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.
We are so excited to honor our Athlete of the Month for November, none other than Stephanie Martinez! Stephanie came to us as a referral from fellow member Ali Diesel, and we’re so incredibly glad she did. She has been one of our most enthusiastic and active community members, chatting up new folks and making them feel welcome, and spreading the word about our gym to other hopeful members. She encourages everyone in every class, and even pushes them to challenge themselves with different class types or signing up for a big event — like the Open! From a fitness perspective, her coaches are all very proud of how far she’s come. She came in with a knee injury and worried about being able to “do CrossFit,” but she dove headfirst into every single class type we offer, building the most well-rounded version of herself she possibly can and continues to make progress in her strength, conditioning, mobility, AND a growth mindset. Something else we appreciate as her coaches are her post-WOD reflections on her performance and our discussions that follow — what she did well, what she could more/less of, what progressions or modifications need to be made, etc. As a result, we’ve seen her performance improve across the board, and we hope that she’s understanding herself as an athlete better and better! Stephanie, you are such a fantastic representation of what an Athlete of the Month is! Congratulations!
State your Name and/or Nickname please:Steph Words to live by?Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind. What is your fitness background?Soccer as a kid, cycling (mountain, road, gravel), and yoga throughout my 20s-30s and currently. How long have you been CrossFitting?Since December 2022? Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?I remember thinking the warm-up was incredibly hard and terrified that we hadn’t even started the work out yet! Today I have just learned that suffering is a part of life, even if it’s self-induced, (and the warm-ups are a little easier). 🙂 What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?The Community, I’ve met some really great folks! It’s nice to see a gym where all different types of people can come together for at least an hour and share a WOD. Current Training Goals/PRs?I signed up for the bike relay for the Half Ironman in March (Little Elm), I should probably start training for that. In general, just trying to get better by slowly moving my way out of the modifications (like up-downs instead of burpees, step-ups instead of box jumps). One day I will be like Jo and do 50 burpees a day (but not today). What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?Stick with it, don’t get discouraged. Sometimes it’s hard to see progress at first but you will over time! How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?I just go to the 530 am class, thankfully no one is asking me to do anything (work or social) even close to that time! I haven’t really had time to do anything before the class (and I’m half asleep), so there’s nothing else to focus on but the WOD. What is your “cheat meal” go-to?Pizza How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?I think I use it all the time and I don’t realize it. I can open a jar much more quickly now than I could before. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?Psyching myself out – not putting enough weight on the bar! (Thankfully, the coaches have all discussed and just add more weight for me :)) Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.The workout consisted of a decent amount of box jumps (I think it was 120), and I did them all! Did not resort to step-ups. It was a partner workout, so that made it a little easier and made me more accountable. If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?I don’t know, something with weightlifting in it. What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?The guilt I will feel by not going. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?I’m a volunteer with Big Brother’s Big Sister’s and I currently have a 16-year-old “little” sister that I am getting to know. Tell us something we don’t know about you…I don’t get kickbacks for politely forcing unlimited memberships on the 2X a week folks. 🙂 Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…Thank you all for adding to the great community that is CFA!!! Let’s keep it going strong! |
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