Athlete Spotlight: Nicole Wilkins

Name: Nicole Wilkins    Nicole
Age: 39
Occupation: School nurse
Which class time do you usually attend? 4 p.m.
Favorite WOD: Anything with rowing or kettle bell swings
Favorite Lift: Deadlift
Deadlift Max: 235
Back squat Max: 120 (need to work on this!)
Fran: 9:50
Cindy: n/a
Got Muscle-ups? I wish
1 mile run: 9:05
How long have you been Cross Fitting? I started January 2013

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“So many things! I love seeing myself getting stronger. I love the way I feel after a hard work out — like I have accomplished something big! I love that my husband Glen works out as well. It gives us something to do together, and it has strengthened our relationship. The friendly competition with my friends and my husband is fun. I love the rare occasion that I have beat Glen in a WOD! I have made lasting friendships with some special people that I would not have met if I wasn’t coming to No Excuses.”

How did you find CrossFit?  
“I went to a CrossFit class with my sister-in-law over Christmas break last year in Austin. It kicked my butt, I was so sore, I couldn’t move for two days. But I loved it! We came home and I told Glen I was going to find a CrossFit gym and that he was welcome to join me!

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I played softball from elementary school up until high school. I also did gymnastics through my freshman year of high school. I run the occasional 5k, but other than that, it has been walking outside or on the treadmill.”

How has Cross Fit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“It has made me more in tune with my body. Before CrossFit and the Paleo diet, I was having heart palpations and was 20 pounds heavier. When we joined No Excuses in January, we totally changed our diet. The Paleo diet combined with a daily exercise regimen has made me feel stronger, healthier and no more palpations! It is amazing how clean; healthy eating and exercise go hand-in-hand. I appreciate the way No Excuses stresses the importance of healthy eating and exercise. It has changed the way we live.”

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.)
“Oddly enough for me, it is pushups! I have always had trouble doing a single, good pushup. Now, I can drop and give you 10 with no problem!”

What motivates/inspires you?
“My fellow gym mates. I love seeing before and after pictures of friends that have been transformed through exercise and diet. I love the encouragement and motivation that I see on a daily basis at No Excuses: by the coaches and everyone who works out there. I love how no one leaves until that last person is done with their work out. Everyone matters.”

What is your proudest Cross Fit achievement?  
“Kipping pull ups!”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?  
“Five strict pull ups, and back squat my body weight.”

What goals have you achieved in CrossFit?
“My main goal all along has been to attend classes at least five days a week and work towards getting stronger, faster and better at everything I do in the gym. Beating Glen or Michelle at an occasional WOD is fun, too!”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I have two boys in middle school who are very active in sports. I spend most of my free time at either their games or practices. I love baseball, and our family has a goal of going to every major league park before our boy’s graduate high school. I enjoy traveling, working in my yard and sitting on our covered back porch.”

What is your favorite meal?  
“New Mexican red Chile enchiladas with chips and salsa.”

Any advice for new members?
“Don’t overlook how important your diet is when you start working out!  You will get stronger and be faster if you incorporate Paleo into your daily life.”

Any additional Comments?  
“I feel honored to have been chosen this month. I would like to give a special shout out to Michelle Jones, Lennette O’Hern, and  Bill Bozeman for being my “power ranger” support group. I would also like to thank Laci Hathcock for all her encouragement. You are an inspiration to me”

Coach Brandon’s take:
I knew Nicole was drinking the CrossFit Kool-Aid last summer when she was asking about doing WODs on vacation. She was on a two-week vacation and still find time to hit up a local box and do some travel WODs. One of the hardest things about CrossFit is getting to the gym. Nicole has the dedication to be there every week. When she’s in the gym, she’s not just going through the motions. She’s always finding ways to get stronger or improve a skill.