Why did you choose to move forward and compete in the online qualifier that could get you to the CrossFit Games?
I didn’t really choose to go for it, I just decided to chill more and have fun during the Open. Although the Games have always been the goal of mine. I want to be the best I can be at CrossFit! I didn’t put the Games on huge pedestal this year, it just happened. I want to continue being the best athlete for myself.
What is your training like?
I go to class and have fun. I took the pressure off myself this year and I push myself consistently in class.
What is your nutrition like?
Regimented. A few years ago, I worked with Meg on my macro counts. Now, I don’t count anymore because I know what to eat. If I am feeling like I am up a few pounds, I adjust when my intake. Saturdays are my free day because my husband, Russ, makes the best guacamole. I count my chips during the week, but I don’t count them on Saturday, but I am aware of what I am eating and don’t over-indulge. Saturdays keep me balanced.
How does your mindset impact your performance?
I have learned to not put as much pressure on myself. Within the last 6 months, I have been more positive from listening to books on Audible and having my number one supporter, Russ, by my side always helping me to change my negative thoughts to positive thoughts. He is always there for me and I am so grateful for his positive outlook.
I have started to look at things differently. I recommend a few books, Unf@#% Yourself and Chasing Excellence. I really related to Katrin’s story in Chasing Excellence, about her rope climb experience and how she kept failing, but then came back. It really hit home for me. Another book that I like is Art of Mental Training. After exposing myself to these books and of course listening to my husband more, the phrase, you are what you think, never set in until about 6 months ago. Last year, I felt like I let everybody down, but reflecting on that situation and comparing it to this year, I realized that I didn’t let everybody down. Admittedly, I was in a dark place after last year’s Open. Not only did I feel like I let people down, I felt like a failure. Now I understand that you don’t fail unless you quit. Failure is part of the “process.” I almost didn’t do the Open this year but imagine if I didn’t. I also have watched The Secret on Netflix and I believe in the Law of Attraction. This older documentary was very eye opening for me and I understand that “thoughts become things”. This is written on a sticky note where I can see it every day.
What sacrifices have you had to make?
I don’t look at things as sacrifices. I have given up a lot of food, but not family time because most of my family lives elsewhere.
Does everything involve training?
Thinking about this, I would say yes because I go to sleep consistently every night (8:30 am) and wake up at the same time every morning (4:45 am) to make sure I am relaxed and allowing my body to rest. Workouts are always in the front of my mind which is why I try to stay consistent with my physical therapy exercises, sleep pattern, nutrition, everything throughout the day because I want to be the best that I can be.
What does your typical day look like?
I eat at the same times throughout the day and I eat similar things each day, makes it easier. I walk my dogs for about 30 minutes every day, rain or sun, which now thinking, is part of my mindfulness practice. I use this time to listen to the books and get out in nature. I go to different class times throughout the week because of my work schedule. Before class starts, I make sure I get my stretches and physical therapy exercises in.
What does it take?
I want to be the best that I can be and have fun doing it. So, doing everything listed above will help me with where I am at and where I am going.
Who is your biggest supporter?
Russ, who is my husband, is my rock, my number one supporter. He is always positive, pulling me up when I need it. Without him helping me through the negative self-talk and always building me up and telling me I can do anything I put my mind to, I don’t know where I would be. He continues to help me see that possibilities are endless; it just took some time for me to believe it. I thank him for being on this crazy roller coaster with me and being the voice of reason in my head.
Coach Jeb is also one of my biggest supporters because he believed I could do this. The first open I did, did not have a scaled division. I couldn’t get Toes to Bar or Chest to Bar at all. Jeb encouraged me to keep trying as I was so frustrated with not hitting these movements. Kim Simmons was my judge and when I wanted to break down, she said “you are not walking off now.” Then after the workout was complete, Jeb gave me a stick note, didn’t say anything, but gave me a sticky note that had “C2B and TTB” written on it. He had faith in me from the beginning.
How do you handle pressure?
Not good, but I am working on it and getting better. Nerves and anxiousness just mean that I am excited and pumped. This is the negative/positive twist that Russ and I talk about.
When is enough, enough?
It is never enough. I am always striving to be a better person. If you are injured, then work to get better, that is your focus.
What does the future hold?
I want to continue to get better and keep it fun. I think a lot about people getting wrapped up in what they can’t do. Think of what you can do.
A few takeaways that Ang wants to leave you with:
1. Never give up.
2. Find the fun.
3. Be grateful every day for what you CAN do.
Be grateful that you get to do these things. I think of my granddaughter; she is my motivation. “I am grateful for what I can do and what she can do.”
Angie finished 17th overall in the world in her division after the online qualifier.
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