Former SJC Cross Country and Track Star Maureen Quinn Continues to Push the Limit
Patchogue, NY| Former St. Joseph's College (L.I.) women's cross country and track and field standout Maureen Quinn is still at the top of her game. Despite being over two years removed from her last-ever collegiate race, Quinn continues to occupy leaderboards—this time as a Strongwoman.
After spending four years under the direction of head cross country coach Jim Crowley—during which she claimed two Skyline Conference First-team and two Second-Team honors—Quinn joined GrassFed Crossfit in Medford, NY in search of a new workout. After being encouraged to begin the strength-based weightlifting program, and inspired by the growing prominence of Strongwoman competitions, the sub-120 lbs. Rocky Point, NY native entered her first event in August of 2014.
Quinn would go on to win the event in the featherweight division and qualify for the North American Strongwoman Championships later that year, where she finished sixth. Four months prior, Quinn didn't even know the sport existed.
In June, Quinn participated in the 2015 United States Strongwoman National Championships—the final event of the organization's 2014-15 schedule. As she had in her previous events, Quinn made her presence felt, this time in the 123 lb. weight class, finishing in fifth place.
We recently caught up with Maureen, who took the time to answer some questions about her rise to prominence in the Strongwoman world since graduating from St. Joseph's.
What was your time like at St. Joseph's? What was it like to be coached by Jim Crowley?
I graduated from St. Joseph's college in 2013 with a B.S in biology and a minor in chemistry. Most of my time was spent in science labs and in the gym. I ran cross country and track so I was a year-round athlete. Jim Crowley, the cross country coach, was actually responsible for introducing me to distance running. He is extremely knowledgeable about the sport; I always trusted his programming and advice.
How has running cross country helped you succeed in Strongwoman training?
Cross Country requires the athlete to sustain high levels of pain for an extended period of time. The discipline for pain in Strongwoman is mentally comparable. I have to recognize the fact that a 200 lb. cement atlas stone I am loading to a 50" platform could likely break my ribs or injure me elsewhere if I am not focused and successful with the lift.
What's your typical day like, in terms of balancing training and work?
During the day, I am a microbiologist for Estee Lauder Companies where I work with dangerous bacteria and fungi. My training for Strongwoman takes place in the evening where I lift weights and various implements several times my body weight. I am not one much for a "balanced" life. I feel most alive when the essence of my existence is challenged during each waking hour.
What are the Strongwoman competitions like?
The strongest women from around the country are gathered to prove who can move the furthest and fastest with the heaviest objects. There are five events tested in a single competition ranging from picking up cars to lifting tree trunks above your head to dragging boat anchor chains.
What tips would you give to young women looking to compete in Strongwoman competitions?
Nutrition is the most important component. The diet must be flawless in order for the body to sustain such high levels of stress. My diet includes large quantities of red meat laden with saturated fats and cholesterol. Fortunately, my sponsors at US Wellness Meats provide me with all my grass-fed beef, lamb, and buffalo needs.
It's also important to locate the best coach in order to reach your goals. GrassFed CrossFit in Medford is prominent for its Strongwoman program. My coach took me in as an athlete with absolutely no experience and six months later turned me into the sixth strongest featherweight female in America.
What's next for you?
The Strongwoman National Championships are held in October at Davenport, Iowa. Last year I took sixth place. This year I plan to take first.
GrassFed CrossFit in Medford is hosting its first-ever all-female Strongwoman competition on Saturday, October 24. All weight classes will be available, in addition to competitive and novice divisions. For more information visit, http://grassfedcrossfit.com/.