Athlete Spotlight: Kimberly Guthrie

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Name:  Kimberly Guthrie
Age: 48
Occupation: Homeschooling mom
Which class time do you usually attend? 6 pm
Favorite WOD: It is NOT the 12 Days of Christmas
Favorite CF Movements: Deadlifts, Kettlebells, & Rowing
1RM Deadlift: 195
3 RM Back squat: 140
Favorite Food: Mexican, or steak, or rice, or macaroni and cheese or………
Favorite Movie: Sabrina (with Harrison Ford)
Favorite Athlete: Todd Guthrie – he’s truly my hero
Dream Job: Crossfit instructor on a cruise ship in the Caribbean
Dream Vacation Destination: Cruising the Caribbean
Favorite WOD song: Breaking a Sweat
Favorite Motivational Quote: “For I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live, but Jesus Christ now lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since May 2012.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
“A friend of ours, Cathy Mele, one of the coaches at CrossFit kept bugging us to try it. Todd and I were hooked from our first demo WOD – a 10 minute Cindy…..who knew how long 10 minutes could be!!!”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“I played many sports in high school, but I excelled as the “setter” in volleyball. I didn’t play any sports in college, but I would run every day to keep in “shape.” Some of my favorite memories from my high school and college are the ones of going on a run with my father, who still runs several times a week!”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?
“I feel that I have conquered so much just by joining CrossFit and showing up each time and not holding back. I see that confidence in other areas of my life now too, although I still can’t get contacts in my eyes!”

What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“Everything! My coaches, the people in each class I attend, the varied programming (except for the Navy Seal man makers & the Turkish get-ups & the 12 days of Christmas), and the sweating! Gotta love a good sweat session! And did I mention the coaches? They are awesome!”

In what other ways do you use your fitness?
“I use it to do normal every day activities – like competing with my teenage boys, rearranging furniture in the house, and loading and unloading the weekly supplies from Costco.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“The list is long, but most of them are on the whiteboard each day. I am always looking to see what I need to do to “beat” a score or push myself towards something new! I was originally inspired to join CrossFit by Ben Davis, a former manager at CrossFit. He always seemed to be able to inspire me to push a little harder on the last round or minute of whatever WOD we were doing! Thanks Ben! Lastly, my family inspires me. We love to share what we did while exercising that went beyond what we had done before or what we thought we could never do!”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
“My favorite moment was when Mario, one of the faithful 6 am coaches, helped me overcome my fear of box jumps! He kept piling up the rubber plates until I had an amazing 17” plate jump! I can still feel the exhilaration from that moment!”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit.
“I would like to be able to back squat my body weight. And I will continue to work on double unders, pull ups, front squats, bench press, and anything else that happens to be scheduled in the WOD!”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“I love spending time with my husband, Todd, and our 3 teenage boys. I love going to warm sunny locations that have a view of the ocean. I love working with the college and career “kids” at our church. I love reading and occasionally I get to watch a tv show with the family!”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?
“I had a doctor tell me 5 years ago…..try something new that will get you interested in staying fit and keeping your weight off. I tried CrossFit, and I have never regretted it! I have been “sidelined” a couple of times over the years due to health issues, but I always looked forward to the day I would be able to be back in the gym because that is where I face myself and grow….in a room filled with others who are going through the same “battle.” Life isn’t easy, but this has made me stronger.”

What do you love most about No Excuses?
“Hands down….the people! That includes every coach and every competitor that I have had at No Excuses. The coaches are so knowledgeable about the movements and the reasons they help us get stronger. They are always willing to encourage me to be a better athlete. They look for opportunities to create a positive atmosphere in the gym and for avenues for us to build friendships outside of working out together. The competitors I see on a weekly basis I am able to share tid-bits of my day with and listen to them share struggles that they have in their lives. They are often seen cheering on those who are struggling with a WOD…even though they are spent from doing it themselves. No Excuses is a community that helps our community.”

Coach Laura’s Take: 
“Kim is such a strong and positive person. Their entire family has always been so supportive of this community and very involved over the years. Kim has improved so much since she started and continues to work hard even through various set backs. Her enthusiasm for getting better and challenging herself is a remarkable trait. I don’t think I have ever seen her get down on herself! Kim is quick to encourage others and can often be seen lifting others up during and after the workout is over. Her positive spirit for improving her fitness and genuine care for others exemplifies what this community is about! I’m looking forward to watching her grow as an athlete for years to come!”