A Grandmother Returns to the Games

April 5, 2012

Stephanie Vincent

How many 51-year-old grandmothers do you know who can say they are going to the CrossFit Games, for the second time? 

If you want to find one, look no further than the Mid Atlantic Region. There, you will find Connie Morreale kicking ass and taking names of CrossFitters half her age at CrossFit 10-10 in central Maryland.

“It’s so cool being able to do things much younger people can’t imagine doing,” she says.

“This year, when I hear ‘3,2,1, go,’ I will pour it on and give my all. But when the clock is not ticking, I’m going to relax and have a blast.”

Morreale, who likes to workout early in the morning with the lights off, calls exercise the fountain of youth and believes CrossFit keeps the mind young. “The ability to rise to a new challenge like climbing a rope for the first time at age 50 or beyond is a kick,” she says.

Morreale, a professional trainer in the fitness industry since 1988, and a CrossFitter since 2006, finished 5th in the 2011 CrossFit Games Open and went on to take to take 14th place worldwide in her Masters Division at the 2011 Games.

“Going to the Games was like flying first class … it was a huge motivator,” she says. 

The motivation paid off. Connie’s scores in the 2012 Open Workouts have landed her in 14th place worldwide in the Masters Women 50-54 Division.

Last year Morreale went to the Games feeling very stressed about doing well. “It took away from the experience,” she admits.

Her goal when she returns is to enjoy the whole adventure. “This year, when I hear ‘3,2,1, go,’ I will pour it on and give my all. But when the clock is not ticking, I’m going to relax and have a blast.”

She credits her success to the development of a “respectable aerobic engine, a pretty good skill set with body weight exercise” and commendable technique and strength. However, beyond her physical attributes, her ability to disregard comfort has also been to her benefit. She has come a long way in that department, but knows she can learn to dig even deeper.

Morreale will soon be on the CrossFit world stage, showing off what she is made of.  She will do so alongside a group of inspiring Masters Division competitors courageously redefining growing old.