Athlete of the Month

February Athlete of the Month: Leah Alter

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
just Leah, people have tried to give me nicknames over the years but nothing has ever stuck

Words to live by?
If you are friends with me on Facebook, you know that I throw a lot of quotes up there that inspire me. The one that has stuck with me through the years is “In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity” – Albert Einstein

What is your fitness background?
I was a competitive swimmer as a kid, even made it to the Jr. Olympics one year. I think I came in last, but it was an awesome experience. I discovered yoga in NYC and still incorporate it in with my mobility work. When I moved to Austin I trained for a few races (running) and did the Danskin Tri but I was still looking for that “thing” that pushed me to move every day. Then I found CFA and the rest is history!

How long have you been CrossFitting?
About a year and half

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
It’s really hard to narrow it down to 1 favorite thing. The community is beyond anything I could have ever expected. I have made lifelong friendships with some amazing people. I am inspired on a daily basis by the other athletes and they make me want to be not only a better CrossFitter, but a better person. In those moments when you’ve just PR’d or you’ve just completed your first workout RX, or you thought you couldn’t finish but did: it’s amazing to get to share that with the other athletes at CFA. I have learned so much about myself and what we are all truly capable when we put our hearts & minds into something. And of course the coaches. They have helped and supported me in and out of the gym in more ways than they even know.

What are your training goals?
I have to say it out loud?! Eeek! I’d really like to compete in The Athlete Open and The Fittest Games. I’ve officially been bitten by the competition bug.

Favorite sport or activity?
Other than CrossFit, I also play roller derby and softball. I also love spending time with my dogs. I try and take them for a hike as often as possible. I also LOVE watching and talking sports- especially football!

Recent adventure you’re planning?
I moved to Austin from NYC 7 years ago and haven’t been back for fun in many years. This spring I am planning a much overdue trip back. I can’t wait to see friends, eat at all my favorite restaurants and drop in to a box in the city.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I produced a feature film called “Cook County” that won the Audience Award at SXSW.

Longhorns or Aggies?
I think most people know the answer to this….NEITHER! I’m an Arkansas girl to the bone! Go Hogs Go! WPS!

Can you reveal your plan to maintain your 1st place standing in the 2013 COA Challenge?
First and foremost, sticking with eating clean, getting plenty of water and sleep. Otherwise, just working on getting stronger and faster so I can improve on all the tests. The COA Challenge is the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. Last year’s challenge truly changed my life. No matter what happens this year, I know that I am setting myself up for a great year focused on living a healthy, happy life.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
It is such an honor to be chosen as Athlete of the Month, thank you! I always love reading the bios every month and the nuggets of wisdom that everyone shares. I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish this year, 2013 is looking up to be an awesome one!

 

in Athlete of the Month / Workout of the Day 288 comments

January Athlete of the Month: George Valdez

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
George A. Valdez

Words to live by?
‘Pain is weakness leaving the body’ – USMC
‘The only easy day was yesterday’ – Navy SEALs
‘No Worries’ – local saying in Hawaii
‘It is what it is’ – local saying in Hawaii

What is your fitness background?
Due to a head injury when I was wee bit of a lad, all full contact sports were prohibited. But, all was not lost as I ran track and cross country in HS. Once I got to college, the workouts became sporadic. I think at one time I even took a weight lifting class in undergrad. Subsequently, all that changed pretty quickly while I went through pharmacy school. Learning about diabetes, erectile dysfunction and other disease states got me back to running and taking my health even more serious. Like they say, “Practice what you preach.”

To this day, we still have a membership to a local gym. It’s only real use is to practice my swimming, as I get ready for the Texas Tri Series. Before that, the gym scene was very boring. Run, do some weight lifting, go home and a few days later back to the same old workout routine. My cousin would post updates on Facebook about something called, “WOD”; looked intense. We needed a new challenge. So, my wife and I did some research and, voilà! Hence began our journey to the dark…I mean CrossFit… side.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
In February, it will be one year!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
My wife and I went to Maui in July of 2012 on holiday. Before getting to Maui, we did a little research into crossfit gyms in the area. I know what you may be thinking…”You were in bloody Maui and exercising”? In any event, we found a local gym called Lahaina CrossFit and completed several traveling WODs. The coach and locals were very hospitable. They even gave me a nickname…”Texas”. Aside from everyone having a perfect tan, what I remembered most was how the coach commended me on my deadlift technique. And that is what is my favorite part about CrossFit Austin: the consistent attention to detail performed by all the CFA coaches. They make it their priority to recognize bad form and immediately correct to prevent serious injuries later down the road.

The atmosphere at CrossFit Austin is pretty amazing too! Our “locals” are always motivating, high fiving each other and that experience is certainly second to none.

What are your training goals?
The 2013 year is going to be huge for me. I’m running a half and full marathon in January and February. I’m running the Capital 10K with my pharmacy team. I’m becoming a Spartan (HA-OOH!). I’m going on a solo mission for the ‘Murph’. Hopefully, I’ll be finishing the year with the completion of the Texas Tri series

Favorite sport or activity?
When I’m not dispensing medication, teaching about beta-blockers, or doing bear crawls, I really enjoy camping. It’s probably the only time my cell phone stays in my truck the duration of time we are camping.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
A friend of mine is a US Army Major. We hopefully plan on taking a little trip to Washington DC to run the Army 10-miler next October.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
Hmmm? Well, I’m sort of a comic connoisseur. No, let me be honest…comic nerd. I actually have a tattoo of Captain America’s Shield on my right shoulder. I enjoyed reading comics but stopped because it got a little expensive. Plus, the extra money pays for CrossFit. (FYI…Stan Lee will be at the Austin Comic Con next November.)

Longhorns or Aggies?
Really? There is only ONE Texas school in the Lone Star State. Texas Fight!

You were one of the top spreaders of holiday “cheer” at our recent holiday party… If you had to pick a favorite holiday/theme party, what would it be and why?
I would have to say a robot themed party. Never been to one so that in itself would be a good reason to have one. Plus, I could already here someone saying, ‘I’m a sophisticated CrossFit robot sent back in time to make you do bear crawls’.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I have read some amazing stories regarding Navy SEALs. I can recall one moment that stood out from the book, “The Warrior Elite”: One of the instructors describes the infamous ‘hell week’ as “just a SPEED BUMP in BUDs.” I was totally blown away by that simple mentality. So, that is how I approach life’s little or big challenges. You feel it. You forget about it. You keep going forward.

I want to thank all the coaches at CrossFit Austin for selecting me as Athlete of the Month. We have so many other athletes that fit this role. I am truly honored for this recognition. One last thing…BEAR CRAWL!!!

in Announcements / Athlete of the Month 7 comments

Congratulations to our 2012 Push-up Man and Woman of the Year!

If you missed the CFA Holiday Party last week, you might not have heard about our
2011 Push Up Man and Push Up Woman of the Year!

The Push-up Man and Woman of the Year exemplify everything that we love about our athletes, our community, and the human spirit. Not only do these people walk through the doors of CFA day in and day out, and work hard to improve themselves; they go out of their way to lift up everyone around them. They make their friends and families a priority over themselves. They lead and encourage by words, actions, and example. They represent the burning spirit of what makes our little South Austin gym unique and special. We at CrossFit Austin can humbly bestow no greater honor and we give our utmost heartfelt thanks that you both have chosen to make our gym, business, family, and lives a better place!

Push-Up Man of the Year: Lane Lowke

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Lane Lowke

Words to live by?
In the words of the coolest dude I don’t know, Mathew McConaughey, “JK livin’: ‘Just Keep Livin’”

What is your fitness background?
In high school, it was the odd combination of football and tennis. College was mostly 12oz curls… on strength days I’d go 16oz. Before CrossFit it was mostly running and mountain biking.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
July 2011

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
For sure the community. CFA has truly made working out fun and something I look forward to on a daily basis. I have also met some of my nearest and dearest friends at CFA.

What are your training goals?
To be a fit and healthy old fart.

Favorite sport or activity?
Mountain biking the Greenbelt and surfing Lake Austin.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Christmas cruise with the family.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I HATE fruit. Name one, I don’t like it. Including fruity candy, fruity gum and fruity drinks… even the raspberry drizzle will ruin a cheesecake for me.

Longhorns or Aggies?
That’s tough… I love the Longhorns because they are here in our great city, but there is something cool about the camaraderie of the Aggies. Go Stephen F Austin Lumber Jacks!

How do you plan to use your new-found fame and honor as Push-Up Man of the Year?
I’m considering retirement, going out on a high note! Or, Crash told me I could holler out “PUMOTY!” (Push-Up Man of the Year) any time in a workout and be exempt from any movement I don’t like…

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
In the spirit of JK livin’, relax and enjoy life, you only have one. Live it to the fullest!
 

Push-Up Woman of the Year: Janice Trinidad

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Janice Trinidad

Words to live by?
Run towards your fear.

What is your fitness background?
Dabbled in several sports growing up (basketball, volleyball, tennis, ultimate frisbee, rowing)… Now, just CrossFit and running 5K’s.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Little over a year. According to my little book, I’m starting week 78.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
It’s hard to pick a favorite (great WOD buddies, great coaches, well thought-out programming, clean, pretty well-organized box, great culture). As a teacher, I invest a lot of time developing and implementing good lesson plans & good logistics. It’s sooo nice to be on the receiving end of a teaching team that also spends a lot of time on lesson prep and logistics. It feels like a sweet, inspiring, and refreshing form of karma.

What are your training goals?
Right now, I’m working on getting a 5K PR and increasing the number of push-ups I can do unbroken up to 100. The latter’s because all my friends and family who don’t work out at CrossFit Austin keep congratulating me for being AMAZING at push-ups. Whenever I try to explain what really happened, the reality doesn’t measure up to the myth. Soon, both will be true.

Favorite sport or activity?
CrossFit

Recent adventure you’re planning?
3 Regional FIRST Robotics Season (San Antonio, Lubbock, and Houston). And if all my students’ hard work really pays off, the Championship Regional in St. Louis.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
My sisters and I are HUGE suckers for corny, clean kids’ jokes (like Highlights magazine level jokes). Whenever one of us finds one, we call each other ASAP and laugh like we’re 5. If you run by a good one, please tell me so I can share it; it will probably make someone’s day (or week). For example, the last one we exchanged was “What did the fish say when it swam into a wall? Dam!”. 🙂 So Good!

Longhorns or Aggies?
LONGHORNS

How do you plan to use your new-found fame and honor as Push-Up Woman of the Year?
I’m still gathering data on the properties of the Push-Up Woman of the Year Award. Once my study is complete, I will develop an equation that captures it’s essence so that next year’s winner will be ready to fully harness it’s power.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Thank you for being very positive and patient. I’m learning A LOT from y’all. At the start of my career, I really had no idea how to teach and be healthy at the same time. Being a part of CrossFit Austin is helping me figure out how to be healthy, high functioning, and happy all at once and that’s really precious.
in Announcements / Athlete of the Month 2,559 comments

November Athlete of the Month: Michele McLendon

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Michele McLendon (don’t have a nickname)

Words to live by?
Never let ’em see ya sweat? Wait, no, that doesn’t really work for CFA athletes… “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is something I try to live by.

What is your fitness background?
I don’t have a fitness background, I’ve always been the “fat kid” in the room. In high school, I wanted to be a cheerleader (what girl didn’t?!), but was too big and embarrassed to try. After I didn’t make the basketball team, I joined high school band (nerd alert!) to avoid P.E. class. Back in the 80’s I took step aerobic classes – leg warmers and all (hey, it WAS the 80’s and we all did it!). I did do treadmill walking and elliptical machines at Golds for a while, but that didn’t stick. It wasn’t fun. 🙂

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since June 2011.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
I did one-on-one coaching with Rob instead of group on-ramp, as I didn’t want to slow down the class. Rob was oh-so-patient with me, even when I thought I was going to throw up on him (it was June, hot, and only my second workout). But he taught me that I could do it. Yes, it was modified, but I could do it. Every coach and every class since, has shown me patience and care and taught me that I can do it, even when I thought I couldn’t. They’ve even taught me that I can do more than I thought. Before CrossFit, I never would have imagined working out like this, lifting what I do, or running! The coaches and the classes are what keeps me coming back to CFA.

What are your training goals?
I’d really like to be able to run 1 mile non-stop. Isn’t that crazy? Just 1 stupid mile. Then a 5k. Double-unders and pull ups are also on my list. Losing weight is, of course, priority number one. I still have +/-50 pounds to go, but feel the rest of my fitness and training goals will fall in place with that. I was paleo when I joined CFA, and had already lost about 70 pounds before (half on Jenny Craig, half on my own with paleo). Then I fell off the paleo wagon, the wagon ran over my a$$, and I started old junk food habits and regained 30 pounds, all while going to CFA. Pssst, it’s true: exercise alone doesn’t keep you from gaining weight when you eat whatever you want.

This summer, I started working with Tristy and went back to paleo. Since June 25, I’ve lost 32 pounds, gained some muscle (you can’t see all of them yet, but I can feel them!), and feel better than ever.

This is me at my heaviest, before CrossFit & paleo. I was 289# and I share this horrible before pic to solidify that I will NEVER go back to that!

This was right before I started working with Tristy, at 243#...

And me, now, at 211#!

I’m not afraid to tell you my numbers, because they are in my past.

Favorite sport or activity?
Scuba diving in the Caribbean. If you’ve never done it, go. Do it. It’s an amazing world underwater. You can breathe under water! Amazing!!

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Nothing in the works. I was diving in Hawaii in May, so it’s going to be a while yet before I have another adventure.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I wanted to be a cop – a detective, really. I even applied to APD! But after doing nails for a few years, I decided it was a better fit. My clients are always happy to see me (not always the case with cops), I get paid more (sadly, since they certainly deserve more than they make), and I don’t get shot at. I lived on East Riverside for 5 years and rode often with a couple of different cops. It was intense at times, but fun.

Longhorns or Aggies?
Hmmmm…neither?? I’m no sports fan.

As a nail artist extraordinaire, animal-lover, and Irish maiden, what would you say contributes most to your success, in and out of the gym?
I think I’m lazy by nature, but when I flip that switch in my head and decide to do something, it gets done. Opening my own salon, joining crossfit, losing weight: switch ON.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I follow Strong Lola on Facebook. Here’s something they posted recently that really struck home for me:

We all go through ups and downs… times we feel sure we can do it, and times we feel defeated. Success is lasting when we realize that it doesn’t just take one decision or one commitment. We have to KEEP deciding that we want to be healthy and fit. We have to KEEP working hard…day after day after day. And most importantly, we have to KEEP BELIEVING that we can accomplish our goals. Keep looking up. Keep working hard. Keep believing you can.

in Athlete of the Month / Workout of the Day 302 comments

October Athlete of the Month: Nicholas “Schittone” Schittone

State your Name and/or Nickname, please.
Nick Schittone; “Schittone”

Words to live by?
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
– Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963

What is your fitness background?
My fitness background? A five second stretch before I throw my leg over a dirt bike is about the extent of it.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Wow, I guess it’s been about 2 1/2 years.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
You know, everyone says “the people,”… but when I started with CFA, there were not many people there. I got a lot of one-on-one treatment in the early days. I’m going to say the Coaches are the reason I continue to come back and not go to another box, even after taking a job in Round Rock.

What are your training goals?
My goals have always been just get better each day, in every facet of my life. But my CrossFit goals at this time are to Back Squat 300 lbs  (I’m at 290 lbs), run my second half marathon on Dec. 9th, and continue to up my capacity in a work out.

Favorite sport or activity?
 Motorcross/ motorcycle racing. Give me a motorcycle and I will race it.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Traveling to San Francisco for Christmas vacation with my wife, Christine, aka “Teeny,” and the BCS Marathon on Dec 9th.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
Some people know…but most don’t know that I’m a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. It just so happens, that I’m hitting the decade mark as we speak.

Longhorns or Aggies?
All I have to say about that is: “Lets Go Packer’s, Lets Go!!” I’m from Wisconsin and I’m always rooting for my state.

Over the past two years, you been awarded the “2×4 Award” and the “Ear Muffs Award.” What does it take to be the only 2-time award winner at CrossFit Austin?
Well, it takes a lot of work and dedication to get so far under the skin of the coaches’ that they need to call you out in front of everyone at a Christmas party two years in a row.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
I just want to say thank you to all the people I have had the pleasure to work out with as we all chase our goals. Joining CFA has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It filled a void in my life needing to be filled.

in Announcements / Athlete of the Month 2,082 comments

August Athlete of the Month: Meredith “Mer” O’Brien

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Meredith “Mer” O’Brien

Words to live by?
“Life’s for living.”

What is your fitness background?
I’ve always gravitated toward being active — I’m not good at sitting still. In high school I decided one day to run home from school instead of take the bus — eight miles — and I did that pretty regularly. I taught tennis for Club Med for quite a few years, having played a lot in high school and college, as well as on my neighborhood courts growing up, I really just like tennis clothes better than other sports uniforms, so that probably explains it.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I started on October 6, 2011 — almost a year.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
There are elite athletes rooting on perfect novices and vice versa. The communal feeling is mind-boggling. Ego and attitude are checked at the door. We are all in this together.

What are your training goals?
I want to just keep having fun, keeping it positive, and learning about myself.

Favorite sport or activity?
Favorite sport: CrossFit because I really enjoy a challenge, and even if I’m moving two steps forward, one step back, at least I’m moving forward into new territory.
Favorite activity: traveling with my husband and kids because it always makes me realize how lucky I am to call those three people my family.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Finish writing my second full length play.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I used to dance nightly with fake bananas on my head (Club Med, again.) And also, I wrote my college thesis on James Joyce’s “Ulysses.”

Longhorns or Aggies?
I always root for Roger Federer.

In addition to being a super mom and world traveler, we hear you’re pretty handy with a unicycle… What’s your secret to being a one-wheeled whiz?
Well, my unicycling skills are far surpassed by that of my seven and nine year old sons, but the secret to learning to unicycle is this: Don’t. Give. Up. If you fall down, get up right away and try again. Trust the movement. And keep a sense of humor. A lot like CrossFit.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
We will never part! You can’t get rid of me! I’m going to be ninety years old and still trying to get that kipping pull-up. When I walk into the gym I am sometimes nervous — will I be able to complete the workout? Will I get hurt? Will I disappoint myself? — but that feeling always goes away as soon as I see the people there –the coaches, Caitlyn, friends, even people I don’t know or whom I’ve never met — because it’s like there is this incredible support, like I’m being cushioned or protected by people who have similar interests and hopes and concerns, and we all want to slam that wod the best we can. I feel like my world has been enriched exponentially through being a part of the CFA family. It’s just so great.

in Announcements / Athlete of the Month 282 comments

August Athlete of the Month: Michael Page

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Michael Page a.k.a. Michael

Words to live by? 
In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?” –Psalms 56:4
“Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.” –Shawshank Redemption
“When life gives you shit, make a shit sandwich.” –My Dad

What is your fitness background?
Way back in my high school days I ran track and cross-country. After that I was a “seasonal” weightlifter/runner. I’d workout for 4 months then lose interest. Before I started CrossFit, I took fitness to another level by joining a skee-ball drinking league. And that’s when I realized I needed a better workout program.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I actually had to look this up. Started “On Ramp” in Jan. 2011. So 1.5-ish years.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Battling the WOD. Besides waking up, it’s my first challenge of the day. I love looking at the board/website to find out what I’m up against. WOD and I have it out every class. The SOB knocks me on the ground almost every time, but I manage to get a victory every once in a while. There hasn’t been a 6:30am class yet that I didn’t feel an adrenaline rush right before WOD and I go toe-to-toe.

What are your training goals?
Gain muscle and endurance. Be more consistent with my diet. Maybe one day join the half-ton club.

Favorite sport or activity?
Football. Whether it’s national, college, flag, paper – It’s the most exciting sport to play or watch.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
I feel like I need to be a Goonie or Peter Pan to answer this question. At the moment I don’t have anything adventurous going on…wait…wedding anniversary! BAM! Just remembered I have my one-year wedding anniversary in October. And it’s going to be a great adventure. I hope my wife likes searching for missing treasure, because it’s on.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’m a burger connoisseur. So far, I’ve tried 52 different burgers in Austin. After college I realized I was wolfing down 3-4 a week. But I’ve come to grips with my addiction since then. Now, I only eat one a week. So I’m always on the hunt for a tasty burger.

Longhorns or Aggies?
I’m not a fan of this question so I rewrote it.
Red Raider, Longhorn or Aggies? Oh, definitely Red Raider.

As the original “Michael” of CFA, you’ve got some status. If you had to pick a nickname, what would it be and why?
I’m pretty bad at math early in the morning. For some reason that area in my brain is not awake. I’m always looking for the calculator in class. Hmm, how bout…Mad Math Mike or Math Page?

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Don’t be afraid to apply what you learn in class to the rest of your life. Besides class, we’re tested every day. Whether it’s our careers, school, finances, relationships, whatever– life is always going to try to knock you to your knees and keep you there. But just like in class, we don’t know what we’re truly capable of accomplishing until we give it a try. Until we fight a little harder. Hang on a little longer. Only then, do we see what’s possible.

in Announcements / Athlete of the Month 9 comments

July Athlete of the Month: Meghan “MegO” Thomson

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Meghan Thomson, but everyone calls me Mego.

Words to live by?
Life is hard, suck it up – My Dad

What is your fitness background?
I grew up dancing and danced all through high school. Other than that, I didn’t do anything very athletic until I started CrossFit.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I have been crossfitting for a year and a half.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
My favorite part of CrossFit Austin is that every day is a different experience. It is not just workouts being varied but that I am also changing with every passing week, getting stronger both physically and mentally. It keeps it new, interesting and always challenging. So even when we have our benchmark workouts, it is never going to be the same as the previous time. ALSO the people, love the people!

What are your training goals?
I have little goals like master double unders and improve my 400m time. I would like to lower my body fat percentage. I am also really really really trying to not dislike running 🙂

Favorite sport or activity?
CrossFit, dancing and cross stitch.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
I am going to Costa Rica in August. I can’t wait!

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I watch General Hospital. Who does that?! It is kind of addictive, like CrossFit. I just can’t stop!

Longhorns or Aggies?
Longhorns. Hook ’em!

As one of the few red heads at CFA, how do you think your fiery locks aid you in your workouts?
Other than being ridiculously good looking while working out, being a redhead helps you handle anything that is thrown your way. The universe was already testing us by giving us red hair – a genetic mistake! CrossFit workouts are really no match for that.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
If I said I was shocked to be was chosen as athlete of the month, it would have been a complete understatement. There are so many people that have inspired me from day one and continue to inspire me every day. I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of the coaches and the CFA family who have helped me get this far. I couldn’t have done it without your endless amounts of encouragement and pushing me to never give up.

in Athlete of the Month / Workout of the Day 25 comments

June Athlete of the Month: Ivan Moreno

State your Name and/or Nickname please: Ivan

Occupation? Client Specialist at Austin Energy

Words to live by?

Wherever you are going enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It’s great to plan ahead but you have to live in the moment.

 What is your fitness background?

Mainly mountain biking and weight lifting. I played baseball in high school.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

About 2 and half years

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

The sense of community. Its a rare thing to come across and its what helps me commit to waking up and getting to class at 5:30 AM.

What are your training goals?

Compete at a CrossFit event and get a CrossFit certification.

Favorite sport or activity?

Besides CrossFit, mountain biking.

Recent adventure you’re planning?

Taking my wife on our honeymoon later this year, I don’t really care where I just know we need a beach! After planning a wedding, we finally get to just relax and enjoy each other’s company before things like babies and other obligations start to pop up. So I’m just excited for our new adventure together as husband and wife.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I’m addicted to Bravo’s Housewives reality shows. It’s so bad, but I can’t stop watching.

Longhorns or Aggies?

I didn’t go to either school, sorry guys, I’m more of a Red Raider fan, Shoot’em up!

You are recently a new husband as of about a week, any advice for those grooms to be on their big day?

Take a breath, slow down, pause and look around (especially at your bride/groom). Don’t let it flash by. Your friends and family are there to celebrate you! It was the best advise Zayra and I got, and it was the most fun we’ve had.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?

I want to give thanks to the CFA family, everyone’s story is inspiring and it’s an honor to be recognized among you. CF is definitely a lifestyle and it has improved the quality of my life. My wife was the one who initially pushed me to try CF out, and I’m glad I did.

in Announcements / Athlete of the Month 269 comments

April Athlete of the Month: Dayna Lowke

What is your full name?
Dayna Lindsay Lowke

Occupation?
Sales at Nordstrom

Words to live by?
“Simplicity is bliss.” AND… “It’s not the most powerful animal that survives, it’s the most efficient.”

What is your fitness background?
I was a competitive gymnast until highschool, then a competitive cheerleader, then a drill team officer in highschool. I started lifting weights my senior year in highschool and continued throughout college.

How long have you been CrossFitting? 
I began two days a week in September of 2010 as I was training for the 2011 Livestrong Marathon. I took a few months off after the marathon. Then started three to four days a week about a year ago. I made the move to CFA in July of 2011….best decision yet!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
I love my large extended family… and the programming, it’s the best around.

What are your training goals? 
I’ve never had goals….but I have decided to take myself seriously this next year and see just exactly what I can do. Should be fun.

Favorite sport or activity?
Favorite sport to watch – baseball. I enjoy mountain biking but get hurt often, so I’ve laid off of that. I love crossfitting, of course…

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Is a trip to Napa in October considered an adventure…..I think so! That’s our next trip…..can’t wait.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
Hmmm, I played on the golf team in Highschool?…..

Longhorns or Aggies?
Ugh, so don’t care.

We’ve all seen your talented handstand walks around the gym – do you have any other undiscovered or hidden talents?
I’ve got nothing…..no talents that I am aware of.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Well, I am shocked to be chosen for this honor. There are so many amazing people at CFA….. I love being a part and I love feeding off of all of the awesomness.

in Athlete of the Month / Workout of the Day 1,820 comments