November 18, 2012 (Updated May 9, 2023)

Inspiring Video: How Julie Foucher Balances Med School and CrossFit

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

11 comments

Any guesses who is standing between me and my friend Tina in the photo below, taken on Friday at Reebok CrossFit ONE?

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Why, it’s Julie Foucher (pronounced Foo-shay)!

Julie finished 2nd overall in the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games, earning her the title of 2nd fittest woman on earth. Impressive, right? Not only did we get to work out alongside her and some other very inspirational athletes on Friday (!), but we also got a chance after the workout to chat with them. I was particularly interested in talking to Julie because during the athlete introductions they mentioned that Julie is currently in med school! Many of you often ask my tips for balancing grad school, blogging, dietetic internships, and life, and I thought – what a better person to ask that same question of than Julie, who not only stayed fit during her first year of med school but also was able to train for (and kick booty at) a big athletic competition?

I was lucky enough to find myself with some one-on-one time with Julie and I asked her just that so I could share with all of you. Check out the video below to hear her tips for balancing med school and CrossFit training!

Julie Foucher shares how she balances med school and CrossFit.

 

I especially love what she said about not making excuses. So true! If she can do it, we certainly can, too. I think the next time I’m feeling lazy or too busy for a workout, I’ll ask myself: “What would Julie Foucher do?” She wouldn’t be making excuses, that’s for sure! 🙂

In addition to being an inspiring and amazing athlete, Julie was also really sweet. We chatted for a little while more after the video; said she’s now in her second year of med school and is still training 1.5 hours 5 times per week, without exception. She’s not planning on competing in the CrossFit Games again next year but will be continuing to work on strength so she’s ready to come back strong in 2014. I was also happy to hear that she’s getting a Masters in Nutrition through her med school program since it was only a couple extra classes and was something she was interested in. Yay for (future) doctors who care about nutrition, too! To hear more from Julie, check out a blog post she wrote about the same topic – how she balances med school and CrossFit.

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What are your tips for staying fit when really busy? If you want some of mine, check out a post I wrote earlier this year: How to make time for health when you’re busy.

- anne

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11 comments
  • Bonnie Pfiester
    Great stuff!!!! So proud to be a part of such an awesome team!! <3
    Reply
  • Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian
    I make my workout a priority and try to wake up earlier if necessary to complete it first thing in the morning. I also try to plan out my meals for the week so I don't buy things I don't need at the store or eat things I shouldn't.
    Reply
  • Healthy Eater
    Inspirational! Multi tasking while working out is key!??
    Reply
  • Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie
    What an inspiring girl! I'm still in undergrad so it's nowhere near the same level of intensity but I follow the same mantra. Don't accept excuses, pretty soon you'll be making them less!
    Reply
  • Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes
    Wow, so inspirational! She hit the nail on the head in terms of prioritizing and scheduling her workouts. Personally, I love working out first thing in the morning. I don't have any conflicts early in the day (except sleep!), so it reduces the chance of making an excuse and skipping a workout. Plus, it feels great to start the day with a sweat session, and like Julie said, working out helps me be a better person--friend, daughter, athlete, you name it. :)
    Reply
  • Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
    Such a great post and video! Julie is amazing. I can't even imagine balancing all that she does with medical school but it absolutely does come down to making it a priority. Because if it's not, it's so easy for fitness and working out to fall off of our radar or be pushed further down the list. What an awesome opportunity to partner with Julie at #rbkfitblog!
    Reply
  • Gena
    Crossfit may not be my jam, but I will return often to these tips (and echo a lot of her sentiments!).
    Reply
  • Colorado Gal
    Julie was seriously so nice. Great meeting you!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      Great meeting you, too!
      Reply
  • Life's a Bowl
    Awesome video, Julie seems so down-to-earth and real about it! I love your question "What would Julie do?" haha!
    Reply
  • NYC Fit GIrl
    Awesome video! I love Julie so I am super jealous you got to hang out with her!
    Reply