Athlete Spotlight: Sarah Conard

Name: Sarah ConardSarah_Conard
Age: 28
Occupation: Training Coordinator
Which class time do you usually attend? 4 or 5 p.m.
Favorite WOD: The Filthy Fifty
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Deadlift Max: 315 pounds
Back squat Max: 205 pounds
Fran: 6:38
Cindy: 13+3 rounds
Got Muscle-ups? Not yet
1 mile run: Around 9 minutes
How long have you been CrossFitting? 1 year and 7 months (Since November 2011)

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“My CrossFit family. I love that it’s not only about working out when you get to the gym. It’s about catching up on life as well and making each other laugh.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I kept seeing awesome CrossFit photos on my friend, Liz Echols on Facebook. She got me to do a Vasics class with her at the old gym and I immediately fell in love with the intensity and the community.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I was a year round competitive swimmer from 3 years old until I got out of college. I also played Ultimate Frisbee and Flag Football in college. After college, it was all about cycling (road and mountain).”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?  
“I love that CrossFit IS a lifestyle. My schedule, my eating, my friends…they all evolve around CrossFit. My strength impresses me everyday. I remember moving into my house before CrossFit — getting my king size mattress up the stairs was one of the hardest thing I had ever done. Now I laugh in the face of mattresses (and any other furniture)!”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“I think the 315 pound deadlift max is the most insane, but I never thought I would be able to do a pull-up.”

What motivates/inspires you?
“I am motivated and inspired by the women at our box. There are so many shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels, but all of us are working our butts off and leaving it all at the box. I love seeing everyone end the class sweaty and out of breath. It hurts so good!!!”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Getting third place at the North Georgia Competition was pretty awesome, but I think finishing my first 5K (run) was amazing.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“I would like to get better at burpees. They kick my butt. I would like to be able to do 20 without stopping.”

What goals have you achieved in CrossFit?
“Got double unders after trying for a year! Now I have a hard time doing singles. Also, getting 270 Rx reps in Fight Gone Bad!”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I love watching movies with my husband. And I love being outside on the weekends.”

What is your favorite meal?
“My favorite Paleo meal is Filet Mignon with a sweet potato, but if it’s a cheat day, I am all about pizza or a Five Guys cheeseburger and fries!”

Any advice for new members?
“Absolutely…keep going. Everyone has a bad day (or week), but the next one will be better. And sign up for competitions…they are so fun and humbling.”

Coach Brandon’s comment: “You always know when Sarah is in the gym. She has a lively personality that makes coaching her class fun. She started in our Basics class and now might be one of the toughest athletes in the gym, male or female. She hurt her ankle at the Garage Games and didn’t use it as an excuse. During the CrossFit Open, she pushed through pain and crushed WODs. Some of the heavy lifts like dead lifts are a strength for Sarah, but she continues to work on her weaknesses in body weight movements and is getting better. It has been awesome to watch Sarah improve over the years and with her her grit and determination she’ll continue to get better.”

5 thoughts on “Athlete Spotlight: Sarah Conard”

  1. Kim Barb via Facebook

    Right on, Sarah! I think Coach Brandon’s comment about how you pushed yourself to do the Open wods even though you were hurt is the perfect example of why you’re in the spotlight! You’re an inspiration to us all. Now, when do we get to go play frisbee??

  2. Nicole Wilkins via Facebook

    Love how Sarah always has a smile on her face. She is so encouraging and is one tough chick!!