Each month, in order to get to know our StoneCutter community better, we highlight an Athlete of the Month.
This is an athlete has exhibited determination, growth, and a great attitude in the gym.
They challenge and encourage their teammates on a daily basis and represent CrossFit StoneCutter with pride.
Congratulations to our March Athlete the Month, Candice Vaughan!
Candice is a regular in the 5:30 p.m. class and is also a dedicated endurance athlete.
Candice has an selfless energy and intensity that brings those around her up to another level. She is Veteran who has served our country both in the military and law enforcement.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love endurance running although most people think I’m crazy for it. Haha. I have played soccer for most of my life and will resume playing this Spring. My dogs are a huge part of my life and keep a smile on my face daily. In addition, I just like doing anything active from snowboarding to hiking.
What is something we don’t know about you?
I am an introvert.
When did you start CrossFit? Why?
I started CrossFit in August 2016 because I took the Houston Fire Dept physical agility test, and although I passed, I was completely exhausted for the first time ever on an agility test. The instructor looked at me and said, “If you want to get better at this, try CrossFit.” I started googling CrossFit gyms before I left the parking lot!
Do you remember your first wod?
I think I have blocked it from my memory! I do remember knowing I was hooked on CrossFit immediately after. It was a short 8 min AMRAP that I thought would be easy on my cardio but proved I had the sprint capacity of a 2 year old. I knew this was something I wanted to commit 5-6 days a week to.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing about CrossFit? (movement, wod, etc.)
My favorite thing about crossfit is it pushes me to be better each and every day. There are days that I don’t want to go to the box, but when I get there, I spend the next 60 minutes pushing past barriers and creating new achievements and goals that would not have been possible had I chosen to stay home.
My least favorite movement is the snatch simply because it needs the most improvement.
How has CrossFit affected your life?
Crossfit has physically given me more flexibility and strength to accomplish my goals in my marathons and half marathons. In addition, I have found a new platform of competition in crossfit from the team competitions to the individual competitions to even just internally competing with myself.
More importantly, this box has been a supportive athletic community that I have missed. The coaches and athletes at this box make my day brighter each and every day.
What advice would you give a newbie?
Listen to your coaches. This is unlike any other workout you have ever done. It is more important to have the proper form than lift the heavy weight. That will come. Most of all, have fun!!
Tell us your most memorable moment/wod/etc. in CrossFit?
My most memorable moment in CrossFit was the day Kelly Jones achieved her first box jump. The elation that came after overcoming that mental hurdle gave me motivation to push through my own hurdles. Thank you Kelly for pushing me!
Have you met any goals since starting crossfit? What future goals do you have?
My biggest goal I have achieved was just accomplished in the Open 17.2. I strung together 4 chin over bar pull-ups. I then proceeded to go well beyond my expectations and complete 32 chin over bar pull ups. Although I knew it would be a challenge to complete the scaled workout, I did not let that hold me back from giving it my all and trying for every rep.
My next goal…muscle ups!
Long term goals…gain more experience and eventually seek my coaching certification.
Give a favorite quote or encouraging word.
You never know what you can do until you do it so go out there and get it done!