April 2021
Q: What got you interested in CrossFit?
S: This is something that my husband of 23 years, Justin Cathey, and I do together. As one of the coaches, he is so passionate and encouraging about working out and being consistent, and that was obviously contagious.
Q: How long have you been part of our Core fam?
S: Initially in 2014 for a year or so when The Core first opened, life happened and I finally came back, so consistently for the last year and a half.
Q: What do you love most about CrossFit at The Core?
S: Jessica Pope, as the owner of The Core, she pours her talents, passion and expertise into this "box" and all the people and families involved. You can tell that this is her life's mission and that spills into the lives of others. Jessica creates an environment where everybody has a place to play and health and fitness is a top priority. Education and correct technique is enforced in every workout, so it prevents injuries and you are able to show progress. The coaches all lead by example, so it creates a positive environment. Whether you are a competitive athlete or a mom that needs to lose weight, you are able to determine your goals and The Core supports you and cheers you on every step of the way. It takes a village and I am glad I found mine.
Q: In what ways do you naturally struggle with health and fitness and how does being a part of the Core help you manage your struggles?
S: I am horrible about sticking with any kind of work out. I know I need to, but making time to do it seems to fall last on my list which is typical of busy women juggling lots of commitments. Also if I don't see results right away, I move on to something else. The Core creates an environment where you don't want to miss out, you want to show up, so I made a commitment a little over a year ago that I was going to "Show Up" and make my health a priority. I have continued to "Show Up" and I have celebrated each and every victory that I have experienced in my health journey. This lifestyle has spilled into my food choices as well, and I have so much more energy and feel so much better now. Amazing how you feel when you decide to stick with it, no matter what.
Q: What is your motivation to focus on your health and make time for fitness?
S: My promise to myself that I would make my health a priority is definitely my motivation. You are a happier person when you feel good about yourself, and my goal in life is to be a bright light that encourages others and you can't be that person if you constantly quit on yourself and don't take care of yourself the way you should. I decided to pray about this area of my life that God would put people in my life that would hold me accountable and help me to stay committed even when life gets busy and that is exactly what I have found at The Core. I prepare before the week starts which days I can make it to the Core and I food prep every day, so I feel good about my food choices. I also listen to podcasts and educational books so I can learn more about healthy habits and how to stick with it.
Q: What is your favorite CrossFit movement/element?
S: Toes to Bar!! I can't do that element yet, but my goal is to get to that level. I progress just a little each time we do this element and it feels good. I am definitely getting stronger, but also my body is getting lighter, so that helps. The whole world is going to know when I do this element when I am able to actually get my toes all the way to the bar. It's going to be a great day!
Q: What is your least favorite CrossFit movement/element?
S: Jump roping- I don't even try to get better in this area. I actually jump rope with my "imaginary jump rope" instead so that I don't have to think about messing up with the rope. I do admire all of the other athletes that are so skilled at jumping rope, but that is not my forte, and I am okay with that.
Q: What is your CrossFit/health goal this year?
S: To continue to "Show Up" and make my health a priority.
Q: Anything extra you want to share?
S: You never know who is reading this and how your story might encourage others, so if you are that busy, working mom that doesn't make time for herself, I encourage you to make a decision to "Show Up" for yourself and see where you are a year from now and how much better you feel. The community at The Core makes a great "accountability partner".