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 August Athlete of the Month is Allison Cleaver! Alli joined the CFA family just over a year ago, shortly after her hubby, Matt! Allison came in with an impressive athletic background (read more about that below!) but she has always been eager to grow and improve! Her competitive spirit and receptive personality make her a really fun person to coach! Alli has made an amazing re-entry to movement in her postpartum period and we love watching her family workout sessions with Matt and Molly! We’ve loved being part of the journey with her and celebrating the wins along the way! Allison, we are honored to have you as our August 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: Allison…Nickname: Mini
Words to live by? “Keep showing up”
What is your fitness background? I became a ballerina dancer at 3 years old then retired from dance when I was 18. I found a love for running at the age of 16 and have continued my passion. I ran Cross Country & Track at UT Austin. Hook Em’ Horns! I ran professionally for Adidas post-collegiately and met my husband, Matt! I am also a 2-time US Olympic Marathon Trials Qualifier. Fitness has always been a huge part of my life!
How long have you been CrossFitting? Roughly 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 CF workout was at the Hopdoddy parking lot. The cardio aspect was very doable but the “lifting heavy weight” portion was intense! Definitely was sore for about a week after my first workout! I absolutely loved it. I feel much stronger now than I was back then.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin? I love the CF community! Everyone has been very welcoming and the coaches are great!
Current Training Goals/PRs? I REALLY want to learn how to do a muscle-up. Also, I want to break the Guinness Book of World Record Stroller Half Marathon time.
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit? PACE YOURSELF. Lots of workouts look “easy” on paper but when it comes down to it, it could end up biting you in the butt! So, adjust your weight accordingly. 😉
As a new mama, how do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life? I make sure I utilize the mornings for “me time”. I go on a run or attend a CF class to clear my head. I feel if I start my day being active, I will be very productive the remainder of my day with my daughter.
What is your cheat meal go-to? I am a huge fan of chips, queso and margarita(s)!
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym? I can lift my daughter up properly and as she gets bigger, I am also getting stronger. (yay!) Also, fitness carries on to the endurance I need for the 12-hour shifts I work!
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
I cannot pinpoint one particular workout but I will say coming back post-partum pretty quickly has helped me feel proud of myself. It has by no means been easy but it has been so fun to see my progression since baby!
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey? Being impatient! I sometimes expect results to happen overnight when clearly, we all know that’s not how life works.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“Leave it to Cleaver”
Workout:
20 minute AMRAP:
20 x Kettlebell swings (Russian)
20 sit-ups
20 single arm snatch (10 each arm)
10 box jumps
400 meter run
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it? I just suck it up and do it! I always tell myself that I’ll feel better afterwards. Sure enough, I always do. 🙂
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? My favorite “job” is being a mommy! I also love running, hiking, traveling, eating, being a nurse, and spending quality time with my family.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
My sister forgot Matt’s ring at the altar on our wedding day. We got married on April Fool’s Day so it seemed pretty fitting. Haha
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
