It’s time for a brand new Wildheart of the Month (WOM)! Every month we interview one of our Wildhearts. We ask them about their Crossfit journey, their day job, their favorite movements and about some other goofy stuff. This month our WOM is Romana Karon (36), child and adolescent psychologist by day, deadlift queen by night. Romana has been a member since the very beginning of Crossfit Wildhearts (and even the start of Sixforty).
Life-changing decisions
‘It’s funny how some decisions or paths you choose during your life seem small and insignificant, while in retrospect, they turned out to have a big impact on your life. I used to workout with a group of friends at the Bootcamp Club. At one time we had to decide: will we continue together as a group, or are we all going our separate ways, sports-wise. This is when I decided to join a ‘kick-off’ workout at Georgios’ new gym Sixforty in Delfshaven, almost 5 years ago! Looking back, this decision led me to a sport for life, a close community of friends and Sander, my boyfriend. We met at the box some years ago, and since a year we are dating. We are actually moving in together next year!’
Sport for life
‘I always liked sports, but wasn’t very athletic. I think that’s because I never really found a sport that didn’t bore me after some time. After I joined the Bootcamp Club I was wondering about what sport to try out next. I actually never considered practicing a sport for as long as I have been actively partaking in Crossfit now. For the first time, I am not looking ahead, wondering what sports to try next. The only thing that is on my mind at the moment is how to keep the level I am currently at, and how to combine Crossfit with the rest of my life. I see Crossfit as a sports for life. What I will have to learn to accept is the fact you can’t always be at your fittest. Your progress is dependent on how much time and effort you invest, and sometimes that’s a hard pill to swallow.’
We’re in it together
‘I like to be independent, I want to decide when I workout and I don’t like to have a strict schedule, something you need in team-sports. But I like the team spirit that comes with team-based sports. This is actually something I found in Crossfit as well. We are a close community, you work out with a group and go trough the same workout, you high-five each other and have an opportunity to talk afterwards. If you want, you can join al kinds of community events: weekenders, workshops, clinics, competitions.’
‘I love the fact that Crossfit is an individual sport, with team spirit in its essence'
Deadlift queen
‘The only movement I can perform just after I wake up is the deadlift. I can always deadlift. But when you ask me to choose between a 140 kg deadlift or a 10k row I would be inclined to choose rowing: I know I can deadlift that weight, I want to be challenged. As much as I like barbell and dumbell workouts, I learned to love cardio as well. As long as it’s not burpees ;)’
Favorite Wildheart memory
‘There are so many! The first Clubgames have a very special place in my heart, but I loved them all. Meeting Sander of course, but also Marte’s engagement during the last Club Games. Going to Berlin with a bunch to see the Regionals. The Wildheart Weekender last summer, all the dinner parties, BBQs and festivities. And last but not least: the awesome open gym sessions on Sundays.’
Stay tuned for our next Wildhearts of the Month!