Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Editor’s note: We announced the 13 finalists in the 6th annual EN Blogger Contest last week, and now we’re bringing you their first round entries here on Bloggers Row. Each entry will be presented unedited for fairness’ sake. Thanks as always for reading, and please leave feedback in the comments section.
Jimmie Schramm and Bellamy. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Round 1 Entry: Jimmie Schramm on Cross Training for Eventers
In addition to being an accomplished four-star rider, Jimmie Schramm is an eventer of many talents. From color commentator to co-star of the popular Evention TV series, Jimmie continues to impress. Did you also know Jimmie is a talented CrossFit athlete? I caught up with Jimmie to learn more about her riding fitness routine and ask for advice about cross-training for eventers.
Q: What encouraged you to add CrossFit to your riding fitness routine?
A: I started CrossFit with a small group of girls in August of 2014 before competing at the CCI*** at Fair Hill, so we were trying to get fit for that event.
Q: Describe your typical day of cross-training.
A: I normally work and ride in the mornings and do CrossFit in the afternoon. In CrossFit there is a regular warm up of a little cardio and stretching. Then there is a choice of strength work or stamina work. Normally I do strength, but I will do the stamina as well if I’m feeling like I need it. Lastly we all do a workout together which varies each day.
Q: How has cross-training affected your riding fitness and overall well-being?
A: In general I’m much stronger. In CrossFit you use your core for just about everything, so I definitely feel a difference. As far as respiratory goes, I’m much better. I find myself being able to keep even breaths through almost all of my riding – it’s nice not to be huffing and puffing all the time. The thing I love most about CrossFit is how I feel mentally. Becoming physically stronger and pushing yourself past your mental limits is a really cool feeling.
Q: What advice would you offer to fellow eventers looking to boost their riding fitness?
A: First, try and find something you like to do. It’s hard to be disciplined about working out if it’s something you hate doing. If someone told me I should ride a bike every day to improve my fitness I think I would crawl into a hole and die. I hate riding a bike, but some people love it. You want to pick something that you enjoy so you will want to keep doing it.
A: Second, start small and set attainable goals. If you say, “okay, for three days this week, I’m going to walk/run for 30 minutes and do 20 crunches,” that’s something you can accomplish. Then you can increase it as you see fit. I promise the high you get after working out will make you want to keep coming back for more.
Q: If you could pick any eventer to join you for a day at the gym, who would it be?
A: The first person that pops into my mind is Jennie Brannigan, but we already do CrossFit together in Ocala. We always have a good time, cheer each other on, and laugh about everything. Someone who I’d love to join in would be Liz Halliday-Sharp. She is ultra-competitive and a tough person – I think she could love CrossFit. Plus she’s just a fun person and I like being around fun, positive people when I work out.
Q: If there was a competition called “American Eventer Warrior” would you participate?
A: Is the Pope Catholic? Hell yes I would! I would love anything where I get to climb something. I would love to see any of my fellow eventers participate. That’s the good thing about eventers, most of them aren’t embarrassed to do something crazy, and that’s why they are all such a fun bunch!
Go Jimmie, Go Cross-Training, and Go Eventing!
