What does it take to compete as an individual at the CrossFit Super Regional?

 

Ashley Beaver knows.

 

After competing as part of a team at the NorCal Regional in 2013 (CrossFit 209 Sport) and 2014 (Caffeine and Kilos out of Warriorz CrossFit), Beaver finally spread her wings to see just what it would take to compete as an individual in 2015. 

 

After finishing 4th in the NorCal Open this year, she earned her spot on the floor with the top athletes from the NorCal and SoCal Region (i.e. Lindsay Valenzuela, Valerie Voboril, Becca Voigt, etc.) and she’s a mixed bag of excitement and nerves as this weekend approaches. 

 

Get to know 27-year-old Ashley Beaver, an athlete since 2012 and founder of Livin’ It Paleo, a website devoted to fueling your body with good food for optimal performance-inside and outside the gym.

 

You made it after wondering if you had what it takes…what are your thoughts as you prepare to march into this next weekend? 

I’m just excited for the opportunity. I made the decision last year that I wanted to compete as an individual in 2015 and started training pretty hard for it. I made some sacrifices in other areas of my life to find the time to train harder and more often. When they announced that only the top 20 would move on to the Super Regional I wasn't sure if I'd even qualify. I hadn't done that amazing in the Open in the past years, but I also hadn't trained as hard as I'm training now. I really wasn't sure what to expect. When I finished 4th in NorCal I certainly surprised myself. I think its actually made me even more nervous to compete because I've realized I have a shot at the games and I want to go.

 

What did you learn about yourself last year during Regionals…and how have you changed?

I’ve changed a lot over the past year. For many different reasons. Being that this is the first time I'll compete as an individual I've had to hammer my weakness and work on my mental strength and capacity a lot. I've also been lucky to work with some great coaches and athletes who have helped me get to where I am now. I also have an extremely supportive family which makes all of this possible and worth it. 

 

How have you been preparing for the Regional?

My coach Gabe Subry does all of my programming. We typically train twice a day 5 days a week, plus one active recovery day. 

 

What event are you most looking forward to and why? -how about least looking forward to—and why?

I’m looking forward to event 6 with the strict handstand push ups. I know it's going to hurt because it's a little bit longer of a workout for me, but it has elements I love. 

 

What should people watch out for (i.e. what strengths are you bringing to the table?)

I love gymnastics and weightlifting. I hope these strengths will show this weekend.

 

What are your primary goals for this coming weekend?

To take every event one at a time. I don't want to get caught up on what happened in the last event or which event is coming next. I want to give everything I have for every event. And stick to my plan. Then, no matter the outcome in the end, I'll know I gave everything I had. 

Related Articles: 
The Year Of Carol-Anne Reason-Thibault
Emily Bridgers: Get Your Inside Look Here!
Getting Gymnasty With Julie Foucher