Meet Mollie T. — and if you’ve been at the 5am class lately, you already know her.
Mollie has been on a 32-week streak, hits the gym 5 days a week, is a Committed Club member, and has logged 12 personal records since returning to CrossFit Lincoln last year. The numbers alone tell a great story — but the story behind the numbers is even better.
A wife, mom of three, and Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, Mollie came back to CrossFit after having two kids 23 months apart and spending time on the sidelines. She’ll be the first to tell you she wasn’t in the same shape she was before — and she showed up anyway. She started slow, set a simple goal, and quietly became one of the most consistent athletes in the gym.
We are so proud to have her in this community. Read on to hear it in her own words:
I’m Mollie T.! A wife, mom, and mental health therapist. I’ve lived in Lincoln my whole life and my husband Aaron and I have started to raise our family here. Our 3 kids keep us busy, but in my down time I like to go on walks with our 12.5 year old dog Hali, listen to audiobooks (my goal is 40 books this year), make sourdough creations, play Strands (New York Times game) online with my dad everyday, and bake.
What first brought you to CrossFit, and what keeps you coming back?
I first started Crossfit a few years ago, after my husband’s continued suggestions. I came back in April (I think) last year after having 2 kids, 23 months apart. I really enjoy the variations of the workouts and generally programming things that I would not choose to do on my own. Before coming to CrossFit the first time, I had rarely lifted weights, only ran consistently when I was training for half-marathons, and primarily only did Zumba or cycling classes at the Y. I came back, because I missed the intensity of the workouts, the community, and seeing progress with my accomplishments.
What accomplishment in the gym are you most proud of so far?
Just getting back into it. I was holding myself back for a while to rejoin, because after 2 children I was not in the same physical shape I was when I first stopped coming to the gym. I started out slow, with a goal of coming twice per week for the first four weeks or so. I’ve consistently attended 4-5 classes for months now and it feels good. I’ve regained strength (and then some) and I think some of my lifting weights may even be higher than they were a few years ago, particularly with my upper body.
What is your favorite movement or workout — and your least favorite?
My favorites are back squat and deadlift, probably by far. I like workouts that incorporate those in some variety. Rowing is also more enjoyable than some other movements. My least favorite is burpees.
How has CrossFit impacted your life outside the gym — health, work, family, mindset?
I feel like a person again, not just with an identity as a mom, therapist, wife, etc. Getting back into the gym and into a routine allows me to have time for me and continue to work on bettering myself. I look forward to the workouts (most of the time) and enjoy spending time with the 5 AM crew to start my day. I work with some challenging clientele as a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner, and I’m a supervisor, so a lot of my day is spent giving to others. I have realized that having time to myself, particularly in the morning helps get my mind straight so I can go the next 16 hours or so.
What advice would you give to someone who is brand new to CrossFit?
Stick with it. There are days where you feel like you’re not making any progress, but then soon after you do something or lift heavier than you did before.