athletes?
I find that I am probably more of a stickler for little details, for good reps and for finishing lifts. When I am talking about skills to my athletes, I emphasize what I want to see them doing. I encourage them to focus on technique and skill first, load second. I practice my "judging" skills when I am coaching, which I think and hope makes them better.
As our Fashlete of the Month April will be receiving a customized sterling silver charm of her choice to add to her CrossFIt Jewelry collection. April chose the word "trust".Why did you choose "trust" as your focus word for the year?
After Regionals last year I sat down and really looked at what I wanted to do for the following season. I knew I was almost good enough, in fact I think that's probably been the best way of describing me since day 1. It's scary being almost good enough because you can put it all out there and very likely be good enough, or you might just fall short. I prayed a lot about what to do and I decided I was going to do everything in my power to make it to the Games. Going into 2013, I felt God really put it into my heart to trust Him, to trust myself and to trust in my ability. I felt the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make straight your path." (Proverbs 3: 5-6) was my verse for the year. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that His plan for me is so much greater than my own and that might very well not include me qualifying for the Games. But I am going to do everything in my power to get there and in the process I believe and trust He will bless me in ways I never could have imagined.
What advice would you give an aspiring CrossFit athlete?
I think it's important to know your "why." I recently listened to Heidi Fearon, from Crossfit Invictus, speak and she talked about knowing your "why". Knowing what motivates you to go and train everyday. Your "why" has to be more than wanting to compete and there has to be emotion and feeling attached to it. Discovering my "why" has brought more intensity and focus into my training, especially on the days when I am not feeling at my best. Also, I believe you must surround yourself with people who support you and lift you up. I have an unbelievable support system, something I didn't really have last year, and it has helped me tremendously. We all need people in our lives who believe in us, who want to see us succeed and who love and care for us even when we fail.
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Sarah Wilson
Comments on this post (7)
April, I always knew you had it in you ever since that first summer before my freshman year when we used to play and train together. You are strong and committed. Glad you got over that “bulking up” thing. :) You look awesome! I’m so proud and happy for you. You will be at the 2013 games! I’m sure of it!
— Heather Sitton
April is truly amazing on so many levels. I had the pleasure of helping out a coaching friend when April was playing high school and club volleyball. It is amazing to have seen her journey as a top level high school and college volleyball player, then an amazing volleyball coach and now all of her success with Crossfit. She is truly inspirational. 2013 is her year!!!!
— Frank
April is one truly incredible person! It has been awesome watching her soar! Congrats to April and keep on with your vision. Your path has been laid in front of you; you WILL succeed!!!
— Mary
April is an amazing person, friend, coach and athlete! Look out Crossfit Games 2013!!!
— nina
April is soooo inspiring and an amazing coach! She has mentored me since my first day in crossfit 2 1/2 years and is one of the reasons I got my certification. I am in awe of Aprils achievements and improvements and she always remains humble no matter how many competitions she competes in! I also love her faith and perseverance! U WILL make it April!!! I will b there 2 cheer u on!!! Love u!!!
— Jennifer Hill
April coaches me at Crossfit Hardcore West. She is dedicated, motivating and inspiring. Her dedication to Crossfit pushes me each time I am in her class. She is one of the strongest individuals I know, both physically and mental. Watching her train leads me to believe she WILL be at the 2013 Games, her phenomenal strength and skill aside, just pure determination alone will get her there! Looking forward to cheering her on.
— Andi
April is such an awesome person and a great athlete! Congrats April :)
— Stephanie