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Sarah Coleman: The power of Unbroken

Sarah Coleman/For Steamboat Today
CrossFit Steamboat crew crushing the spectator event in style. Pictured, from left, are Sarah Coleman, Ronni Waneka, Dana Forbes, Keagan Scronek and Angela Marsh
Courtesy Photo

Unbroken — not broken; whole; intact; uninterrupted; continuous; not tamed; undisturbed.

I recently returned from an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime trip to the CrossFit Games, a quest for the Fittest on Earth (think American Ninja Warrior meets the Hunger Games).

I know, people are sick of hearing CrossFit this and CrossFit that, however there are countless life lessons to be learned from the athletes, the volunteers and the fans almost any person can benefit from, no matter what their workout or passion of choice. Plus, I think I found the next best career as a sports announcer … wouldn’t it be great?



Following are a few inspiring takeaways from one of the fiercest, yet friendliest, competitions there is on teamwork, sweat, friendship and, of course, food.

• Teamwork: CrossFit is known for its tradition to always cheer for the last to finish. Make it a priority to support those around you, no matter what. Remember, we all had to start somewhere, whether this applies to your workout, your career or parenting. Plus, it makes both parties feel really good. Maybe just start giving everyone a high five.



• Sweat: It was hot in California, and sweat was a daily occurrence. It releases toxins from the body and makes you feel good. And, remember, stay hydrated and apply sunscreen. Our skin is the largest organ we have. Take care of it.

• Humility: Most elite athletes are untouchable, unmeetable and unseen. At the CrossFit Games, however, the competitive athletes walk around after events among fans and friends. It is truly a unique community. I didn’t see Peyton Manning after the SuperBowl. Be proud of your accomplishments, yet stay unpretentious.

• Fitness: Never before has a crowd of more fit people gathered. Looking around, you see hundreds of tanned biceps, ripped backs and strong legs, a constant, friendly reminder that we all need to move daily. Make fitness a priority, not to keep up with the athletes, but to keep up with the fans.

• Honor: There is a massive, indescribable sense of honor in a stadium full of athletes of all levels (fitness, age, body type, income, background, ethnicity, etc). Nothing says character like a goosebump-enducing, tear-jerking rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and a fly over. Honor the fallen. Honor the brave. Honor the ones who have gone before us. Honor yourself.

• Friendship: There is a worldwide bond among members of the CrossFit community that cannot be broken. They are family. They are community. They all understand MURPH. Surround yourself with likeminded friends. Let your inner circle remain unbroken.

• Competition: Nothing says camaraderie like a friendly competition. Watching athletes move and work together in the team division is awe-inspiring. To act as a team, you have to move as a team. Support your team. Create open lines of communication. Share. And don’t forget to wear matching socks.

• Food: You are what you eat. Never before have I been to a stadium that wasn’t full of hot dogs and beer. The endless amounts of healthy options makes my mouth water just thinking about them. Choose healthy whenever you can. Eat real food. And, don’t forget to indulge once in a while. Nothing says healthy like a Paleo ice cream sandwich.

Sarah Coleman brings years of personal health and fitness knowledge to the table. Currently the health and wellness director at The Foundry, Coleman is a personal trainer, “CrossFitter,” coach, outdoor enthusiast, managing partner with Inspired Live Network and owner of A Weight Lifted Fitness Camp. She provides flawless technique and a positive attitude. Taking fitness to new levels, she uses the outdoor environment, your living room or work space, as well as the gym to influence and push her clientele. Funky knee socks and outrageous colors make Sarah unique, which transfers into her training and brings a smile to everyone’s face.


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