Congratulations to Heather Blaine, Cynergy CrossFit’s Athlete Spotlight for September! Since joining Cynergy, she has become a great presence and motivator to all around her. Great work Heather!
What do you do for work?
Currently, I an unemployed. I was working for a direct selling company called PartyLite (think Tupperware/Pampered Chef home parties, but for candles and home décor), in the corporate office in Norwell (I do not sell anything) – my primary role was purchasing sales tools, literature and apparel and the project management of our 3 yearly product/catalog launches for our sales force. I got to spend a lot of money… which is probably humorous to anyone that has worked out with me, because I always struggle with CrossFit math.
What would you like us to know about you and your family?
I’m a single mom. I have a very bright 11 year old daughter, Hayden who participates in the CrossFit kids group and a very athletic 10 year old son James (who shockingly does not want to join the kids class) – you’ve probably seen them in passing. They keep me very busy with their many activities that include soccer, basketball, flag football and drama. I’m also very proud to say that my mom Brenda is a Cynergy member. She works out with the LIVE group on Tuesday and Friday mornings. I hope someday I can convince my dad and sister to join us too.
What is one thing that we may not know about you?
I have always been an athlete, with a focus on marathon training in my 20s. When I was younger I spent countless hours in the pool, beginning at the age of 8. I would train close to 5 days a week, early mornings somedays, after school on others, sometimes even twice a day. Most of my weekends were spent competing all over the Northeast. While I was not the superstar that some of my teammates were (some have Olympic medals), I held my own. When I got into high school, the time commitment became too much, so I hung up my goggles and started running. I did return to the pool, competing in the Northeast Division II and III Championships during each of my four seasons in college..
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Cumulatively, close to 2 years. I started at BayState CrossFit in Plymouth, but only made it to about 10 – 15 classes over a few months. For a variety of reasons, primarily schedule, it just wasn’t the right fit for me. About 10 months later I started at Cynergy, Christmas week 2018.
What time do you typically train?
I’m was a 5AM regular. With our current class schedule, you’ll likely see me at 6AM weekdays and 6:30 on Saturday.
What is your favorite lift and why?
Hmmm… maybe back squat, but probably deadlift. Those are definitely the 2 lifts I struggle the least with, being a shorty helps too. I tend to overthink and hesitate when it comes to cleans and snatches, I’m really trying to get out of my own head. Work in progress there!
What is your favorite WOD and why?
I don’t know that I’ve been CrossFitting long enough to have a favorite WOD, but I can say that I prefer a long chipper or metcon. I do love a WOD with box jumps, push ups, or squats… I guess I like the body weight movements. A recent favorite was Speed Demon back in December… I like Diane too, it’s deceivingly hard, but I like the challenge.
What are your current CF goals?
I’ve been trying to focus on one skill at a time, chipping away at it until I really get it. Right now its pull-ups. I’m not the most coordinated. I can do strict, but kipping pull ups still a struggle. From there I think my focus will be chest to bar. It would be great to have those in time for the Open, assuming we’re have one! . Also – I’m really trying to improve my clean. I can move a decent amount of weight, but often times I muscle through it. I’m not going to get much further if I don’t improve my technique.
What are your current life goals?
Ugh. I kind of want to skip this question. The past few years have been tough, full of a lot of change. I’m trying to tackle life in bits and pieces. Health, wealth and happiness. Right now I’m really trying to work on becoming a better, stronger version of myself, for my kids. Staying healthy, physically and mentally. I also need to redirect some of my focus onto saving more money. I’d like to own a house for the me and the kids in the next couple of years. Some days that feels really daunting. I need to learn/practice patience and remind myself that similar to CrossFit things don’t just happen, I need to work for them.
What is your most memorable time as a CrossFitter?
There are definitely a few. I clearly remember my first rope climb, getting up there and looking around like hey, I did it, I’m up here, then thinking god… now I have to get down! Also, maybe Open Workout 20.4… Going into it I was frustrated because I knew I could do the pistols but did not think I could move the weight to get that far into the workout. That Friday I did end up getting a new clean and jerk PR of #115 for 3 or 4 reps, but not enough to get to the pistols. I decided to redo the workout that Sunday, completed the 10 clean and jerks at 115 and the first round of pistols before the time cap. I definitely felt the energy and support of everyone there that morning, it something that’s hard to explain if you haven’t experienced it.
How has CF impacted your life outside of the box?
Honestly its my therapy. It really is the best way to start my day. I feel like when I show up for my workout, nothing else matters… work problems, family problems etc. It’s a way for me to clear my head and its made me a mentally stronger person.
How would you best describe Cynergy to others?
Its certainly not like other gyms that I have joined. At the sake of sounding cheesy, there really is a sense of community here. People genuinely care about each other, acknowledge the achievements and help when someone may be experiencing a hardship. I can honestly say that I wish I had joined sooner!
Heather’s WOD
For Time:
400 meter run
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3 rounds:
30 Box Jumps 30”/24”
20 Deficit push ups
10 Deadlifts 225/155#
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400 meter run