Member Spotlight: Hilarie Fineran
“From the day she set foot in the gym, Hilarie has lead from the front and worked incredibly hard to improve all levels of her fitness. Although quiet, her one-liners bring joy and laughter to the class.”
Q&A with Hilarie
What brought you to 23:20, and what keeps you coming back?
I tried CrossFit in August during the wellness symposium put on by the Ottumwa School District. Also, my good friend Bethany Short kept telling me how much I would love it. What keeps me coming back? I would have to say the challenge, the people and the atmosphere. It’s such a positive place.
Where are you from? If not here, when did you move here?
I am from here.
What do you do outside of the gym? Both for work and play?
I’m a K-2 art teacher. You can usually find me in the bleachers of a sporting event, but if I’m not there, I enjoy spending time with my two boys, running, swimming, and reading.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
Pediatric oncologist.
If you had to do 100 reps of one movement (not running), what would it be?
Wall balls.
One year from now, what do you hope to have mastered? What skill or lift do you hope to add to your wheelhouse?
Muscle ups, double unders, and strict pull ups.
What would you say to a person who is apprehensive to join a CrossFit gym?
I was that person. It can be very intimidating, but everyone is so nice and very welcoming.
What is one thing that CrossFit has changed about your life that you didn't expect it to?
It’s hard to think of just one thing. I never thought I would walk into CrossFit one day and actually meet people who would become my friends.
What’s your party trick?
I have none…it would probably be handstand push ups now 🤪
What is one thing about you people would be surprised to know?
I actually have no art background, but I’ve been teaching it for almost all of my career. Not artistic at all 😉
What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Hard work will beat talent when talent won’t work hard.
