Windy City Pulse

This is #WindyCityLivin

Athlete of the Month: May 2017

Mari Osten

Nickname: My dad calls me Chavale, for my middle name Chava, but he’s the only one.

Member since: May 2015

Windy City: It's hard to believe Mari is coming up on only her 2nd year anniversary here at Windy City, we feel like she's been with us since the beginning. Mari is up for whatever Windy City throws her way. On any given day you could find Mari sweating it out with the Assault community crew, then see her jump into a WOD followed by our Stretch class. Mari takes full advantage of everything Windy City has to offer whether it's the CrossFit Open prep program, the Power Monkey gymnastics seminar or a Windy City rock climbing group outing. Mari truly exemplifies what Livin Big is all about! 

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Mari: I’ve always been a pretty active person, always staying busy and challenging myself both in and out of the gym. But like so many friends I’ve made at Windy City, at some point in adulthood fitness became less and less of a priority. When I joined WC two years ago I was looking to try something new and hoping to step up my game a bit. I didn’t anticipate just how much I would love all aspects of CrossFit.

Seven years ago, I went from a being a summer-league volleyballer to a 3-4 times per week, year-round, indoor and beach player. I joined a wonderful group of people, many of whom have become close friends. As much as I loved the game and new friends, it didn't fulfill the full-body workout and physical challenge I was seeking. So I cut back a little bit and started training for the Chicago triathlon, completing one sprint and two olympic. I don’t love running, but I can get really immersed in swimming and cycling, so that was a fun challenge, but training by myself was lonely.

Windy City is where I found my groove. Everyday and every workout can be as challenging as I make it, the variety keeps me engaged, and the social environment fuels me to keep coming back. It’s the perfect balance.

Last year's Murph training was when I really turned a corner in my training. The extra programming and friends to workout with really motivated me to reach for specific goals and then strive for harder ones. In and out of the gym I find myself more energized, focused, and stronger both mentally and physically. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the incredibly talented coaches and amazing members I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. I feel so completely comfortable here and genuinely love everyday I get to spend at WC.

Recent Adventures

I’m really proud that this year I was able to do all five of the CrossFit Open workouts Rx. (A year ago I was only able to do two Rx.) This year I "advanced" to the Masters division when I turned 35 last month. And was able to pull off my first muscle up in 20 years (since high school gymnastics!) during week 2, and have since learned to string a few together.

In the last year or so I’ve had the opportunity to try a few new activities like outdoor rock climbing and a New Year’s day polar plunge, both with WC friends. I also hiked my first fourteener in Colorado, backcountry camped in the Grand Canyon, and Glacier trekked in Argentina.

Future Adventures

At the end of the month, I’ll be down in Nashville cheering on Megan and Austin while volunteering on the media team at Regionals. I’m pretty excited for an up-close view.

In August, I’m headed to Peru with some volleyball friends to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Thankfully, several WC ladies have given me tons and advice on what to expect, best hiking snacks, and how many baby wipes to pack. And in the near future, I’m hoping to make it to Iceland (and beyond). I’ve heard only amazing things.

Goals

  • Fitness: I don’t usually set specific goals at the gym, but I do make a point to continue to push myself to advance and try new/harder things. I’d like to add more Oly into the mix once my shoulder is bit healthier, improve my double-unders, work on getting a ring muscle-up, and keep my mobility up and injuries down. I’d also love to do another Chicago Tri this year or next.
  • Personal: I am incredibly lucky to have an amazing family and very close friends nearby, including four nieces and nephews. My loved ones are always my top priority and I try spend as much quality time with them as I can. Life can get busy but I continue to try to be the best sister, daughter, auntie, and friend I can be. I’d also really like to resume a regular volunteer gig and make time for the creative endeavors I enjoy.

Something that most people don’t know about me:

I caught the travel bug early in life. Peru will be my 33rd country visited. I’ve lived in Argentina and China for brief stints. The most obscure countries I've visited have been Cuba and Mauritius.

Words to Live By

Be kind, sincere, humble, and genuine to who you are, and life will unfold as it was meant to.

Comments

  1. Brenda Brown

    Brenda Brown posted at 1:15pm on May. 1, 2017

    Yeah Mari!  Congratulations!

  2. Terri Hartman

    Terri Hartman posted at 2:20pm on May. 1, 2017

    Yes!  Congrats Mari!

  3. Michael Mancini

    Dingo posted at 3:20pm on May. 5, 2017

    Congrats Mari. Welcome to the club. We meet every Thursday morning at 7am in the way back room. New members are responsible for coffee and donuts.

  4. Scott Thompson

    Scott T posted at 9:31am on May. 6, 2017

    Congrats Mari, your amazing

Are you in?

Try Us for Free Or contact us for more info