1) Who is Alethea Boon? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
Who am I . . . well I am a fiance, sister, daughter, Aunty, an avid sports and fitness enthusiast and an everyday person that enjoys time with loved ones, working hard and trying new things.
I was born in Suva, Fiji grew up in Auckland New Zealand as a gymnast, went to university for gymnastics to BYU in Provo, Utah and now live in Sydney Australia.
I currently work as a Property Development and Risk Specialist for a company in Sydney and for fun I like to seek out challenges that push both body and mind to continually find ways to improve and develop.
CrossFit for me was that hobby that really allowed me to let loose and just enjoy regular challenges. I have to say it's a bit more than a hobby now and I love it!
2) How many years have you been training?
My training age goes beyond that of just CrossFit I was a gymnast for 16years of my life and represented my country for a good chunk of that. I retired at the age of 24 after college gymnastics and took a bit of forced break from all physical activity until I moved to Sydney. I ended up goolgling different ways to get fit back in 2013 and that's when I found CrossFit. Wow that seems so long ago.
I took up CrossFit April 2013 and loved being in the onramp fundamentals class . . . so much so that I stayed in the basics class for one month until I was told by the coaches at Active that it was time I joined the regular CrossFit classes. Haha! I was apprehensive with CrossFit after coming out of Gymnastics with a body that was pretty worn. I started CrossFit with the intention to things light and fun. . . But I guess that changed a little.
3) Whats been the most challenging/hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
Hardest part of my CrossFit Journey has to be letting go of dissappointment in myself, and letting go of the feeling of letting those that helped me along the way down after the achilles rupture at the 2016 games. Going into the Games I felt fit I felt strong but unfortunately couldn't piece things together, and then to pop the achilles . . . my heart broke and more than the physical. mentally I felt like I was a failure. Letting go of that guilt and undue pressure I placed on myself was the hardest part of the comeback journey.
Once the achilles was repaired that's when things started to get fun again and I was able to put more perspective on this athletic journey. Realizing that sport is a just that. .. sport, it doesn't define you as person it is something that you do to enrich your life and it is a blessing to be able to share that journey with others. That is when I removed all pressure and made the goal to do the open in 2017 and finish that on my own terms.
The open was my big rehab goal, scaled or Rx I was determined that that would be my redemption so I set the smallest of milestone goals each day, each week. I focused on just one thing at a time and celebrated every little win I had with those goals. First time I showed upto the gym after surgery, first step out of the boot, first time I could stretch the achilles to the first squat, snatch, jump. All the little things added up and next thing I knew I had removed all pressure from myself had a blast of a time going through the rehab process and celebrating each milestone and that put me in a relaxed but focused headspace to be able to take on each step of the season.
The CrossFit Games 2017 was an "wouldn't that be amazing" kind of thought, when that became a reality it just reinforced how chipping away at the little things can help make something that seemed so impossible, possible. When things seemed so bleak remembering to just show up and give what you have for any given day will put you in a better position later down the track. Little by little becomes a lot over time.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
I workout 5 days per week, rest Monday, Thursday. I follow Starr Strength programming for with weightlifting and CrossFit and train mostly after work which means some pretty late nights but I do try to get the most out of my weekends where I have time to train during reasonable hours. I also workout before work at times, but not year round as that schedule is pretty demanding to try to keep up. Sleep usually takes a back seat at these times which puts me at a higher risk for injury, so I pick it up when needed.
In terms of nutrition I follow RP Strength which is planned around my busy schedule, definitely makes life easier to know how much and when I should be eating, but I have to admit sometimes I get so busy that I just forget to eat and boy do I feel it in training so paying attaention to timing and actually setting alarms to eat is something I've had to work on.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
This past year I have more then ever realized that Balance when trying to be an athlete and working full time is not something that is really achieved, but what I have been able to become better at over the past year is 'being present' in whatever I am doing at any given point in time. Whether it be training, work or spending time with friends and family , where ever I may be be I aim to be fully present and fully invested in where I am and what I am doing. So not worrying about training when I am spending time with friends, when at work being fully focused on work not worrying about what I have to do later. This perspective has allowed me to feel as though I have a more fullfiled schedule even if it may not be completely balanced I at least feel as though I am getting the most out of every interaction, event or training.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
I have so many favourites but two really stick out Oreos and Chocolate cake and icecream! That is a treat and a half!
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
Honestly Vitamin C. :)
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
I think I started my journey off rather well with CrossFit but I do believe being a gymnast I was able to move rather quickly and progressed quickly with skills without actually having the strength to adequately protect my joints and etc. I can always sneak under a lift but not necessarity strong enough to be doing those weights, I think if I started over I would place more emphasis on a bit of body building and stability work first. Oh and sleep, I think the past 3 years making the games I was waveraging 4-5 hours sleep duwing the weekdays.
Going back I would definitely look at a schedule change up a bit earlier to improve sleep quantity and quality.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
I look upto so many individuals
Luke Starr - Coach so passionate about learning and producing the best program for his athletes. Luke is a coach you want to work hard for and learn from.
Stacie Tovar & Margeaux Alvarez - Business Savvy and bad ass examples of strong women making a difference in the fitness industry while tackling their own professional goals.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
No matter how bleak things may seem "Show up, put in effort and remember lots of little efforts over time becomes a lot!"
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
Sporting - Commonwealth Games April - Weightlifting New Zealand 2018
Rebuild this year and put the best version of myself out on the competition floor.
Personal - Pursue further Coaching qualifications and share my knowledge and experience with other aspiring athletes
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
Instagram: @alethea_boon
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AletheaBoon/
