Kim McLaughlin

If you haven’t met Kim McLaughlin yet, I suggest you do so right away.  She is not only one of the toughest girls you will meet but she is incredibly friendly, devoted and a darn good athlete. In fact, Kim walked away with first place in the inaugural Look Good Feel Good Play Good Challenge – placing no lower than third place in any of the three scoring categories.  Kim was kind enough to sit down and talk with me and share some tips for those of you who are current challenge competitors.

Nichole: So Kim, how long have you been a member of Invictus?
Kim: Wow, it has already been a year! I began in January 2010.

Nichole: We should have an anniversary party for you! So, why did you choose Invictus?
Kim: Well, I signed up with Lacie.  She was really into CrossFit and she signed me up without my knowledge.  George was a good salesman and he convinced Lacie that not only was Invictus a great place for her, but it was also a great place for me (unbeknownst to me). So she signed both of us up and, next thing you know, I am in the Invictus Fundamentals class.

Nichole: What did you think about the Fundamentals class?
Kim: I really liked it. It was something new and different. I mean, I had worked out all my life but this was something way different. Plus, everyone I met at Invictus was 150% sure about the program, which impressed me.

Nichole: That’s awesome Kim! What made you commit after completing the Fundamentals class?
Kim: Basically laziness. I had always worked out but I had to come up with my own workouts. I liked the idea of not coming up with my own workouts. I knew that my entire workout was done, within an hour, and I didn’t have to even think about it!

Nichole: So besides CrossFit, do you have any other hobbies or play any sports?
Kim: Oh yeah, I play rugby on a women’s club team, run triathlons and am sponsored by Odwalla (she has a contract with them and must compete in 5 races a year). I also play soccer with an outdoor league.

Nichole: That is great Kim, you are a very well rounded athlete.  Since you started at Invictus, have you seen any changes in your sports performance?
Kim: I definitely noticed it with Rugby. I am a small person on the team but am so much stronger now. Since I am smaller I don’t have that intimidation factor but I have figured out how to use my new strength to my benefit!

Nichole: Kim, I would be intimidated of you on a rugby field! Well, I would be intimidated of anyone on a rugby field!
So, down to business. What made you join the challenge?
Kim: Well Lacie had been trying to get me to change my diet for about 6 months before that. I was convinced it wouldn’t work and I wanted to prove Lacie wrong. I also thought the challenge would help me stick to Paleo without cheating.  The challenge was a good way to keep me accountable. I am also very competitive and this was something to compete for.

Nichole: You did awesome with your diet and it seems like eating paleo has become a lifestyle for you. Where did you find the motivation to stay strict after the challenge?
Kim: Well, funny story. The night after the challenge ended I was dying for pasta. I hadn’t had pasta for 8 weeks so I was so excited. But right after I ate the pasta I got really sick. Since I hadn’t had pasta for a while my body felt awful. I realized that eating paleo made me feel really good. I noticed a change whenever I veered off so it ended up being easy to stick to paleo when it makes you feel really good. It is also nice to have Lacie eating paleo as well because we end up supporting each other.

Nichole: That is great to hear. Did you have any challenges during the 8 weeks of the Look Good Feel Good Play Good Challenge?
Kim: It was hard to eat well when I had to travel with the Rugby team. But, I found that you can stick to paleo and there are options. I would just go to the grocery store and stock up. I would also bring food with me so that I wouldn’t have to eat at places with the team after the games. My teammates were really supportive of me, so that was a big help.

Nichole:  That’s great to hear you were able to stay paleo when you were on the road. It can be a challenge to stay clean but it is totally doable! What is one tip you can give to all the competitors?
Kim: Don’t give up! The results don’t start to show until week 4 or 5, so don’t get discouraged! Hold out.

Nichole: Great advice. So, we are all wondering, what did you do with the $1200 you won?
Kim: Paid for my schooling – whoot whoot!

Nichole: Nice, very practical.
Thanks Kim for talking with me and we can’t wait to see who will take first in this Look Good Feel Good Play Good Challenge!