“Regionals was a great experience, and I learned about three main areas — my programming, training, nutrition and mental state.”
Before the Canada West Regional, Light wasn’t sure if she was good at CrossFit. She learned that she was, and that her perceived weaknesses were actually her strengths.
Light studied herself through the Regional, testing her performance against what she hoped would be solid preparation and nutrition.
“Regionals was a great experience, and I learned about three main areas — my programming, training, nutrition and mental state,” Light says.
She was surprised to do well in events containing her “weaknesses,” muscle-ups and handstand push-ups.
“Those events ended up being my two highest finishes,” Light says.
She planned her meals far in advance, sticking to what she thought should work. Without a competitive history or high-ranked training partners, Light was without the guiding hand of experience. But her educated guesses paid off.
“As for mental preparedness, I had a plan going into all the (events) and I stuck to it,” Light says. “This prevented redlining and kept me inwardly focused, not worried about what the others were doing,” Light says.
After the Canada West Regional, Light considered finding a coach to help her with her Games preparation.
“I tried talking to a couple of people and realized it’s not the right time to get a coach. I have been doing something right, and I need to be confident in that,” Light says.
She will continue to lean on her friend from CrossFit Waterloo, Chris Vranes, for advice.
A former gymnast, Light is working on her handstand walks and standing tucks — her strengths — to keep her confidence high.
Finishing second in Canada West gave Light new opportunities to train with other high finishers, visit other gyms and train on new equipment.
“Last weekend, Chris Kalec and Chris Schallo invited me to train with the Again Faster athletes. In addition to getting the extra push from working out with great athletes, we also did some work at CrossFit Squamish with atlas stones and other fun strongman equipment,” Light says.
“I’m surrounding myself with people who are supportive, take my rest days and maintain my healthy lifestyle. I have competed at high-level events before so I know the pressure that can come if I do not take time out of my busy work and training schedule to focus on me and my family.”
She hopes her hobbies will also help her in the Games. An avid outdoorswoman, Light pursues a few sports that may help her at the Games.
“Usually when I do mountain biking or paddling, I know that it is more for keeping me mentally happy, but it is fun to think that it could be at the Games,” she says.
“I take advantage of where I live and find a quiet place off the beaten path to remind myself that we are all a part of something much bigger than ourselves. Who we are at our core is what ultimately matters, and we need to continue to nurture our souls.”
She adds: “I remind myself that I can only control what I do and not what others are doing. I’m ready to continue to be myself and see where that gets me.”
