Name: Linda McCosham
Age: 66
Occupation: Retired – Yoooohooo!!
What was your exercise experience prior to crossfit?
Over the years I’ve done workouts on my own in one gym or another in an effort to stay fit. I started running in 2003 and have run many 5k’s, 10k’s and half marathons, the Commander’s Challenge (26.1k) at the Army Run in Ottawa (picture – my daughter Debbie and I after last year’s race), as well as one 30k race. In 2009 I did the P90X program.
How long have you been doing crossfit and why do you choose to crossfit?
I started Crossfit with my partner, Dan, in April of 2017. I saw a video on Facebook showing the benefits of the Vitality Program and thought this would be a great way for us to stay in shape. I said I’d try the program for a month…….here we are over a year later and I wouldn’t think of stopping now!
What is your favourite part about crossfit?
I love everything about the Crossfit Vitality Program. I’ve made new friends, there is great camaraderie and support in the gym. Exercises in the Vitality Program are scaled so that everyone can participate regardless of physical issues making each workout as challenging as you’d like. The class atmosphere is exactly what I need to keep me on track and getting through a tough workout.
What are the accomplishments you are proud of? (Crossfit or non crossfit related)
Crossfit accomplishments include learning proper technique and getting a new max weight for the deadlift, which has always been a struggle for me. I’ve also been able to improve the back squat, getting nice and low. Push ups and sit ups have never been my favourites, but they are improving. And rowing is getting easier – perhaps I need to push harder!!
Non-Crossfit accomplishments include being named to the Canadian National Dragon Boat team in 2006. I was able to compete at two Nations Cup World Championships, in Australia and the Czech Republic in the over 50 division and three Club Crew World Championships in Canada, Malaysia and Hong Kong. I have a nice collection of medals in all three colours! This year I went to Cape Breton Island with a team called The Nickel City Runners to run the 17 leg Cabot Trail Relay Race, which starts on a Saturday morning, goes all day, through the night and ends Sunday morning. It was definitely a bucket list event.
I am proud of the fact that I can still run and workout at 65, and hope to continue as long as possible.
Favourite workout or lift?
It is difficult to pick one thing. Now that I have learned to do a deadlift properly, it’s a favourite. On Friday the 13th in July, Kristin had us do a scaled Fran workout, which I really liked (once it was over that is). Kristin comes up with some tough workouts that challenge me and the entire class, but we always push through to the finish. There’s no giving up! I’ve said (jokingly of course) a few times that she’s trying to kill us, but we refuse to give in!
Anything else you would like to share please feel free 🙂
I would like to say a huge thank you for the things I’ve learned and for running a program for those of us who are “of a certain age.” 😉