Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. September’s Athlete of the Month is Claire Musser. Claire was chosen because she has a great attitude and works really hard each time she’s at the gym. Claire adds such a positive energy to OPCF and we are thankful for that! Learn more about Claire below.
1. How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?
I have been at OPCF since December 2018 (or maybe end of November 2018). So, almost a year!
2. What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
I swam through college and we did some variation of “CrossFit” in order to cross-train. I thought I had an idea of what “real CrossFit” was… I did NOT. After my first initial workout I was not sure this was for me. I was scared I would become “bulky” and I thought most of the movements were too challenging (and intimidating!) to attempt. BUT, I wanted to keep trying because when I saw the other athletes at the gym, none of them were bulky, they were just strong and toned! I loved the loud music and that people cheered each other on – there was a sense of a “team”!
3. What has been your favorite workout?
This is going to sound NUTS, but I loved this year’s Murph workout because I finally figured out how to do kipping pull ups and I was able to complete the workout RX! I was so proud of myself and it really has motivated me to keep trying and practicing! My most recent favorite workout was the workout where we has S2O, T2B and double-unders because I could actually do the movements without scaling!!
4. What is your favorite cheat meal?
Greek food! I LOVE My Gyros. I also like Indian food :). Luke and I recently discovered “Indian Palace” and we’ve been enjoying their “Feast for 2”!
5. What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?
I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer :). I always dreamt of competing and winning! I am competitive and I enjoy “racing”. CrossFit fills that “void” now :).
I currently work at Schneider Electric as a Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst. I love my job!
6. What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to bake! I just baked a million shortbread cookies this weekend! I am also getting into reading more, and I love taking our 2 frenchies (Bugs & Timon) to the doggie park.
I really love socializing and making new friends.
7. What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?
Don’t be embarrassed that you can’t do all the movements or workout without scaling. Make use of the coaches – they are wonderful and are always willing to help you become your best version of athlete.
I would also encourage the newbie to remember: (1) have fun!; (2) learn technique before trying to “race” other athletes; (3) always warm up and take time to recover.
8. What is your favorite lift?
I love the squat clean!
9. What’s your biggest “GOAT”?
I really struggle with snatch and over head squats… I am slooooowly improving, but compared to other movements – these have been the slowest.
10. What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF?
For one, my arms are more toned – I am so much stronger! Bugs (our oldest Frenchie) weighs 30lbs and he used to feel heavy when I carried him. But, now I can carry him around without getting (too) fatigued! I sleep like I used to sleep when I swam, which is an awesome side-effect of hard workouts! 🙂
I have also noticed that it feels strange not to work out every day. The sense of community, seeing my friends & getting a good sweat in has become an essential part of my day.
11. What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far?
155# clean and FINALLY getting 100# snatch! T2B is a close third 🙂
12. How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule?
Luke and I prioritize working out, so it’s not an option anymore – it’s become a habit. We choose to work 7am-4pm to make sure we can make the 4:30pm class. I am really lucky because I work from home most of the time, so I have a more flexible schedule that the average person.
13. What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet?
I have always wanted to go to Portugal and Croatia! Hoping Luke let’s us go there next year ;).
I have also wanted to learn to surf! My brother and dad surf. BUT, I did do shark cage diving… and after seeing what’s below the surface, I’m not sure I’m brave enough! 🙂