Sunday, January 3, 2010: Athlete Profile – Tara Pace

Athlete Profiile – Tara Pace

1.  In general, what is your background?

I grew up in Tulsa, Ok with my parents and younger brother.  Through most of high school I attended a private school where I played volleyball, softball, and basketball for seven years.  I graduated from a local college where I got my nursing degree as an RN.  I started as a critical care nurse and have been working as a trauma ICU and medical ICU nurse for 6 years now.  I later met my future spouse while he was in Altus, OK for his job.  We met in OKC and continued doing long distance for over a year.  I finally made the big move to SC this past July and we were married in November.  We have a hairy four-legged baby named Sasha who is very spoiled but is the best.  She loves going to CrossFit.  One big CrossFit family =-)

2.  Age, Occupation?

29 in t-26 days! Critical Care Registered Nurse

3.  How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

I would have to thank my husband for introducing me to CrossFit.  For those of you who know my husband, you know that he really likes to workout.  Kind of a freak of nature.  Chris was always looking for something new for us to do that would be a little more intense than just working out in a gym.  We tried P90x and it worked ok in the beginning but became very monotonous.  We also HATED working out from home.  So Chris called me up one day while he was overseas and tells me about how he heard about this CrossFit thing.  I’ll admit when he was telling me about it I was a little scared, especially after he tried it first without me and then told me how he threw up after the workout.  We went the next time together and I did only 10 minutes of Cindy and wanted to shoot myself.  I also wanted to shoot Coach Kevin who wouldn’t stop yelling at me to keep going.  After it was over I swore I would never go back.  But like Chris would let that happen.  So I went back again and a week later I was hooked.  Once I saw myself improving it was even more motivation to do better.

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

Well, for one, I could never do a pullup to save my life.  I have noticed a change in my body.  I definitely feel more toned and since starting the zone diet have lost an additional 5 pounds.  I feel like I’m actually getting a workout now.  When Chris and I used to go to the gym he would always ask me when we were done working out, “Did you even sweat?”.  The answer was “No”.  I realize now how out of shape I really was.  I can do things now I never dreamed I would be able to do. It’s also changed me mentally.  I have so much more motivation, determination, and goals.  I actually look forward to working out!  That NEVER has happened before!

5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

Man, I have lots of goals.  I would love to be the first girl to do a muscle up!  So I guess that goal would have to start with being able to do a ring dip on my own.  I would also like to be better at running.  Definitely my weakness!  But even that’s improved which shows you how bad I was before.  And of course just move up on weight.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

I have a few.  One, when I finally got a pullup.  It was like the heavens opened up and sang hallelujah.  Two, when I did my first RX workout…And it was Angie!  And three, at the old gym when there was a five o’clock class that was a large group of ALL girls.  It was so fun and inspiring to see that girls can workout hard too!

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

I was in great shape in high school with all the sports I played but after nursing school I gained 20 pounds (yikes!).  I lost most of it but it was with really hard work and going to the gym which I absolutely hated doing.  Day after day on the treadmill really got old.  I would work nights, get off at 7am, go to the gym, sleep in the car for an hour, and then go workout for an hour.  Miserable!  I always tried to recruit people to go to the gym with me because I hated working out alone but no one ever would.  I also hated trying to always figure what routine to do every six weeks.  That’s what I love about CrossFit.  It’s like having a personal trainer available every time.  You have your workouts chosen for you, sometimes they’re long and sometimes they’re short.  I actually sweat!  And most of all, you have people to workout with all the time. And not just people but people you develop great friendships with.  And with that, you get a little friendly competition to keep you motivated to do better.  I love it!  I also love how girls are treated just like the guys.  There’s no “oh your’re just a girl and can’t do this” kinda feeling.  Everyone is so encouraging.

8.  Favorite WOD?

Favorites are Fight Gone Bad – its hard but I love how it has everything in it and Annie – cause you know I like the double unders

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Murph!  It was brutal.  Especially when running is your weakness.

10. Favorite movement?

Overhead Squats and back squats

11. Least favorite movement? 

Thrusters (are the devil)

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Oh man, I haven’t eaten in a place in Charleston that I haven’t liked the food but I would have to say Basil.  I could eat there every day!

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC