Athlete Spotlight: Stephanie Poore

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Name: Stephanie Poore
Age: 28
Occupation: Product Development Manager- Digital Channel Management at SunTrust Bank
Which class time do you usually attend? 6-7pm
Favorite WOD: Nancy
Favorite Lift: Snatch
Deadlift Max: 265#
Back squat Max: 200# 1 RM
Favorite Food: Pizza and Chocolate
Favorite Movie: The Sandlot
Favorite Athlete: Shalane Flanagan and Christmas Abbott
Dream Job: Coach running or CrossFit
Dream Vacation Destination: New Zealand

How long have you been CrossFitting?
“Since December 2011.”

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“The people and the environment at our gym are pretty awesome… how could you not want to keep coming back?! The people here are genuine, they care about one another, and they are constantly motivating and encouraging someone.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“After my collegiate running career, I was missing the challenge and the team environment so my brother suggested I try CrossFit… it took a while but once I gave in, I was hooked!”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I earned a college running scholarship right out of High School at Georgia State University and ran Cross Country 5k and 6k, indoor mile and 3k, and outdoor 5k, 1500m, and 3k Steeplechase all 4 years.”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“I am way stronger than I ever thought I could be, I never thought I would still be able to challenge myself athletically at 28, I’m healthier now than I was as a collegiate athlete, I’ve learned how to fuel my body with the right foods to perform and live a healthy lifestyle… the list goes on!”

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.)
“Snatch over #95 or do double unders… I thought those things were wack plus early on I looked like I got attacked by a weed wacker! ”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“I am naturally driven to be and do my best and I am competitive, however, I have to say that I am inspired by each and every person that comes into the gym or someone I see on the running trail. Oh and I must not forget my brother, Scot Poore… he may be stronger but I’m still the better runner.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“Proving to myself I could make a full recovery from the virus I contracted in my heart in March of 2015. I had to be completely sedentary for 2 months, and the medication I went on made me gain weight and slightly depressed. But a year later, I am more fit and healthier than I was before the incident. Boom!”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“To get a darn muscle up!”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“I still love to run, shoot rifles, travel and enjoy the outdoors, especially if there is water around.”

Any advice for new members?
“To stick to it, stay consistent, be patient with yourself and listen to your body. Listen to the coaches and don’t get too caught up with not being as good as someone else. You will get there!”

Any additional thoughts/comments:
“If it wasn’t for my family, friends and my CrossFit family constantly encouraging me and holding me accountable I wouldn’t have been able to make the recovery I did without them. Love all of you!!”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“Stephanie is a hard working athlete with lots of drive towards what she wants to accomplish. I have enjoyed watching her get her groove back over the past year and seeing her meet small goals along the way. She is consistent, motivated and continues to push herself to be the best version of herself. Stephanie is a natural runner and it is cool to see how her being involved with CrossFit has improved so many other areas of her fitness, including her running. I know that she will be a force to be reckoned with in the gym in no time at all.”