Meet an Athlete of Merit: Mikaela's Story
Mikaela Clark
Merit Member Since September, 2018
Mikaela is a 40 year old Columbia, Maryland native. Before finding herself in Calvert County for her husband Nick’s job, she lived in cities including Orlando and London. A self proclaimed do-er, Mikaela is up for any kind of adventure. She found her way to a new adventure, CrossFit, through a desire to treat her body right and have some “me “ time. Since then, Mikaela has persevered through every WOD with a positive attitude and fun loving spirit that Merit members have come to know and love. Read on to learn more about Mikaela’s many interesting experiences and talents!
Mikaela, her husband Nick, and their three children.
How do you spend your time outside of Merit?
I'm a do-er, lol. I'm usually up for any kind of adventure. I really like traveling more than just about anything. Nick and I homeschool our three kids, so a lot of our lives revolve around that right now--we try to spend a lot of time going to museums and events, being outside, seeing performances, checking out historic sites, and finding other places where we can do hands-on learning. Before deciding to stay home with the kids, I was an attorney and I owned a gourmet dessert catering business...I guess those might be my special hidden talents. There are lots of food allergies in our house, so I spend a lot of time cooking, doing dishes, and cooking again (well, ok, my husband has taken a lot of that over because....) About a year ago I became a librarian at Calvert Library...it's just about the coolest job ever, and I love seeing Meritians pop in for a book!
Why did you choose Merit?
I had heard good things about Merit for years. Rachel Califf encouraged me to come back in the days where you met on a driveway. My kids were disasters (ha!) and I just couldn't get it together back then...this year I finally decided I needed to do something for ME! So I reached out through the online chat (probably hoping the person on the other end would tell me I was too old and too injured...but they didn't lol), and haven't looked back!
Mikaela accomplishing one of her CrossFit goals!
What were your goals when you originally joined Merit? Have you accomplished any of those goals so far?
My first goal was just to SHOW UP. I used to love pushing myself to work out, but I hadn't done it in years and I knew I had a habit of pushing too hard and breaking things. So this time, I really wanted to treat my body right and just show up and try. That is still my number one goal...and trust me, when I see some of the workouts ahead of time, I really have to talk myself into just showing up! In my head I thought I could never do a wall handstand. But in my heart...I really, really wanted to do it. One day I decided to just go for it...and I DID IT. That felt like a huge accomplishment! I'm mulling over a couple new goals-- I'd love to do a pull up one day, and climb the rope to the top. I'd love to beat the double-under record. I'd love to not hate running, burpees, and L-sits. Those are probably a loooooong time away, so for right now I'm going to keep showing up.
What is your favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
Anything weight lifting. I had no idea I was as strong as I am, so I feel really good when I see what I can do.
What is your least favorite CrossFit movement/WOD?
Mikaela’s children.
Well, it used to be burpees. Then I found out about L-sits. Why? Because they hurt! And I'm terrible at them. But not the kind of terrible that's funny and fun...the kind of terrible that is just painful, sweaty, and awful.
What is your most memorable CrossFit moment so far?
My handstand.
What/Who is your biggest motivator?
I am. I mean, I want to live long for my kids and my husband...but I really have to do this for ME--it helps my mind, my spirit, and my body.
What would you like to say to people on the fence about trying CrossFit?
JUST SHOW UP. It only looks intimidating until you get started. Once you're here, you will really see that everything can be modified to meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.