One of the reasons I love taking part in European events is meeting up with people like Licia. Licia Passin won in the Master category at the Istanbul Throwdown 2014 and recently competed at the German Throwdown. I instantly knew her story was worth sharing.
The stronger other half
“I’m a military spouse and my husband Fred is a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. I am also British, mother of three and a Masters athlete (40-44),” says Licia. Over the past 17 years her family moved 8 timed and lived in four different countries. “The lifestyle I live is a privilege, although being a military wife isn’t always easy. We’ve seen some amazing places and met some great people, and over the last 4 years Crossfit has definitely added a special value to that experience.”
Running was my life
Licia started running with an aim to lose weight. But it didn’t take her long to get into competing as well. “My greatest achievement was winning the Seville Half Marathon in 2010,” states Licia. In 2011 she tried Ultra Marathons and completed Ronda 101, a 62-mile (101 km) long race through through mountainous regions of Andalucia.
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“That race was a journey of self discovery, and it was pretty much the end of my running career.”
Making it to Regionals
Her Crossfit journey started in 2010 on Rota Naval Base in Spain. “My husband and a friend, Andy Greenawalt got an approval to open a box – a non-profit Military affiliate CrossFit Rota.” For the first two years Licia was still more focused no running, but that changed in 2012 when their team qualified for the European Regionals and placed 16th in Copenhagen. “I would love to make it back again. At that time I was lacking strength and gymnastics skills,” says Licia. As a Master athlete she finds progression to be much slower.
“I work incredibly hard for very small gains, but it’s all worth it.”
‘The hare’
Currently her family is stationed in Turkey and Licia trains at CrossFit Incirlik. “For the most part I’m throwing down with young fit guys. Do I like to beat them? Hell Yeah!” If she claims she’s too old or being a woman, guys just laugh. “They are a great crowd, they encourage me, they don’t put up with my whining and most importantly, they helped me improve significantly over the last 12 months,” tell us Licia whi in 2014 finished European Open first in her age division and 16th overall in the region.
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“I hope to ‘the hare’ for many years to come. It’s the best compliment anyone could give me.”
The Military Box
For Licia changing duty stations every few years is very stressful, so knowing that the base you’re moving to have a box is reassuring. “It’s an instant family. You could say that of all the Boxes around the world, but with a Military affiliate is that the coaches are not being paid. They are doing it for love and of course the huge satisfaction of watching people progress, move on, continue their Crossfit journey,” says Licia.
Training and what’s up next
Licia’s gym is following Ben Bergeron’s competitors’ training. “I love the programming and don’t intend to change it any time soon! I typically train 2 hours a day (5-6 days a week) and coach 1-2 hours a day (3 days a week).”
She recently competed at the German Throwdown, where she placed 4th, and qualified for the upcoming The Athlete Games.
“Masters athletes have a great rapport. We’re competitive, but very friendly and a there’s a sense of unity.”
In less than 18 month her husband Fred will retire. Licia sees the new beginnings: “I have to admit it’s a little scary! We’re still weighing up our options; we’re considering opening a box back in the UK.”
The end: my thoughts
Licia told her story on the way back home from the briefing at the Isstanbul Thrwodown. The taxi drive through the city took more than over hour. It was insane and dangerous, but luckily we made it. And I am happy I shared this taxi ride with Licia, an awesome lady.
Congratulations Licia and thank you for inspiring us.
Until my next post,
keep crossfitting.
Antonio Alves