July Athlete of the Month – Kristin Broberg
Kristin is the girl at the gym that can do everything. She can lift more weight than you. She can run faster than you. She can jump way higher than you. Her times always crush yours and she makes it look effortless. You would love to hate her for kicking your butt every single day, but you can’t. You can’t…. because what makes Kristin so special – besides being a Super Star Athlete – is that she is so darn humble. Kristin is probably the nicest person at the gym. You can regularly find her helping others with their lifts or taking on more than her fair share of Partner WODs. What you don’t see in Kristin is boastfulness or attitude and she never complains. She just gets in there and gets it done (and does it better than almost anyone in the gym).
Kristin is a pleasure to train. We see her as a huge asset to Incendia, not only because of her awesome athleticism, but because of her sweet and kind personality. We know that we will continue to see great things from Kristin, both inside and outside the gym.
We also like her husband, Trent. For the first time ever, you will read answers from the Athlete of the Month and The Athlete of the Month’s spouse. Trent answered also answered the questions from Kristin’s perspective, which is hilarious, endearing, and super cute all at the same time. Enjoy!
When did you start CrossFit:
K: I have been doing CrossFit just over a year now. I started in May 2012.
T: When I came out the womb… Technically, a year ago… but I was born to crush, born to box jump, and born to wear LULU!
Why did you start CrossFit:
K: I started CrossFit because I was bored with running which was all I was doing to exercise at the time. I needed something new and different to motivate me to work out. I had a family friend that had been doing CrossFit, and I saw all the great things it was doing for him. I was really intimidated to try it at first, but I decided to give it a try and dragged my husband Trent to try it with me.
T: My previous notion of working out came in the form of running for hours on end… this became boring for me and most importantly I couldn’t compete with my husband… Trent only runs when he is getting chased or donuts are involved. I talked him into running the PF Changs half marathon with me…oops sorry Trent! I believe his first words after the finish line were, “In no way was that sane, everyone around me is crazy… oh look a free beer!!” I digress. I had a family friend – Jensen – who saw great results from CrossFit and spoke highly of the sport and it’s competitive nature. Me, having the type-A competitive genes flowing through my body, proceeded to talk my husband into giving it a shot one Saturday morning… I remind you, all I had done for the previous two years was run, run, run… after my first initiation (workout) I felt just as all CrossFitters do. Like someone took my nervous system, tied it in a knot, threw me off a bridge, and took sand paper to my lungs… I was forever hooked.
What kept you coming back/motivated:
K: The moment I did my first WOD, I knew CrossFit was for me. It reminded me of my days as a college athlete. The competitiveness and drive to be the very best athlete that I could be was incentive enough to keep coming back. On top of that, I realized the community that CrossFit creates and instantly wanted to be a part of it. Now I can’t imagine working out any other way.
T: The satisfaction of wiping the floor with my husband in a WOD while he STB and runs for a code Brown! There’s nothing better… for the longest time we made a bet that the loser had to cook dinner… needless to say, Trent is an excellent cook! It all seriousness… scribe Kristin’s comments here from above…..
What is the best thing you have gotten out of doing CrossFit?
K: The amazing friendships I have made is the number one thing I have gained from starting CrossFit! Nothing is better than being excited to work out with friends that help to encourage you and push you to your limits. You don’t get that at other gyms. The other thing I have gotten out of CrossFit is the way my mindset toward working out has changed. I used to run to stay skinny. Now I lift to get strong. I care more about my performance than appearance. It’s very empowering!
T: If you asked my husband… he would mostly say, “LuLu workout gear, hot tamale!” I would probably have you refer to the being of the last question first, but then I am reminded of the lasting relationships built in “the box.” (Insert Kristin’s comments here haha) Strong is the new sexy! Have you seen those games female athletes, they look great, and they don’t eat lettuce, cardboard, and peas for every meal!
What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do?
K: Ring muscle ups! I have never had much upper body strength and really doubted my ability to ever be able to do them. I failed many many many many times before I actually got one.
T: I was disenfranchised at first, but the entire Incendia family re-enforced my courage and commitment to keep moving forward. That’s what’s so great about the Incendia Family! that and the paleo margarita parties! shout out to Lisa and Brian for hosting! If I had a second achievement, it would most likely be that, because of CrossFit… I now wear longer pants then my husband! Never thought that would happen!
What is one goal you have reached? And one goal you still hope to reach?
K: Muscle-ups and butterfly pull-ups were big goals that I have reached within the past couple of months. The next goal I want to reach is improving my OLY lifts. Snatch and clean and jerk specifically.
T: 185… I’m coming for you!! It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. — Mark Twain
How has your diet changed since starting CrossFit?
K: I am now very aware of what I put into my body. I know that what I put in my body today will affect me BIG TIME tomorrow! I am not 100% Paleo (mmmm meat), but I definitely try to make smart decisions about food.
T: My husband is a terrible influence on me however… I need to get him under control with his snacks! All you ladies know what I’m talkin’ about! “Here try this! here try that!” he says… you know what I’m going to try… beating you one armed tomorrow in Fran, how do you like them apples!! mmmm apples
What do you tell your friends about CrossFit?
K: So many of my friends CrossFit. Most of my friends that I have convinced to try it out, end up joining! But for the ones that haven’t tried it yet, I tell them that CrossFit is so much fun! You get to workout with awesome people while getting your butt kicked. It will push you to do things you never thought you could do. And I tell them that they will never work out the same again.
T: There are always nay-sayers out there and I recognize CrossFit isn’t for everyone. CrossFit is not for the weak or the lazy, but for those with the mental fortitude of a bank vault! CrossFit is for those looking to get better everyday. Some days are better than others, but if you show up and make an honest effort, your character will shine and you and those around you will be better for it! It doesn’t matter what place you finished that day (unless my husband tries to beat me, then S@#% gets real and the game face comes out), but that you finished!
Additional comments/anything you’d like to add?
K&T: I am so happy that Trent and I made the decision to join Incendia back in January. Everything about Incendia is top quality. From the people that workout there, to the awesome coaches, to the fabulous parties and even the trumpets and flutes playing on top of the mountain!! We are proud to call Incendia our home away from home, but right next to our home, basically in our backyard. Thanks everyone for making the experience challenging, fun, and painful! Pool party anyone?
T: I am also reminded of a Teddy quote: It is not the critic that counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or the doer of deeds could have them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the Arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but he who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great devotion; who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails while daring greatly, knows that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls, who know neither victory nor defeat. — Teddy Roosevelt
