After failing to finish her 300-meter swim in the eight-minute time requirement during her training, P.E. teacher Kelly McClearn stood in front of the pool at the Monster Games CrossFit competition, nervous the same would happen.
“It’s really hard to breathe in water unless you’re super comfortable,” said McClearn. “So I was trying to just keep reminding myself, ‘You’ll make it through this, you’ll make it through this.”
McClearn finished the swim on time and placed 19th out of 40 in the Monster Games which were held July 11-14.
CrossFit is a type of functional fitness in which movements useful to everyday life are done at differing intensities. Workouts may include gymnastics, weightlifting, running and swimming.
There are times during CrossFit where McClearn trains really fast and others where she sustains a nice, easy pace, she said.
“You are doing a variety of different movements … like it could be a deadlift that’s picking up your bag, or whatever it might be, and we do it at varied intensities,” McClearn said.
CrossFit can be done as a daily workout or athletes can qualify to compete in competitions. Athletes earn points based on their performance in the workouts they compete in, and every workout can look different. By the end of the competition, the athlete with the most points wins.
“[CrossFit is] something where you can always challenge yourself and push yourself and grow depending on what your goals are and what level you’re at,” McClearn said.
At Glenbrook North, McClearn incorporates CrossFit and functional fitness into her P.E. class curriculum.
“I’m very, very, very, very strong-willed of getting [CrossFit] into high schools, because I think it’s the best way for kids to learn how to move their bodies through space, rather than using your traditional old-school fitness equipment,” McClearn said.
CrossFit has allowed McClearn to become more confident in herself and to be excited about the cool things she can do, she said.
“I found a passion for helping people in that space and helping people achieve their goals, whether it be to advance their skills or even just to find themselves and have friends and build a community of support around them,” McClearn said.
McClearn coaches track, cross country and basketball.
“One of my biggest goals in life is to be a great female example of strength and confidence,” McClearn said.
According to senior Kristiana Kehayova, she loves running with McClearn.
“She’s very motivating, very kind, and [cross country] is a tough sport, so it’s good to have a coach that also shares the passion with you and is running by your side,” Kehayova said.
According to McClearn, in CrossFit and cross country, everyone is going through their own adversities and pains, but when someone finishes, everyone cheers for the next person to finish, so everyone can be celebrated.
“I have so much love for [CrossFit], because it’s brought me the best people in my life, and it’s built me to who I am today,” said McClearn. “I feel so confident. I want to be a strong female presence and hopefully inspire other women to be strong.”