April Athlete of the Month || Handsome Nate Lopez!
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 April Athlete of the Month is Nate Lopez! Nate has been a part of the CFA family since January of 2018. You’ll usually find Nate in the afternoons either at the noon or the 4:30 class. We have been SO proud of Nate and the incredible growth he’s had in his time here. No matter what, he comes in, works hard, encourages others, and always does it with a smile. He exemplifies so many of the qualities we look for in an AOM and has truly become a pillar in our community. Nate, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our April Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this community. Thanks for your all your hard work and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the years to come! Congratulations!
State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Nate, but I have given myself the name Handsome Nate and it seems to be catching on. Which is nice.
Words to live by?
If you aren’t the life of the party, bring food.
What is your fitness background?
I was in the Navy a thousand years ago. I ran a half marathon once. Then I got fat.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
About 2 years.
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
My very first workout was a 5k on the rower. I hated it and I wanted a shark to eat me. I survived. Now I hate sharks. I genuinely wanted to quit.
The workouts today are still hard. But, I enjoy them more. It’s fun to conquer a mountain and go onto the next one.
I still hate sharks.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The people are incredible. Derek, Jillian, Jose, Kristy and a million more I’m not mentioning. It’s impossible to do this stuff alone. They’ve really made it a second home. Also the coaching staff! Holy crap they’re great! The encouragement and knowledge is indispensable. It’s perfect. Tim and Genevieve and Jessie look out for me, answer all of my idiot questions and realize when I need an attaboy. It’s really welcoming and motivating.
Also, can we give it up for the shower? How many crossfit boxes have a shower? I’m a big fan of the shower.
Current Training Goals/PRs?
I want to do a Murph alone this year. Last year I teamed up with Derek. It was good, but now he’s a robot. It’s cheating if you pair with a robot, so I need to do it myself. I respect the rules.
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Everyone looks dumb all the time. Just jump in and work. Especially if you’re a dadbod with a man bun.
What is your cheat meal go to?
Pizza. I love pizza. I haven’t had it in months. Is pizza still good? Somebody tell me. I miss pizza.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
There’s so much more you can do when you’re not Jabba the Hutt. My favorite thing though, is bypassing escalators and running upstairs in airports. It’s way faster, plus I can feel superior to all the escalator trolls. And that’s what life is all about.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
A couple weeks ago I got a strict pull-up. I tried it on a whim. Normally I need a band and a box. I whipped it out and almost fell off the bar out of surprise. Even at my most fit, I couldn’t do one. To me, a pull-up represented the line between in shape and human pizza roll. I always feel weird banging the gong, but, I’m really glad Tim made me. It was a huge moment for me!
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
I’d call it Dadbod:
1500 m Row
5 rounds:
10 kipping pull-ups
20 wall balls
30 sit-ups
40’ bear crawl
10 high fives with anyone in the gym
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Honestly? Competition and shame. If Jose or Marco or T or whomever is still going, I need to keep going. If Austin is looking, I can’t cheat. If the Aaron’s/Erin’s are killing it, I can’t crumble into a ball and disappear into the ground.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I did comedy for a decade in Boston. I didn’t become famous. But, I did get heckled a lot! Win-win!
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
My arm tattoo means “General Tso’s Chicken”
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Thanks for putting up with me. Also, I’m sorry if I’ve ever farted on you, especially during kipping drills.
