Congratulations to our July 2020 Athlete of the Month – Rachael Buraski! Rachael started at Capital City CrossFit in January of 2019. A staple of the 5:00am class, Rachael is a cheerful ray of sunshine before the sun comes up. She’s like the hot cup of coffee that accompanies your morning crossword puzzle. She is an oasis in an otherwise arid desert. She puts the POW! in Go Go Power Ranger. Rachael is also a very determined athlete. Over the past year she has been working very hard on sharpening her skills, using her own time to help accomplish goals for herself, such as pull-ups and toes-2-bar. Through quarantine, she stayed on top of her fitness by regularly completing our At Home WODS while also practicing her skills such as double unders. She also took up running, which she has detested in the past. Rachael also brings a fun-loving attitude to each class she attends, and she never misses an opportunity to wear a windbreaker jumpsuit. Congratulations Racheal. Keep up the good work!
In general, what is your background?
I grew up in Pawnee, where I ate lunch in the same cafeteria kindergarten through senior year. I went from a class of 36 to a class of 6,000 at the University of Illinois.
The summer after freshman year, I lost my sister in an accident. One day in the middle of my grief, I had an epiphany. I get to choose if I have a good day or a bad day. I started choosing good days and my life has been a series of lucky events ever since. I changed my major from Engineering to Marketing and embarked on a fun career in radio, then tv, and now advertising.
Attitude is a choice, and in life I think enthusiasm is worth at least 10 IQ points. I enjoy seeing the world through my rose-colored glasses.
I was lucky enough to meet my husband Jason and instantly know he was the one for me. We’ve been married 10 years and have 3 great kids – Jacob (7), Anna (5) and Arden (3), and I try not to take one minute for granted.
Age, Occupation?
I’m 37 and I’ve been the Director of Marketing for Green Family Stores for the last 10 years. I’m to blame for all the cheesy local car commercials you see and hear.
How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
My buddies Lindsey Donovan and Abby Griffith have done CrossFit for as long as I can remember. I was always inspired by them and intrigued, but I was too intimidated to ever try it. Plus, I’m a mom with a full-time job. There was no way I could fit workouts into my schedule.
I randomly bid on an on-ramp session at a silent auction for The Outlet. I knew nothing about any of the local CrossFit gyms, but found out later that my buddies had just switched to C3. I also knew another girl who went there – none other than Kristi Lee Kenney Jones who is now the Whitney to my Mariah.
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
I stopped making excuses to myself, and I stopped feeling guilty for taking time for myself (even if it is at 5am when my entire family is still asleep.) Everyday things like chasing my kids or bringing in groceries seem more effortless. I don’t want to brag or anything, but I carried all 3 of my kids up the stairs the other day – at the same time. If this isn’t functional fitness, I don’t know what is. I don’t need to be the strongest or fittest person in the room, but I do want to be around for my kids and future grandkids. Plus, my son thinks I’m one of the original Power Rangers, so I need to keep up on my basic ninja skills.
Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
I want to be able to string together toes to bar and pull ups. Dubs would be a cherry on top.
Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
The one that sticks out in my mind is during the C3 Open. I think it was 20.4. It was the first time I cleaned and jerked 95lbs. Then KK did it too. In the 19 Open we couldn’t even get 95lbs off the ground to attempt a clean. There’s something about sharing your accomplishments that just feels good.
What is your least favorite WOD to date?
I remember a WOD that had a 60 cal row, 800m run (in the cold asthma-inducing air) and then 40 calories on the bike. I didn’t even think I would make it through the run. Everyone was already done when I came in to start the bike. I wanted to quit so bad, but Darci stood by me while I cranked out all 40 calories. It was a humbling moment I won’t forget.
What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?
Hands down the community. My life is so much fuller with all of you as a part of it. I genuinely like every single person I’ve met through C3. The support is incredible.
Favorite exercise?
I don’t know why, but I just really, really love back squat days.
Least favorite exercise?
It used to be running, but I decided to become a “runner” during quarantine. I’m still terrible at it, but I keep telling myself I’m having fun while doing it.
The bike can s my b’s. I’m not sure any amount of positivity can change that one.
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