April Athlete of the Month || Nova Lowden!!

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 Nova Lowden! Nova joined the CFA family in June of 2020 and has been killing it since day one! Nova is such a hard worker! When she gets a goal in mind, you better believe she’s willing to put the work in to get there. It’s that kind of focus and drive that makes her such a dream to coach. Don’t let her hard working attitude fool you though. She also knows how to have fun! She has such a fun loving and welcoming personality that would make any newcomer feel like part of the family. We’ve loved being part of the journey with her and celebrating the wins along the way! Nova, we are honored to have you as our April Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this team. 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:
Nova
Words to live by?
‘Do Epic Stuff, Just Send It, Don’t Freaking Die’, edited to be G versions of the sayings 🙂
 
What is your fitness background?
I’ve been an athlete my entire life. My mom put me in softball at age 4, and then I played every sport I could through high school. Then as an adult I have played roller derby for the last 8 years.
 
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since May 2018
 
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I was in roller derby shape, so leg workouts were awesome, but I had less than zero upper body strength. Learning all of the lifts properly was extremely difficult for me. I like that CFA has different scaling options written out. It helps me push myself without feeling like I’m not going hard enough.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The people. Hands down. This is my second family, and is very much a similar feeling to the community I had with roller derby.
 
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Actually achieve a strict pull-up, find my running endurance again, be consistent doing crossfit 3x a week and running 3x a week.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
If you’re nervous, bring a friend. If you don’t have a friend willing to show up with you, don’t be afraid to ask someone in your class to be your buddy for the day. It helps when you get confused or overwhelmed by all the acronyms.
 
How do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life?
I block my work calendar for training time…then it’s a meeting I have to attend and can only be moved for extreme work emergencies.

What is your cheat meal go-to?
Biscuits and Gravy
 
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Primarily used to be roller derby, but these days it’s just anytime I’m trying to be active outside.
 
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Deadlifting 325#, it was a 45# gain over my previous PR…I still can’t believe it.
 
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
My own self doubt.
 
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
I’ve always been a fan of “Death by…Anything”. Pick your movement and do an EMOM for as long as possible. 1 rep in min 1, 2 rep in min 2, 3 rep in min 3…etc.
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Alien.
 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Roller derby, learning to ride my motorcycle, and I’m a massive geek.
 
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
P.O.D. shot footage with my former roller derby team for a music video that was never used. I’m somewhere in that footage.
 
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I’m thankful and grateful y’all are in my life!