The MP4 Spotlight is on: Sarah Wilson

Written by Joanna

July 30th, 2010

I’ll admit it, I have a girl crush on our athlete of the week. If I had a vision board, this girl would be plastered all over it. Not only is she an amazing athlete with a killer physique, but she’s also a business owner, and an extraordinary fitness-inspired jewelry designer. YOU MUST check out her work at Fashletics.com.

Are you ready? Let’s meet…

The MP4 Athlete of the Week is: Sarah Wilson

If we asked your coach or training partner to list three words that describe you they would be: Competitive, strong, focused

What are you training 4? Life…. But you probably were looking for a more specific answer.  That would be The ITU Duathlon World Championships, Edinburgh, Scotland – September 4th (10k run 40k bike 5 krun)

What is the best nutrition or training tip you’ve ever been given? Eat like a cavewoman…. but cut yourself some slack every now and then and enjoy some of the wonders of the 21^st century. I’d say 90% of the time I eat a balanced diet of lean protein, lots of veggies, some fruit, and good fat. But if it’s your birthday I am definitely going to have some cake with you and not feel bad about it.

Tell us about your most memorable athletic achievement. Getting pull-ups! It seems so simple but it was a really big deal for me. It was something I never thought I could do and now I do them almost every day. It taught me something very important about my physical limitations… they only exist in my mind.

Describe your perfect workout. I am a CrossFitter so by definition my workouts are constantly varied functional movements done at a high intensity. This combination of elements has proven to be the most effective form of exercise I have ever tried. There is no such thing as one single perfect workout. It is the constant variation movements and the training of all three metabolic pathways that makes CrossFit so effective and fun.

How do you achieve workout/life balance? Working out is a huge part of who I am but it does not consume me. It is a passion, not an obsession. Ultimately life is all about spending quality time with the people you love and my dedication to fitness has only enhanced my life experiences and relationships with others. I have realized that I enjoy life more outside of the gym because of the energy and intensity I put into my workouts when I am there.

What motivates you on days you don’t feel like working out? When I wake up and think “I don’t want to get out of bed yet”, all I have to do is think about all the other people I know who are probably already in the middle of their morning workout. I think about a race I have planned or a goal I have set. I think about the fact that if I don’t get up and workout I have missed an opportunity for improvement or success.

If you could workout with anyone in the world who would it be and why? My sister Natalie. She could also be the answer to the previous question. It may seem like a silly answer when you just offered me the opportunity to describe a fantasy workout with any number of accomplished athletes, heroes, or generally elite human beings. But I pick Nat. Being around her (working out or otherwise) always revives and inspires me in a way that nothing else can. So no need to call Lance, just put me on a plane to visit my sister and I’m as happy as can be.

What is your favorite workout accessory? I wear a Garmin watch when I bike and run. It’s basically a computer on my wrist and looks pretty silly but it is awesome for tracking pace, distance, elevation, etc.

What kitchen gadget can you not live without? Blender.

What was the last thing you’ve had to eat today? Grilled chicken over arugula with walnuts, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. And a grapefruit.

What book or magazine is on your bed side table? I have a kindle stocked with some great reads: The Primal Blueprint, The Help, The Secret Daughter….

What beauty product is always in your purse or gym bag? Sunscreen and lip gloss.

What is the most played song on your iPod? Not telling. It’s embarrassing.

The first place you go when you log on to your computer is…email.

When you’re not working out where can we find you? Either at my workbench working on jewelry or with my hubby enjoying the simple pleasures in life – relaxing at the beach or enjoying a glass of wine in the backyard.

What’s your motto? I first heard this from my coach a couple years back and it has always stuck with me:
Weakness is a choice.

Tags: athlete spotlight, crossfit, Friday fun, motivation