January Athlete of the Month – Lara Schols

1. In general, what is your background? Age, Occupation?

            I’m 37 years old, was born in Parkersburg, WV, and grew up in Northern Virginia. I currently work as an enterprise technical support engineer at a cybersecurity company, but have also been a Russian linguist, a stay-at-home mom, a non-profit program coordinator and a classical musician. Although I grew up nearby, I just moved back to the DC area this summer with my husband and four-year-old daughter after several years in Florida and Saudi Arabia. I love to travel and spend time the outdoors, so if I’m not at gym or at work, you’ll likely me find hiking or kayaking off the beaten path. I think we’ve likely kayaked every river in the State of Florida with a baby in tow and been stranded in random locations on four continents, so I have some good stories to tell! Athletics were a huge part of my life growing up – my mom made us pick at least one sport to play every season. In high school I started running cross country to prove something to myself and became a track athlete from that point on, running 800m – 5000m in high school and the 800m in college. After college, I ran and did some standard gym stuff, but never had a consistent routine until I got into CrossFit.

2. How did you get to know about Catoctin CrossFit and why did you start?

            35 hit me really hard. My daughter was leaving the all-consuming baby stage, the COVID lockdowns happened, and all at once I realized that the basic level of fitness I’d always taken for granted was gone.  I was driving to the grocery store near our house in Tampa and saw some people lifting weights out in the parking lot in front of an old garage. The sign said “Free Intro Classes on Wednesdays” and I thought, “Well, that looks cooler than LA Fitness… Why not?” I went to a few CrossFit classes and got hooked on both the exercise and the community. I was out of the gym for months after we moved north, but when we finally got settled in a home, getting back to the gym was at the top of my list. I googled “CrossFit in Purcellville” and Catoctin CrossFit was the highest ranked gym near me! I came to a couple of classes and didn’t look elsewhere.

3. What has Catoctin CrossFit changed about your life other than a new workout routine?

            I’m new in town and work 100% remotely so Catoctin CrossFit is not only my workout routine, but also my community. I’ve been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people in the short time I’ve been here. More broadly, CrossFit has given me new goals to work towards and more confidence.

4. What motivates you and keep you coming back to Catoctin every day?

            The community of people here is second to none. I love walking in to see my gym buddies every day! Also, CrossFit is my therapy. It’s the one, non-negotiable, hour of the day that I set aside for myself. I can clear my head, burn off some energy, and leave feeling amazing physically and mentally.

5. What advice would you give someone thinking about trying a class at Catoctin CrossFit?

            The Coaches at Catoctin CrossFit will meet you wherever your level of fitness is and challenge you. All the terminology and different exercises can be a little overwhelming at first but the coaches are there to help and make sure that you’re on track and doing everything safely and correctly. If you end up making CrossFit your new gym routine, I swear it’s life-changing – and so much fun! And even if you find that CrossFit isn’t for you, you’ll still get as great workout with great people.

6. What Goals have you set for yourself in 2023?

            I would like to be able to do a full wall walk, deadlift my own bodyweight and get more confidence with box jumps so that I don’t chicken out on the higher boxes during a long AMRAP.

7. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

            There are a lot of little moments, but a recent one that comes to mind happened during the partner WOD on New Year’s Eve. I hadn’t been able to do a pushup with a decent range of motion for years. I hadn’t even tried to do real pushups in a month because I’d always just fall on my face, my back would cave, etc. I started my first set of pushups on my knees but it felt too easy.  Then I just did actual pushups for the rest of the set (and the workout). I was so excited that I jumped up and shouted at my partner, “Did you just SEE that?! I did REAL pushups this time!!” So, yeah, I felt a bit silly (I’m still not going to brag about my pushup form), but it’s the little things.

8. Favorite and least favorite type or workout or movement?

            Favorite movements would be (almost) anything with the barbell, rowing, running and wallballs. I hate overhead walking lunges with a fiery passion and strongly dislike burpees and all things gymnastics. 

9. If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would it be and why?

            Georgian language, culture and food. I spent several years in the Republic of Georgia in my 20s and fell in love with the place and the people. I go back and visit friends whenever I have the opportunity and wish I could bring the experience of a Georgian supra (feast with a unique style of toasts) back home with me. გაუმარჯოს!

10. If you could be on a reality TV show, what would it be and why?

            I’ve always wanted to be on one of those shows where they drop you in the woods or a desert island for a couple of weeks by yourself with a few items of basic gear. I’m no master survivalist, but I generally know how to handle myself in the outdoors (fire, shelter, food, water, navigation) and keep my wits about me.