Rocking ALL the positive vibes, we’re excited to announce our next Athlete of the Month: Sue Mulvaney! No doubt Sue has demonstrated some of the most spirit in the box, which is why she is also the recipient of our “Spirit of the Games” award!

Give her a high five and read her inspirational story below:

I started CrossFit about 2 years ago. I had been running and taking classes at a local globo gym for years, but I was getting bored and the classes were over-crowded. I started taking barre classes, which I enjoyed, but I needed more. My husband, Chris, had been a member of CrossFit Salus for a couple of years and it was all he would talk about, he tried to get me to come for about a year, but I was way too intimidated. I would listen to him describe a wod that he did and think, “I could NEVER do that!” Without telling me, Chris gave Gino my email address, who then contacted me to schedule my first on ramp class.

I can remember how nervous I was at the beginning, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing! Everyone I met was super helpful and encouraging, I kept going back and before I knew it I was hooked.

I was never athletic, and never played sports in school, I have always viewed myself as uncoordinated and klutzy. I have always been naturally thin and therefore thought I was in “great shape.” Starting CrossFit was very humbling, I can remember watching all these super strong, badass women around me during wods thinking “I will never be able to do that.” I totally proved myself wrong. I am so much stronger now!

I barely touched a barbell before stating CrossFit! I can also now do pull-ups, chest to bar pull-ups, double unders, box jumps (this was a big hurdle for me!)

I have muscles!

CrossFit is like therapy for me. As a wife and mom I sometimes feel like I am constantly taking care of other people, making sure everyone’s needs are met. It’s the one hour of my day that I can forget everything and everyone else, and just focus on me.

I tell them it is different every day and will completely change the way you think about exercise. Some days you will walk in confident in your ability to perform, other days you wonder how you will ever make it through the wod, but every day you will feel like you accomplished something.

I can physically do things now that I never thought I would be able to do. I have an internal battle of self-doubt and it’s an incredible feeling to prove that internal voice wrong. This year was the first time I signed up for the open, and I’ve learned so much about myself.

I am excited to see where I will be in a year from now. It’s also very important to me as a mom to be an example to my kids and teach them how important it is to take care of your body.

I love a running or rowing wod! I also love a partner wod, having someone on my team always pushes me to work even harder.

Everyone was the new person at one point, it will take a few months to feel like you know what you are doing. Try not to be intimidated, let the people around you inspire you.

I recently did my first handstand push-up and I would like to continue working on those so I can actually do them in wods. I would also like to get stronger in all my lifts.

25 burpees
50 power cleans, 65#
100 sit ups
800m run
100 sit ups
50 power cleans, 65#
25 burpees

Spending time with friends and family and anything outdoorsy. I love gardening and yard work!

I’m pretty simple, love grilled fish and a veggie, salmon and broccoli is my favorite. As for a cheat meal…anything off a typical kid’s menu, like pizza or chicken fingers and fries.

Well, my super power would be flying. I have a reoccurring dream that I can fly and I love it!

“Strength doesn’t come from what you can do, it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” – Rikki Rogers

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