CrossFit: Karen Rackliffe

My Cross Fit life of constantly varied and high intensity began April 2008. I watched my husband, Russ do these crazy workouts from November 2007 and into April 2008 and decided to give it a whirl…even if there weren’t any bicep curls or “nose breakers”!

I was coming out of a bad post breast cancer funk. I was an angry person who needed to channel her energies into something good. CrossFit quickly became an avenue in which I felt ALIVE again- like my body and mind could win..not cancer. Russ and our three girls certainly gave me motivation to get back in the game of life and CrossFit added to regenerating myself.

I tossed myself in the 2009 Regional competition and clenched a 4th place finish securing my magic carpet ride to Aromas~ home of the 2009 CF Games. I haven’t made it back to the Games since then as a competitor and I keep on trying. I am constantly fuelled by my inner drive to be better and by my 033/CFR coaches and fellow athletes.

From her daughter, Kim Malz:

“I couldn’t be more proud of my Mom, Karen Rackliffe. Her first CrosFit workout was “Helen” done at a globo gym with jumping pull ups in November 2008.

And now look at her- 2011 CrossFit Masters 60+ 5th place finisher! She didn’t even want to register for the 2011 Opens- bull crap I told her. Register and see where it takes you. Never mind that she was working through PT from a broken foot or that she was awaiting surgery to get rid of bone spur.

CrossFit has taught my mother not only how to be physically fit, but how to stand tall and walk proud. CrossFit has empowered her to believe in herself and her capabilities-CrossFit has helped her find her voice. I have seen her move from jumping pull ups to kipping pull ups for reps. I have seen her deadlift 225. I have seen her be the best role model for her three granddaughters possible.”