Sarah started Personal Training with Recursive a few years ago. She wanted to work on her Olympic Lifting skills. We worked together every week for a very long time. And each night she would see the members going in and out of group classes. She finally decided to give those group classes a try and hasn’t looked back!
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I currently work in public health as a Covid Epidemiologist. Maintaining a self care routine is imperative! I consider myself a hybrid athlete. I’m signed up for four ultra-marathons this year, ranging in distance from 50k-100k. During the off season, I dabble in power lifting and would like to compete in 2023. I also love winter and coffee!
Why did you choose Recursive?
When I first joined, I was looking for 1 on 1 training to start learning Olympic lifts. It helps that Recursive is within walking distance of where I live. Eventually, I got curious of the classes and switched to group glasses in April 2021.
What is your favorite thing about working out at Recursive?
The community, obviously! I also love learning something new every class.
What was the biggest struggle you’ve had the last few months?
Balancing all aspects of fitness (and recovery!) with ultra-running. I consider myself a little beefcake at heart, so it’s been difficult adjusting my lifting expectations when I come to class. Otherwise, I have no problem spending my Saturdays out hiking and running the Ice Age Trail.
What is your biggest accomplishment since starting your commitment to a lifestyle change?
I’ve learned there are other non-barbell focused movements I can focus on while my weekly mileage ramps up, like stringing kipping pull ups together! I’m also getting better at knowing which days to push myself harder and which days to give myself grace due to tired legs.
How has Recursive changed your life?
I’m a fairly quiet and reserved person, but I think the community aspect here has allowed me to open up a little bit more about myself to other people.
What advice do you have for people who are nervous to get started?
The first WOD you ever do might be the hardest, but the feeling when it’s over is worth it! Take advantage of the scaling options so you’re not overly sore the next day. I think I scale nearly every workout, especially if the bike or double unders are involved.
What is something else fun you’d like to share about yourself?
Have I mentioned I run ultras? My friends joke that my secret super power is convincing non-runners they can run, and convincing road runners they can do trail ultras. I really enjoy the 50k distance and have completed one 50 miler. If you can run 15-18 miles, you can do a 50k. The trick is to not go 100% if you want to run more than one a year! It also helps to pick races with generous time cut offs. I am a solid middle of the pack to dead last runner!