April Athlete of the Month, Darlene Price

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have  the  pride of the 7:30 PM class Darlene Price….

State your Name and/or Nickname please.
V. Darlene Price. Don’t ask. It was my grandmother’s name, and you’ve never heard of it.

Occupation?
Electrical designer. Mainly, I design power systems for schools.

Words to live by?
Chuck Yeager: You do what you can for as long as you can, and when you finally can’t, you do the next best thing. You back up but you don’t give up.

What is your fitness background?
Basketball & field hockey in high school. Warmed the bench and learned I could run. Track & cross country in college. 5k & 10ks afterward. Yoga.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Counting the month of the broken wrists, five!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
I love it all. Great people. Variety. WOD scaled to my level. But my very favorite part is that moment when I realize that I just did something really hard that I didn’t know I could do.

What are your training goals?
To see Rx next to my name every workout. I fantasize about unassisted pull-ups and push-ups…. I’ve never had upper body strength, so that would be really cool.

Favorite sport or activity?
OK, you’re just digging for compliments. CrossFit, of course! Thank you all so much for creating a great support system for getting strong and healthy.

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Capitol 10K, here I come!

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I’m accident-prone. Oh, wait, that cat is out of the bag.

Longhorns or Aggies?
I work with both so I stay out of the line of fire. Go Texas!

What member of CFA member do you think would look the best with a Mustache?
Hmmm. Boone, with a huge handlebar, waxed and curled up at the sides.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
Mark Twain: Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

CrossFit Games Affiliate Team Tryout

This Saturday we will be holding tryouts for our Affiliate Team that will represent CrossFit Austin at the South Central Regional in Fort Worth on May 29th and 30th.  The team will consist of a combination of six people two of which must women.  We will select 8 people men or women (6 member 2 alternates) to train together for the regional competition.  The Tryouts will consist of 3 events:

– A One Rep Max attempt on an Olympic Weightlifting movement

– A Short (Under 7 minute) MetCon

– A Long (Over 15 Minute) MetCon

The events will start at 9 AM on Saturday, and  culminate with the long MetCon being our regular Saturday morning workout.  If you cannot make it on Saturday you will have a chance to make up the events by next Wednesday, by contacting and setting up an appointment with me.

March Athlete: Matt Terry

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have Jets fan and Mustache lover Matt Terry….

State your Name and/or Nickname please.
Matthew Douglas Terry, aka Tow Matt which is short for the other white Matt. I would like to vote for changing it to “Stigmatta” due to the blister on my palm from pull-ups

Occupation?
Banquet Manager at the Headliner’s Club

Words to live by?
“What do you expect Thorn, look at the sneakers those guys are wearing. If our guys had sneakers like that, there’s no telling what they could do.” Quote by the basketball coach in Teen Wolf (The Michael J. Fox original, not the lesser sequel starring Jason Bateman)

What is your fitness background?
Played tennis in high school, called me “wild thing” because I never once won a match and would throw absolute tantrums caused by the frustration of sucking

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Started in either August or September of ’09. The first week was so horrible I’ve blocked it out, therefore the exact date is suspect

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
The commradery. I’ve never been a part of anything like it. Wes and Boone have fostered a really kick ass environment for all of us to be the best we can be

What are your training goals?
Two parts. I want my name on the wall and I want to Rx every time. Oh, and I want to be in amazing shape so I can live a long healthy life loving my beautiful wife, Amber, who told me to write this.

Favorite sport or activity?
Golf. You get to drink

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Well I’m on vacation the week of south by………..

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
In kindergarten, me and this kid rusty lawson peed in the reading apple. It was a giant plastic apple you could climb in to read and we peed in it. Sorry Ms. Vickers.

Longhorns or Aggies?
I have serious Longhorn connections through work but was raised bleeding maroon.
I say you can still gig ’em while hookin ’em as well. Why does that sound dirty?

How has moving back into the general mustacheless population affected you over the last two months?
I lost a big piece of myself that day as my facial hair and self respect swirled down the bathroom sink drain. It has been easier stopping to use the restroom at truckstops without being hassled by undercover cops thinking I’m a male prostitute.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it and believe in yourself. No, not you dummie.

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February Athlete: Kristin Shanahan

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have Pancho Burpee Afficianado Kristin Shanahan….

State your Name and/or Nickname please.

Kristin Shanahan aka Pistin, Pisticle, Pist, Fritters, Fritts, Kris, Krispy, K, Snatch Monster, Ridiculously Strong (hahahahahahaha)

Occupation?

I pscyhoanalyze you…that’s right YOU! Now you’re all paranoid! Just kidding, maybe. I’m finishing up my masters in counseling – marriage and family therapy.

Words to live by?

“Pay no attention to the faults of others,
things done or left undone by others.
Consider only what by oneself is done or left undone.”

What is your fitness background?

I was a ridiculously good runner before I joined CF. HA! Just kidding…..I was a swimmer through high school. Then I begged and pleaded with people to buy training sessions from me at a box gym…. 3×15, 3-5 x week and 45 min. of cardio….I didn’t last very long….but I do miss calf raises (just jokes).

How long have you been CrossFitting?

Since Wes told me to shut-up after I badgered him for 30 minutes on the phone about his certifications….hehehe – December, 2008.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?

I have to pick just one favorite thing?! I love that every day is different. I am NEVER bored at CF.

What are your training goals?

I’m hoping to PR Fran when I’m 9 months pregnant….training goals are on hold for the moment.

Favorite sport or activity?

Um, CF of course!

Recent adventure you’re planning?

Is having a baby an adventure? I think so.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I win guacamole contests.

Longhorns or Aggies?

I have no idea who the “longhorns” are….A-G-G-I-E-S!!!!!!!

What Would Rob Wykoff do?

Rob Wykoff would do 30 burpees in the rain and mud at ACL and then shotgun a beer (I mean, Patron with 100% pure lime juice) just to show off how manly he is…..or he’ll just sing you “Werewolves in London”.

If Baby Shanahan ends up being a boy, do you go with the Tom Selleck mustache, or the Burt Reynolds Mustache?

I’m going with Tom on this one. Burt’s just……gross.

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

Pain is temporary, misery is optional except if you CrossFit. Misery LOVES company! Thanks, CFA’ites….it’s been GREAT getting to know you!

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January Athlete of the Month, Jerry Everhard

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have master of the halloween costume Jerry Everhard….

State your Name and/or Nickname please.

Some people put the letter N in front of one of my names but I’d rather not discuss that one… . The one I hear the most is from my mom who calls me “Yeti” either because she hasn’t quite learned how to pronounce the “J” sound or my extraordinarily hairy legs remind her of a mountain fairing big foot creature. I still haven’t decided which.

To be clear about the first nickname, I just hate it when people call me “NJerry”, it wasn’t people putting the N in front of my last name. (Insert nervous cough)

Occupation?

During my breaks from Hulu.com I also do a little work as an attorney for the Legislature.

Words to live by?

(1) “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” ~ Rocky Balboa 2006

(2) [chasing a chicken] “I feel like a Kentucky Fried idiot.” ~ Rocky Balboa 1979

What is your fitness background?

NOTHING(’82)—->START TENNIS (’01)—>KNOCK TOOTH OUT (2 WEEKS OF TENNIS)—->BACK TO NOTHING

How long have you been CrossFitting?

Making my rounds around the Professional CrossFitting Circuit since September

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?

It’s multifaceted. First coming in and seeing Boone and realizing I won’t be yelled at by Wes for not doing an exercise perfectly. Second coming in and seeing Wes and realizing I won’t have to listen to Boone’s collection of Cold Play’s Greatest Hits while trying to work out.

What are your training goals?

Nail down the kipping pull-ups and join the muscle up club

Favorite sport or activity?

Watching Texas football because I like winning championships.

Recent adventure you’re planning?

My brother and I are planning to go to Yosemite Park in the summer and hike Half Dome.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

My mom made me eat a pack of smokes when she caught me smoking in high school.

Longhorns or Aggies?

Texas Longhorns

Do you consider costume creation more of an art or a science?

The giant Mr. Peanut costume 3 years ago was more art because it involved a lot of paper mashie. I’d say this year’s Oscar the Grouch costume was more science just because it makes me sound smarter and I need to sound smarter considering I wasted a month of my life making it.

Does your lack of a mustache hinder your performance in your chosen profession?

I have to say that my career at TomSelleckImpersonator.com has been stifled somewhat.

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

I’d like to thank Dave and Sherman for letting me sleep on their floor for an entire weekend the majority of that time uninvited.

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December Athlete of the Month

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have outerwear enthusiast / muscle up queen Walker Fenz!

State your Name and/or Nickname please.
Helen Walker Fenz…been called Walker all my life, so guess that’s my nickname

Occupation?
Project Manager at a logisitics software company (nerd alert!)

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.” -Dr.Suess

What is your fitness background?
Was a gymnast from age 8 through freshman year in college. Afte that, putzed around with kickboxing, step-class, and the like…you can still find me at the globo – i love my cardio salsa class!

How long have you been CrossFitting?
5 months – just passed my 75th workout!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
The moment you realize, “holy sh-t, I CAN finish”

What are your training goals?
To be a lean, mean, crossfitting machine! (in other words, emotionally and physically strong, happy and healthy…and look fierce in a bikini)

Favorite sport or activity?
CrossFit, duh. Other than that, eating, drinking…and sweatin to the oldies!

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Become a 2010 Yelp.com Elite – i love to eat as much as i love to crossfit!

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
Well the dirty secret is out – my first name is Helen

Longhorns or Aggies?
Hook em!

Describe Nugget’s butterfly pull-ups, in 15 words or less?
A dying fish having a seizure…i mean, poetry in motion 😉

What Would Jane Fonda do?
Wear underwear on the outside of one clothes.

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

“The CrossFit mindset:”
1. I will promise to do my best. My best will vary from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute. But in that minute, I will do the very best I can.
2. If I can run, I run. If I can walk, I walk. If I must crawl, I crawl. And when I make it, I will rest. And live to fight another day.
3. I fear no man, but I fear my workout. If I don’t fear my workout, it isn’t hard enough.
4. I may puke. I may cry. But I will not quit. Ever.

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November Athlete of the Month

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have Queso Dealer/ Thruster connoisseur Dave Kiehl.

State your Name and/or Nickname please.
(listing no Nickname will result in a “nicknaming contest” via the comments)

David Kiehl

Occupation?
Manager at Maudie’s Hacienda

Words to live by?
Do it to it!

What is your fitness background?
Excluding kids sports, nothing.  This is the first serious regimented exercise routine I have ever done.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Seven months.  I love it.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
The community atmosphere.  I really like the competitive nature of the program but also how we consistently support each other to excel.

What are your training goals?
Short term to finally master the kipping pull-up.  Long term to be the best athlete I can be.

Favorite sport or activity?
CrossFit, of course.  Outside of that hiking and backpacking.

Recent/Future adventure you’re planning?
As many of you know I just returned from a rather leisurely cruise to Alaska.  I am in the early stages of planning my return to conquer the Wrangle-St. Elias Ranges.  Hopefully, I will be doing this in August 2010.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
A year and a half ago I challenged myself to get into shape.  In that time period I have lost almost 90 pounds.  This has been the single hardest and most important event in my life.

Longhorns or Aggies?
Aggies, class of ’08.  GIG’EM AGGIES WHOOP!!!!!

Is Maudie’s Queso as addictive as heroin?
No.  Recent studies have proven it to be as addictive as pure Afghani opium.  For any further comments you will need to contact our lawyers.

Does your lack of a mustache hinder your performance in your chosen profession?
I have found that my lack of mustache actually lowers my “creepy level” on the “creepy scale.”  This allows me to easier interact with my clientele.  However, a handlebar mustache would be awesome!  That may be my next adventure?

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.”
Winston Churchill

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October Athlete of the Month

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  This month we have our resident firebreather/teacher extrodinaire.

State your Name and/or Nickname please
(listing no Nickname will result in a “nicknaming contest via the comments”).

Stacey Magnesio aka Stacey Mag.

Occupation?
4th grade Teacher

Words to live by?
I am going to steal these words from a very wise man that I know…

The Circle of Awesomeness…
Work Hard,
Play Hard,
Look Good!

What is your fitness background?
Played everything growing up… basketball (yeah, I know I’m short but I still hold the record for most 3 pointers in a season at my middle school), volleyball, tennis, swimming, softball, ran track…

Soccer was my #1 love- played club ball and traveled everywhere!
In college I kinda dropped off for a few years…worked out here and there and played intramurals.Then I got really into running for a few years, ran a half marathon and then I found CROSSFIT!

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since last January…so…about 8 months! WOW!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
The in-your-face, sore-as-hell, feel-like-your-gonna-puke INTENSITY of the whole thing! I love it because it is always something new!

What are your training goals?
I will get to those games come hell or high water!

Favorite sport or activity?
CROSSFIT of course! But when I am not doing that, I love to go for a good run (which I haven’t done in quite a while might I add!)

Recent adventure you’re planning?
Lets see, I have been skydiving…I really want to go white-water rafting one of these days!

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
Ummm…I am an undercover FBI agent…JUST KIDDING! I don’t know, I can do the worm!

Longhorns or Aggies?
I am partial to both I suppose. I cheer for both, have been to see both teams play…but feel I can’t quite make a true decision on this matter because I am a BOBCAT!

There is a rumor going around that you challenged your fellow teachers to a “Thruster Off” for the crown of “Teacher of the Year” can you confirm said rumor?
Hey!…That sounds like a damn good idea! I am sending the email out right now!

When is the infamous “Evolution of Dance” youtube video going to surface?
Haaaa haaaa! I will have to make copies for everyone! This year will be even better…the theme is musicals and the teachers are going to rock the stage with some FOOTLOOSE! We are thinking a dancing piece of “Bacon”!

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
Wes and Boone- You guys are the best! Keep up the great coaching!

Guys- Keep thrustin’ those sexy muscles with your shirts off!

Ladies- We will all soon be joining the bikini club!… and of course, kick the guys’ asses!

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CrossFit Austin September Athlete of the Month

In an effort to get to know the fine folks of CrossFit Austin, we embark on our Athlete of the Month series.  Each month we will spotlight a different CFA athlete.  Lets start this party with everyone’s favorite mustache-less APD detective.

State your Name and/or Nickname please?
Blake

Occupation?
Police Detective

Words to live by?
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. ” – Theodore Roosevelt (1910)

What is your fitness background?
I have always made fitness apart of my life, from playing sports to just working out. Prior to starting CrossFit I did the more traditional working out. (Lifting weights with a little cardio mixed in from time to time)

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I have been with CrossFit Austin for around 5 months and loving it. Wish I would have found this sooner.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?
Olympic Lifting…..which would be followed up with burpees (my second favorite).

What are your training goals?
Short term….to get a 200 lb clean and jerk before the end of the year. Long Term…..to get in the overall best athletic condition of my life.

Favorite sport or activity?
Growing up I played and was more partial to baseball. However, as a fan I love both pro and college football. Oh, and not to forget my new favorite activity/sport…. CrossFit!

Longhorns or Aggies?
More or less neutral on the Aggies, but I am anti-longhorn. (ed. note: excellent) (other editors note: I’ll assume your dislike comes from your extreme jealousy of all Longhorns)

There is a rumor that you are starting a new club to counter the muscle-up club (obviously small guy biased) would you like to divulge any information on that?
There is always the possibility of this occurring. However, at the present time I can neither confirm nor deny such rumor.

Does your lack of a mustache hinder your performance in your chosen profession?
Silly question…..obviously the answer is yes. Although the aerodynamic benefit I get while running far outweighs the sacrifice.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words.
Stay classy CrossFit Austin. Blake.

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