Katherine Lombardo
Hometown: Chadds Ford, PA
Age: 43
Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? July 2017
Favorite WOD: I like hero WODs because of the perspective they bring to the workout. I also like gymnastics and bodyweight movements. And anything with built-in rest periods!
Least Favorite WOD: Wall balls are my nemesis. And assault bike; I do not like the assault bike. I think endurance WODs are probably the most challenging for me overall. Did I mention that I hate wall balls?
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I’ve always preferred practice/recreation over competition. My dad got me started running when I was a kid, but despite years of running — including finishing two NYC Marathons — I still stink at it! I also did swim team, ran track (ha!), and played some volleyball. I enjoy skiing and ice skating in the winter.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? Nick suggested we try CrossFit in 2013. I had just finished nursing my youngest son and needed to get myself moving again. I don’t remember my first WOD, but I know I initially found CrossFit to be very intimidating (especially the barbell movements), and I had to super-modify everything. With two little ones, I wasn’t able to commit to a regular schedule. Every time I worked out it felt like I was starting over, both physically and mentally. I wasn’t getting anywhere.
But I saw the potential of CrossFit, and wanted there to be more to it for me. Once we joined CFKSQ and got into a consistent routine, I finally started to see some progress. Recording workouts/weights in Wodify, having such a dedicated coaching staff, and working out with an amazing and inspiring group of people (no matter the class time!) has been a real game-changer.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? Since starting CFKSQ, I have more muscle tone and core strength, faster and more enjoyable trail runs, heavier lifts, and speedier recovery times (except from WODs like 400-meter walking lunges because, honestly, who recovers quickly from that?).
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I feel stronger and more confident – inside and outside of the gym. And I’m more willing to venture out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. I almost always feel better mentally after completing a WOD; I really appreciate having that one hour a day to just forget about everything else. I also love that CrossFit is something Nick and I share and enjoy together (though rarely at the same time), and that we are setting a good example of health and fitness for our boys.
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: I don’t know about a favorite, but I’ve had a lot of “firsts” at CFKSQ. Doing the Open for the first time. First muscle up. First kipping toes to bar. Stringing (a few) pull-ups together. Rx handstand push-ups. Lifting PRs. As a stay-at-home mom, it’s really nice to feel a sense of achievement beyond loads of laundry done or homework managed with minimal drama. And there is always, always so much more to learn…
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I like to spend time with my family, do outdoor activities, enjoy music together, and watch our boys (9 and 6) play sports, learn, and grow. I volunteer at the boys’ school as much as possible, and hope to start doing more freelance writing/editing as they get older. I have no hidden talents, but I know all the boys in my house would agree that I have a true knack for nagging.
Any advice for people just getting started? Show up. Have faith in the process. Trust the coaches. Go at your own pace. Listen to your body. HAVE FUN!
Nick Lombardo
Hometown: Chadds Ford, PA
Age: 43
Occupation: Equity Research Analyst
When did you first start training at CFKSQ? July 2017
Favorite WOD: Like many CrossFitters, I like the workouts that give you perspective, so I would have to say the “Nine-Eleven” WOD is my favorite. (I was working in downtown NYC on September 11, 2001, so this workout has some personal significance.)
Least Favorite WOD: I really struggle with thrusters. I can never catch my breath and always seem to end up in a pile on the floor. So basically, every final CrossFit Open workout is vying for my least favorite. But 14.5/16.5 is my all-time least favorite workout. Pairing thrusters with burpees without a time cap is just mean!
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps for time of: Thrusters, Burpees
Tell us about your sports & fitness background: I was active in organized sports from an early age. I began wrestling and playing soccer at age five, and played through high school. I also played in adult soccer leagues for several years. I have been an inconsistent runner over the years, but I did manage to finish the NYC Marathon in 2000 and 2001. More than anything else, I would say my wrestling experience is what helps me push through some of the more difficult WODs.
How did you first get exposed to CrossFit? Take us back to your first WOD… what was it, and how did it feel? I was first introduced to CrossFit by an old soccer friend, but it took me about two years to actually give it a try. I was studying for the CFA exam and had neglected any physical activity for about three months. I felt awful. The exam was on a Saturday in June, and my first intro class was the following Monday. I don’t remember my first WOD, but I do remember trying rope climbs for the first time during one of the intro classes. Getting up the rope wasn’t too difficult, but I realized no one had shown me how to get back down – and that was my first CrossFit hand rip!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting CF (before/after)? My apprehension about starting CrossFit stemmed from a back injury. I herniated a disc in my lower back in my early 20s and the thought of doing overhead lifts and squats scared me. Since starting CrossFit, the strength I have gained in my legs and core, as well as proper lifting technique, has been the best thing for my back.
What sort of changes in your life have you experienced out of taking on something like CrossFit that were totally unexpected? I would like to say I have more energy, but I don’t. Getting up at four-something in the morning is not easy! So, needing to go to bed at the same time as my six-year-old is probably the most unexpected change since starting CrossFit!
Please share with us any favorite CrossFit / CFKSQ moments: One of my favorite CFKSQ experiences was participating in “Friday Night Lights” during the CrossFit Open. I can’t imagine how much work it takes to put together the heats and lane/ judge assignments for so many people, while making accommodations for the various time constraints, and with such little lead time. Given all that, I was amazed that my assigned spots were always in my favorite places in the gym/on the rig. I am grateful for the dedication of the coaching staff, and happy to be part of this community.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I feel very fortunate to live in a such a beautiful part of Pennsylvania with access to lots of outdoor activities. We participate in many of the local trail runs, hike/mountain bike, and canoe down the Brandywine. I have recently started camping with our boys and would like to do more/bigger trips. I also enjoy coaching our boys in wrestling and soccer.
Any advice for people just getting started?
- CrossFit is the most fun way to exercise. And there is something for everyone; from beginner to experienced, you can always grow!
- You will be sore everywhere for the first three months. But then it gets better –unless you take time off, then it hurts again. But it’s a good hurt!
- Register early if you plan to attend the 5 a.m. class; there is always a wait. Probably because it is the best class!