Athlete Spotlight: Lennette O’Hern

Name: Lennette O’Hern     lennette(1)
Age:
38
Occupation:
Lighting Sales
Which class time do you usually attend?
Evening Classes
Favorite WOD:
Anything that involves squats—and no running!
Favorite Lift:
Dead Lift
Deadlift Max:
215
Back squat Max:
175
Favorite Food:
Thai food
Favorite Movie:
Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Athlete:
Peyton Manning
Dream Job:
I would be the liaison that finds locations for dignitaries to eat, sleep, and visit during their travels abroad.
Dream Vacation Destination:
I’d like to take a hot air balloon ride over the African Safari (even though I am afraid of heights).

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“2.5 years”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I love the community and my wod-buddies, the Power Rangers. I like the friendly competition. I love the coaches and the fact that we have fun, and actually care about each other.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I purchased the Groupon on a whim. I was 5 weeks out from having my third child via c-section. I didn’t even know what CrossFit was. I walked in and Brandon introduced himself to me and explained the concept. I started crying because I was scared of failing. Brandon encouraged me to comeback. I smiled, said okay, and thought—no way, buddy. I was released from my recovery the next week and showed up the following day. Scared of course.”

What is your athletic background?
“None.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I actually have a fitness level. I have energy—and the self-confidence that I carry with me through my personal and business life.”

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.)
“Run for 30 minutes without stopping. With my girls by my side encouraging me, this is one of my favorite Wod memories.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“Coach Laura. She is always there when I get down on myself. She is very encouraging and inspirational.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“It’s hard to say, either showing up on Day 1 or returning on Day 2.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“I want to be able to do many consecutive pull-ups.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Traveling, enjoying my family time, and of course, Tennessee Football.”

Any advice for new members?
“Start, return, and enjoy the pain. Make friends, laugh, encourage others—one day you will need them to encourage you.”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
NEVER QUIT. You may suffer illness or injury, or even doubt yourself. If you do, talk to the coaches. But never quit. Smile. Have Fun. We are all in this together! Celebrate the WOD. There’s nothing like thinking you aren’t going to be able to finish, you just…physically…can’t. But your inner beast kicks in, and not only did you finish, but you killed that WOD! That camaraderie is what makes CrossFit and No Excuses my second family.”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“Lennette is a major fighter! I have seen her want to give up so many times and I don’t think she ever has. She has come so far from where she started and it has been awesome to watch that journey. Not only has she improved physically, but she has also grown tremendously in her mental strength and confidence. I have no doubts that she will continue to set goals and meet them. Lennette’s story is echoed by so many No Excuses. People that walk in scared and then just keep coming because they start doing things they never thought they could do. They feel like world-beaters. That’s what it is all about.”