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Posted February 10, 2012 in Blog, Member Profiles by Turbo

February 2012 Member of the Month: Karren Allen

There are people in the world who take care of places, objects, projects, people, all sorts of things really.  And there are people in the world who take care of their own shit.  What I mean by that is that they’ve figured out how to prioritize themselves while still being there for others.  These are people who, at one point or another, had a moment of clarity and made a decision to change their lives for the better, and never looked back.  Our member of the month is just one of those people.  For those of you who haven’t had the chance to train with her, meet Karen Allan.  Karen works hard and reaps the benefits.  Behind Karen’s tough,  no nonsense, hard-working attitude is a real sweetheart.  The photo on the left is an amazing transformation – most of it done on her own, out of sheer determination.  Looking good Karen!

 

Age: 51
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 160’s aiming for 150’s
What is your favourite exercise or workout?  Love deadlifts, rowing, situps. I secretly love the competitiveness that it brings out in me.
What is your least favourite exercise or workout?  Rope climbing, which is one of many, many things I can’t yet do. 
Tell us something interesting or surprising about yourself?  I’ve lost 120 lbs over the past 3 years, almost 30 since starting crossfit.
What is your favourite hobby, pastime or sport?  Cycling.
What were you doing before CrossFit?  I cycled lifelong, started walking on a regular basis a few years back then added running.
How did you find out about CrossFit Winnipeg?   I heard about crossfit through a friend’s daughter in Alberta.  Googled it and found Winnipeg Crossfit.  “Nasty girls” was the first of many videos I saw in my internet prowling. Somehow I was drawn to the barbells…
What changes have you seen in yourself or your life since joining CrossFit Winnipeg?  Increased strength, stamina, better posture, braver to try new things, I tried standup paddleboarding this past summer, I know I never would have tried it before… so fun. I eat healthier and have incredible amounts of energy, more now than I ever remember in my life.
Do you have any special memorable CrossFit Winnipeg moments?   When I felt how heavy 120 lbs feels to pick up; I used to wear that. Talk about a weight vest!  Also deadlifting over 200lbs, it feels awesome to be strong.
 What advice would you give to a newbie or someone just joining CrossFit Winnipeg? Just try anything and don’t worry about the numbers, times or scaling. Listen and ask questions to the coaches. The community here is great. I would never work out this intensely without the people.
What is your biggest accomplishment at CrossFit Winnipeg?  I feel strong, healthy and energetic and I plan to stay that way. I used to have chronic knee and foot pain when I was unfit and heavier. That is completely gone. Now I just have aching muscles from the last WOD.
 Also, lengthened telomeres, (thanks Maxim).

15 Comments to “February 2012 Member of the Month: Karren Allen”

  • Wipeout
    February 10, 2012 at 11:49 am

    Congrats Karen – that is awesome!

  • Simone
    February 10, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    Awesome work Karen. I truly enjoy working out with you. You are a great inspiration.

  • L-dub
    February 10, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    omg Karen!!!! wow cant even recognize you!!!! thats awesome! congrats!

  • Cody
    February 10, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Soon you will be adding double unders to your favorites!! Keep up the amazing work :)

  • Colin
    February 10, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    Nice work, Karen! Rope climbs will come, just you wait…

  • y-sock
    February 10, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    Wow Karen, you are inspirational, congratulations! (Dianne)

  • maxim
    February 10, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    Karen, I remember being your weight training buddy On Ramp exactly a year ago. I admire your tenacity, strength and sense of humor. I am so happy for your XF accomplishments and your private victories. I am really, really proud of you. I can see your telomeres lengthening just by looking at you. :-)

  • Roup
    February 10, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    Incredible Karen!! Keep up the great work! I’ve heard about (and seen) your competitiveness.

  • Leonie
    February 11, 2012 at 12:07 am

    Absolutely amazing Karen! I admire you strength, will and determination. Way to live life!

  • Mara
    February 12, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    Love working out with you and grreat work, Karren!

  • Harvey
    February 13, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Karen, I had no idea! I thought you were always so kick ass.
    I’ve noticed you ramp up the intensity the last few times I’ve been around you. Keep it up

  • Jan
    February 13, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    Way to go Karen! You’ve certainly earned this recognition. (When I showed this to Justin, he asked who the lady beside you was!!!! Serious.) Gotta go and google telomere now :)

  • Pickles
    February 21, 2012 at 8:37 pm

    You look amazing Karen. You’re a really cool lady, loads of r e s p e c t

  • The Fish
    February 26, 2012 at 11:09 pm

    holy fish batman, wow elskan. my father always said , hard work always pays off. so proud of you. totally amazed. wish i could keep up to your energy. time to change , you are an inspiration.

  • Wendy Novotny
    March 18, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    ssoooooo great karen!!!! love it :)

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