Two Sarnia sisters are heading to the Canadian CrossFit Regionals in Toronto next month, but they are going with very different expectations.
Kristine Andali, 23, says her goal is to finish in the top two in the 48-woman field, while her sister, 26-year-old Jenine White, would be satisfied to place in the top ten.
The top two finishers at each regional event advance to the World Championships in California this summer.
Andali admits she will have to be at her very best to finish first or second.
"There are a lot of good girls, (in the competition) so you have to up your workout," said the former gymnast.
Her two main opponents are both from Quebec.
"My dedication is 50 times what it was last year," said Andali during a recent interview at Point Edward's We Are Fitness, where the pair trains six days a week up to four hours each day.
White has moved up from 60th to 14th place in her first two years of competition, so placing in the top ten is a realistic goal, she said.
The sisters say CrossFit, an exercise philosophy that incorporates interval training, weightlifting, gymnastics and calisthenics, among others, has been growing by leaps and bounds in our area.
They say participation rates have increased from a handful of people to several hundred in the past four years, in all age groups from children to seniors.
The sisters say a CrossFit workout is unlike anything they have ever experienced before.
"It's a great feeling knowing that you have given your all," said White.
"You're in la-la land when you are done a workout," said Andali. "It's a satisfying feeling knowing you have pushed yourself to the limit," she added.
Sarnia's Carolyne Prevost, who recently captured the Clarkson Cup with the Toronto Furies of the Canadian Women's Hockey League, is also expected to compete in the Toronto event next month.
- Barry Wright