November 12, 2024

November Athlete of the Month || Ali Diesel!!

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 2024 November Athlete of the Month is Ali Diesel! The moment Ali walked into CFA, we knew she was our people. Friendly, chatty, and warm… she was in an instant “community” fit. Once she was out on the gym floor, we saw she was willing to learn, highly coachable, and supportive of her classmates… she’s honestly a coach’s dream. Over the last year, she’s worked incredibly hard to learn new skills and gain impressive strength! As a former gymnast, it was all about adjusting her training, playing it smart, and practicing fitness maturity in order to work around some old injuries, and today, she’s moving well and getting in great workouts! She is a wonderful example to others, and we know for certain she is inspiring those around her every day. We’re so grateful for Ali and all she brings to our community! Congratulations!!

State your Name and/or Nickname please:

Ali Diesel

Words to live by?

No one fights alone

What is your fitness background?

I grew up pretty sporty and have remained rather active in adult life. I started dancing when I was 5 (mostly ballet, jazz) and continued through high school. Swapped soccer for field hockey in high school and continued that through undergrad. Did gymnastics and track as well. Dabbled in pole vaulting briefly in college when they needed more girls… lol. Took a bit of a “fitness hiatus” during vet school and residency before refocusing on health. Got into more distance running (have done up to a 50-miler) and triathlon for awhile (have a few half Ironman distance under my belt) before finally finding CFA.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

I just had my 1 year anniversary in October 2024!

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

I remember my intro session with Heidi and thinking, “okay..I think I’m really going to like this”. During my first class with Alien and the 6pm crew, I was super intimated and felt way lost (Metcon what?). But everyone was super friendly and welcoming to my newbie self. It was awesome to watch folks who have clearly been at this for awhile… #goals. The workout kicked my butt and I felt super weak. Now, the workouts still kick my butt but it’s been awesome to see the changes and progress in strength and confidence that have happened over the past year.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

Hands down the community. I love CFA!! All of the coaches are super knowledgeable, encouraging, and overall great people. Special shout out especially to Alien and Heidi and also Dylan. The folks I have had the joy (and pain….sunshine.. and rain.. lol) of working out with are true friends, amazing badasses, and humans I love spending time with in and out of the gym. I’m beyond grateful to have found this place.

Current Training Goals/PRs?

Keep gaining strength and confidence. Keep working on solid form. Keep doing the things that are hard.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

This is the best group to get started with! Take things at your pace, there’s no judgement. The amount of growth and change that comes with consistently going to class and showing up is amazing. Do the things. Get to know the community. It makes the workouts much more fun.

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

I’ve learned that if I don’t exercise in some way consistently, my mental health tanks. I’ve burnt out from work before, and it’s something I don’t want to happen again. Exercise keeps me balanced. It’s the best way I can get out of my head. Even if the work day is being dumb, I’m looking forward to that 6pm class to sweat, lift heavy things, and get grounded again. It’s a non-negotiable for me to be able to get to the gym.

What is your “cheat meal” go-to?

Not so much of a cheat meal…. but a go to comfort food after a dumb day is always Mac and cheese. Or any hot cheese. Or really cheese in any form (Marco knows this… lol)

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

I have a group that I run with every Monday night (Austin Triathlon Club). Since joining CFA, my running has gotten so much better and stronger… without specifically running more. That’s been fun to see! My job is pretty physical… I do veterinary dermatology. So I’m constantly manipulating, lifting, working with animals. Help deadlift that sedated shepherd onto the table? No problem. Long hikes and adventures? Always up for some outdoor physical fun.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

I dislocated my shoulder (doing yoga.. heh..oops) in 2019. After 3 surgeries, I was cleared to restart doing the physical activities I enjoyed. I had two pretty bad car accidents within a year (most recent last January) and have some residual nerve stuff from bulging discs in back and neck. There are things that I really struggle with and have limitations (especially shoulder things and overhead stability). Some is physical. Much is mental. Working with and through that is hard sometimes.

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

With this lift cycle and working on deadlifts, I’ve felt really psyched to see the gains. When I shared a bar with Melissa and managed to keep up the other week, I was pumped!!

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

I always love reading what folks put for this…heeeee.
I think it would be something like:
AMRAP 20min
200m run
10 deadlifts
30 sit-ups

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?

I always feel better after working out. Especially when a workout kicks my butt, that feeling of “that sucked… but I did it” is a real confidence boost. It’s all about putting in the work. Only way to see the continued progress.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I love hiking and going on adventures, dancing (Marco and I are currently doing West Coast swing… so much fun!), cooking, travel, and cats (and dogs.. heh)