February Athlete of the Month: LaShea Itz!!

Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.

Our February Athlete of the Month is LaShea Itz! She’s an early bird and can be found sweating it out in the 5:30 or 6:30 am hours. We’ve watched this girl work hard from day one and make some amazing progress in her time with us. Get to know Lashea a little more in her interview below. If you can crawl out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, come meet this hard-working gal for yourself. Congratulations LaShea! We are thrilled to have you as this month’s Athlete of the Month.

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
LaShea Itz or lashitz…. (Thank you coaches!)

Words to live by?
Count your blessings not your worries 🙂

What is your fitness background?
My fitness background… I was a Cheerleader, Basketball player (seemed more like football at times), and Hurdler all four years of high school!

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I had my one year anniversary January 8 of this year 🙂 it was super special!! Was gifted with a workout that made me want to throw up…

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
Ha, my first day… I remember Dayna Lowke busting out her burpee box jumps like it was nothing. SUPER INTIMIDATING. And Jillian English dancing in a random corner… Nothing has changed!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The people. Everyone that I workout with are so motivating, fun, and down to earth! The coaches, wow YALL ARE INCREDIBLE!! Always so helpful and encouraging! People always ask how I am able to go and workout at 5:30 or 6:30 in the morning every day? And it’s because I’m excited to see everyone!! Having a family like this is so amazing!

Current Training Goals/PRs?
Goals and PRs… To stay healthy and toned! I haven’t felt this in shape in a while… Maybe ever!!

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

Hm… When I didn’t need my inhaler after wall balls!! Haha

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?

For time:
Run to Walmart
Buy a 12 pack of Reeses
Buy a bottle of wine (your choice of wine)
Eat the Reeses
Drink the bottle of wine
Run back to the gym
Name: Cheat day 🙂 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Well.. I am a hairstylist so I LOVE playing with hair and making people feel pretty! Thursday nights I have no life and I’m not ashamed of it! Me and my sister have a date with the TV (Greys Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder). But I love being outdoors and staying active, what better city to do that in than Austin?!

Upcoming adventure you’re planning?
Going to Orange County, California for the birth of my cousins baby in early April or whenever she is ready to meet the world 🙂

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
Well… I am kind of an open book… When I was 7 my dad told me I needed to go to smiling lessons because apparently I didn’t know how to smile, 11 years later my senior year I was nominated “Best Smile”. Braces are a life changer HA. Thanks dad! (I didn’t go to smiling lessons)

Longhorns or Aggies?
Go Irish?! I’m a Notre Dame fan since my cousin Cam McDaniel played for them the past 4 years and is now working for the next level of football!! Yay Cam! 

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

Embrace the suck 🙂
LOVE MY CROSSFIT FAMILY SO MUCH 🙂