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Catanzaro, 24, is the first woman to complete an American Ninja Warrior city finals course.
I watched the Japanese version ofAmerican Ninja Warriorwhen I was in my teens.
What they were doing was amazing.
I thought, I could do that.
I’d been doing gymnastics since I was 5.
But getting involved seemed out of reach.
Then, in 2012, I was done being a gymnast.
I thought about the show again and realized nothing’s holding me back.
The Warped Wall is almost three times my height.
I have to jump super high to scale it.
Right before I compete, I’m nervous.
The course is gruelingthere are some obstacles you’ve never faced before you hop up there.
But I can’t freak out.
The trick is to never doubt yourself.
You have to say, “I can do this; I’m awesome.”
There’s nothing that can mess you up as much as the mental game.
There’s not another sport like this.
It’s such an adrenaline rushexactly what I needed.
Her training:I do body-weight circuit training four to six days a week, in the morning.
I throw together exercises like pull-ups, pushups, lunges, squats, and tuck jumps.
I pick four exercises and do them in a row.
I usually do four rounds of this.
I might aim for 11 pull-ups, but some days I might get 10 or I might get 12.
The point is to make yourself tired; that way you build up your cardio too.
You don’t have to lift heavy weights to keep yourself strong.
This keeps me fit for the course.
Her boyfriend, fellow American Ninja Warrior Brent Steffensen:Brent has been my secret weapon.
We work at the same obstacle gym, Alpha Warrior in San Antonio, Texas, and train together.
He’s a huge veteran on the show.
He knows what he’s doing.
Even just being able to watch him has been a big help.
I feel like being a Ninja Warrior is different from most sports.
They want to them to their best as well.
When Brent and I walk up together, I don’t think,I have to beat Brent.
We both want to reach our potential.
You’re reaching for the same goal.
You’re seeing each other through it.
It’s really nice having him by my side.
I wear waterproof mascara too.
I always put my hair in a low ponytail with a pouf in front.
I don’t want my bangs falling in my eyes.
I’ve had the same hairstyle since I was a gymnast.
I really love motivational quotes.
But I don’t have a lucky charm I carry with me.
I’m not too superstitious.
I feel like lucky charms just give you something to blame if everything doesn’t go perfectly.
You’re just giving yourself an excuse not do well.
Above: Bra, $40, and pants, $40;UnderArmour.com
Photo Credit: Leann Mueller
