My name is Catherine Batty and I am 16 years old. My fitness journey started by played netball for my school, St Johns. I was OK and enjoyed playing, however I preferred more contact! So, I started to play rugby and I loved it. I began playing for Bishop Auckland under 15s girls’ team and succeeded in getting a place on Durham County RFU U15s team in my first season, but didn’t get to play as my fitness levels weren’t up to scratch. During my second season I decided to try for county again and I failed to get selected. It was disappointing, but it meant I had to try harder to improve my fitness to hopefully get selected the next season.
In the winter of 2017, my younger brothers did a taster session with CrossFit All Out in Newton Aycliffe. After a bit of persuasion from my mum, I decided I would give the academy for 11-16’s a try. I started attending 1 session a week because it was hard work, but after a few weeks decided to add a second session and I gradually increased it to 3 sessions a week.
I could see that my fitness was improving and with Coaches Terry and Vicki encouraging me more and more, I could see my fitness improving more. However, I was aware that as I turned 16 in December, I would have to consider moving to an adult class. I discussed this with Terry and in January 2019 I decided to join the 6am adults’ class.
I quickly started doing 3 sessions a week and could again see my fitness and strength improving dramatically by being pushed by Coach Allen to RX the workouts when appropriate, lift heavier and being more inspired by the other adults in the class.
With this improved fitness and it still improving, I attended the County Rugby Trials with more optimism than the season before. The trials were very physically challenging but because of the mental strength and improved physical ability CrossFit All Out had helped me achieve, I managed to show enough skill and fitness to be selected for the Durham County RFU U18s girls’ team for the 2019 season!
CrossFit has provided a whole new sphere of opportunities for me, both in sport by being selected for the County Rugby Team, to the rest of my life by just having more confidence. It’s been the best form of exercise I’ve found and thanks to the amazing coaches I’m hitting new PB’s and improving week after week.
To anyone even considering joining I’d say do it! It will help both physically and mentally – and you’ll meet loads of amazing new people while improving yourself!
