1) Who is Meredith Root? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I grew up in Summerfield, North Carolina. I went to North Carolina State University and worked in biopharmaceutical development as a process engineer for 6 years before switching to CrossFit full time. I have always enjoyed athletics and played a variety of sports growing up. I have a twin sister, Meghan, who also does CrossFit.
2) How many years have you been training?
I started CrossFit in 2012.
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)
Last year I had an injury take me out of Regionals. That was a pretty big disappointment because the events really played to my strengths (lots of gymnastics) and I think had I been healthy I could have done quite well. Ultimately I think I learned a valuable lesson, which is there is no point in being in very good shape if you are also injured. I was as fit as I’ve ever been last year but it came at too big of a price, and I knew it. It’s like owning a Ferrari with no tires. You can’t use that fitness. I’m much more well rounded this year and most importantly, injury free. That is a great thing for my confidence.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
I get my programming and coaching from Mike Fitzgerald of Optimum Performance Training (OPT). I train twice a day, five days per week. My total gym time is about 4 hours per day. Most weeks I take two full rest days. Occasionally I will go for an easy run on an off day.
I get my nutrition (and life) programmed by Mike Molloy of M2 Performance Nutrition. Currently my daily macros are 155p/55f/375c.
5) What new knowledge have you learned over this past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
I’ve kind of overhauled my life in the past year. I moved from NC to Calgary, Alberta which has been a great change for me for a lot of reasons. With training I’ve learned that quality over quantity is very important, especially for me. I was afraid of dialing back the volume and intensity that I had last year, but it’s been a great change for me and has helped develop my top end even more. I have also dialed in my nutrition and lifestyle quite a bit. I’ve always been a clean eater but paying attention to the quantity and timing of macronutrients has had a major impact. And making sure I’m eating enough. I definitely wasn’t eating enough.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
I don’t really have a favorite cheat meal. I have a group I go for sushi with every Friday, but I still track that. Sometimes a muffin on Saturday. But I track that too. ;)
7) Whats one supplement that you could not live without?
Nova 3 Max Perform
8) If you had to start your Journey from scratch with your health & physique what would you do differently and why?
I would skip the Paleo phase. Too much fat.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
Mia Hamm. She is an amazing athlete and competitor and has done so much for women in sports.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
Work hard but have patience, nothing that is worth having comes easily.
11) What new goals do you have on the horizon?
I want to do well at Regionals and qualify for The Games. Other than that, I want to continue to work hard, be kind, and be a positive force in the world.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
Instagram: @meredith_root
