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Home / Fashlete™ of the Month / Tagged: CrossFit

Fashlete™ of the Month

Olympic Lifting : Kid's Play

May/June 2011

I'd like to think that when I am a mom someday, I won't be the kind of parent that forces her kids to participate in activities based on her own interests and that I'll have the same "follow your bliss" attitude that my parents had.  But... I'm sorry future children, you are absolutely participating in sports.  Not just for the sake of physical fitness but because being involved in sports as a kid teaches discipline, mental toughness, confidence, teamwork, goal setting, and so much more.  

Since my children don't exist yet, they are safe for the moment from my burpee challenges, 1 mile time trials, and Tabata everything.  In the meantime, I would like to introduce you to group of five determined young athletes from LIFT Florida.   Emma, Cody, Justin, Gunner, and Stone have qualified to compete in the Junior Olympics in New Orleans in July in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting.  When I think of the discipline it takes to get to the level of competition that these kids have gotten to at such a young age, I am immediately in awe.  I have chills.  My heart is in my throat.  I'm beaming from ear to ear.  This group has put in hours of training and have become exceptional at something that many adults I know have difficulty with (myself included). This is, without a doubt, a very special group.

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Girls With Sole

April 2011

Name: Kate "Killer" Rawlings
Age: 28
Occupation: Sole owner of Coca CrossFit where she holds certifications in CrossFit Kids, Olympic lifting and Gymnastics.

Kate "Killer" Rawlings is currently the 29th Fittest Woman on Earth.  And although that is an extremely impressive statistic it has nothing to do with why she is featured here today as the Fashlete of the Month.  Kate is involved with  Girls With Sole, an organization with a  mission to use fitness and wellness to empower the minds, bodies and souls of girls who have experienced abuse of any kind, or who are at-risk.  Kate recently hosted a fundraiser for Girls with Sole and will be offering free classes at Coca CrossFit for girls who have experienced abuse.  Although I have a million training and CrossFit related questions that I would love to ask Kate, this interview is entirely about her important work with Girls With Sole.  Enjoy!

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A Leader by Example

March 2011

Name: Jason Lyons
Age: 32
Occupation: Scientist/Polymer Chemist, CrossFit Coach - CrossFit King of Prussia, Bridgeport, PA

Our Fashlete of the Month was nominated by Stephanie Vincent, an athlete from CrossFit KOP in Bridgeport, PA.  
 
 “I am nominating Jason not so much for his own success story… but for what he inspires in his athletes.  When Jason started CF he was very out of shape and overweight and couldn't do much of anything.  I think it is that start that makes him such an amazing coach.  When one of his athletes accomplishes something or sets a PR, Jason is able to celebrate with them as if he himself had been the one succeeding.” 
 
This email included a link to Jason’s bio that described how Jason, a self-proclaimed “work in progress”, has lost over 30lbs, decreased body fat by 14%, and has gone down pant 4 sizes and 5 belt loops.  Jason put his story out there accompanied by some pictures that he describes as “really embarrassing” all for the benefit of his clients.  All he wanted to do was show people what can be accomplished with a little hard work.

Jason has done that and more. Not just through words and photos but through his actions.

“Jason holds his athletes to a high level of integrity.  He encourages them to give everything they have to the workouts...and then some more.  He convinces his athletes that they can do more than they ever thought was possible.  Anyone who has ever been coached by him, will agree.   Jason has a special knack for coaching individuals who start CrossFit with challanges like he did.  He is especially gifted with these individuals because he is able to see the potential in each and every person he coaches.   He is a reflection for their potential, until they are able to see it themselves.  Jason's humor, enthusiasm, knowledge and most of all HEART inspire so many...that is why he deserves to be the Flashlete of the month.”

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Miracle in a Moment

February 2011

 Name: Stephanie Cedeno
Age: 31
Occupation: Clinical Social Worker at a High School 

“Used to be unhappy, Used to be negative, Used to suffer chronic pain because of Arnold-Chiari Malformation (brain and spinal birth defect), Used to feel hopeless, used to worry, used to be severely overweight. Used to.” -Stephanie

Stephanie has overcome a lot (understatement of the century).  The odds have been stacked against her since birth and for a while she admittedly gave in to her pain and categorized herself as a “medically incompetent person who would never find relief”.

Stephanie’s transformation did not happen overnight and it was far from easy.  She weaned herself off of her pain medication, drastically changed her diet, got involved in CrossFit, and slowly but surely she transformed from the inside out.  Though her overall gains in physical and mental strength have been beyond impressive, today we are going to celebrate a single “miraculous” moment.

“I am living proof that if you honor your body it will honor you in return.”

Stephanie’s email to me began with one very long sentence that ended with five exclamation points. I honestly felt like she was running at me full speed through the computer screen barely able to contain herself as she shared her exciting news with a total stranger.  And I am just as excited to share her news with you…

OH MY GOSH EVERYONE I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED I CAN’T BELIEVE IT STEPHANIE WAS ABLE TO LIFT THE 44LB WHILE DOING THE TURKISH GET UP!!!!!

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Transformation

January 2011

Name: Sheron Smith

Age: 59

Occupation: Owner/operator of Nana's Nest, a daycare specializing in children with special needs.

 If Sheron Smith does not inspire you to conquer your goals in 2011 then I don't know who will. Sheron is a hero (though she is so humble I doubt she would ever admit it).  I am very excited to take this opportunity to share Sheron's story with you and give her a much deserved moment in the spotlight.  

My name is Sheron Smith. I am a mother, a grandmother, a wife. Until a few years ago I was on a downhill spiral of self-destruction. I was morbidly obese and my health was quickly becoming a problem.

The realization that I needed to drastically change my life hit me quite abrupt. I stepped on the scale on August 1st, 2007 and it broke at 300 pounds. I sat on the bathroom crying mostly out of shame but also out of despair! I didn’t know what to do or where to start but at that moment I knew that if I were to continue living I needed to do something.
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