Sarah Scholl is a tremendous athlete who has competed in the CrossFit Regionals six times, but, as you will read, has had to deal with many injuries that have prevented her from making it to the next level. With a focus on staying healthy this year, look out for Sarah on the Open leaderboard.
Sarah recently competed at Wodapalooza, finishing 6th in the Rx division.
TBBS: When and how did you start CrossFit? What was your athletic background prior to CrossFit?
SS: I started CrossFit in 2010 after my chiropractor told me I should try it based on my athletic background and abilities.
One of my grandfathers played for the Yankees, the other was an Olympic wrestler. My dad played football and lacrosse at Cornell, and both of my siblings played D-1 lacrosse at Cornell and Harvard, so I grew up in a very competitive and athletic environment. I went to Nationals in gymnastics when I was 7. I was the first freshman ever to play Varsity lacrosse at my high school, and I was an 6-time All American in track and I was a National Champion in soccer. In college, I was a D-1 All American in track & field at Georgetown University and I ran professionally for 2 years. I also qualified for Worlds in the duathlon and was on the Olympic Development team for USA triathlon.
SS: I train at Crossfit Stamford, which is a 30 minute drive from where I live. I train two times a day, 5 days a week. I am coached by Michael Fitzgerald of Optimal Performance Training.
TBBS: You have consistently made it to Regionals year after year. What is the plan for 2016 and how are you going to make the jump to make it to the Games?
SS: Yes, I have been to Regionals the last six years. The struggle for me has always been staying healthy. During the season I have always had so many setbacks, that my training has never been consistent. Last year I herniated a disc during the CrossFit Open. I fought to come back for Regionals, but 2 weeks before the competition I tore the sagittal band off of my knuckle while doing box jumps. I could barely hold onto the barbell. Due to these injuries last year and all of the years prior, when I stood on the floor at Regionals I was never confident in my preparation. The plan is for me to build some more armor on my body, and train smarter. I trust my coach to keep me healthy and to work on my weaknesses. My engine has never been an issue. I ran a 4:40 mile in college, and I have the mental grit to fight through any strenuous workout. My weakness is my Olympic lifts and some gymnastics. I am very tall, 5’8” and have insanely long legs. We have been focusing on building strength and fine tuning the way I move. If I can stay healthy, I will ready to make that jump.
TBBS: What is one thing you would change about the CrossFit season?
SS: I would have State championships. Our Region has more athletes than any other region and is also the deepest. I wish we had a State competition that would qualify a certain number of athletes for Regionals based on the population of the State. That way, it’s a 3 day competition, rather than a 5 week long stressful situation. Everyone is judged fairly and you know that people legitimately qualified.
TBBS: You recently posted on Instagram that you are starting a 6-week program for those looking to achieve better body composition. Tell us more about the program and how can people sign up?
SS: I am a certified biosignature modulator under the Poliquin Group. I have learned over a period of 4 years, how to determine why someone is holding onto bodyfat hormonally. Most athletes who struggle to lose weight are eating the right way, but aren’t seeing results because they have a hormonal issue that is preventing them. It could be low testosterone, an estrogen imbalance, adrenal fatigue, insulin resistance etc. The Lean Legs program I designed, focuses on estrogen imbalances. When you store excess fat around your butt, hips and thighs, that is indicative of an estrogen dominant situation. This can be caused by environmental toxins, by the way you are training and eating, or by genetic predisposition. Either way, my program includes a supplement protocol, diet and training plan that will address the issue. I have received phenomenal feedback so far. People can sign up by emailing me at sarahpowerxtraining@gmail.com.
TBBS: What does your diet look like on an average day?
SS: I eat when I am hungry, but I follow a macronutrient guideline. I consume about 220 carbs a day. I don’t eat gluten, dairy, soy or corn and try to avoid sugar as much as possible. I care about health as much as I care about body comp.
TBBS: What supplements do you take?
SS: I take D3, probiotic, Max Adrenal and Max sleep by my sponsor, Driven Performance Labs. I also take iron, vitamin C and minerals.
TBBS: What is your most recent PR?
SS: 600 unbroken double unders, and a double power clean and jerk with 190 lbs.
TBBS: What motivates you to get up and train at an elite level every day?
SS: I think the biggest sin in life is wasted potential. I believe everyone has a gift and life is about doing everything you can everyday to actualize what you have been given. I don’t even see myself as motivated, I see myself as doing what I am put on this earth to do.
TBBS: Favorite Hero WOD?
SS: Murph..running!! 🙂
TBBS: Favorite Movie?
SS: Hunger Games. Because I think I should be there.
TBBS: Favorite TV Show?
SS: Anything on the cooking channel even though I don’t cook. It’s relaxing.
TBBS: Last book you read?
SS: The Sports Gene
TBBS: What song is on repeat right now?
SS: Anything Hardwell, Avicci, Calvin Harris
TBBS: Favorite cheat meal?
SS: Cookies and almond milk
TBBS: How can people follow you on social media?
SS: Sarah Scholl on facebook and @sarahschollathlete on Instagram
