July Athlete of the Month || Josiah Smith!!
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 July Athlete of the Month is Josiah Smith! Josiah joined the CFA family in 2019, but he was no stranger to movement prior to that. He came in with a good base and has just progressed from there! Josiah is a pleasure to chat with and works his tail off in (and outside of) class! He has made some really impressive progress in his time here and is always open to growth and feedback from the coaches. We’ve loved being part of the journey with him and celebrating the wins along the way! Josiah, we are honored to have you as our July 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:
Josiah. Jo
Words to live by?
Event + Response = Outcome. You can’t control the events in life and you don’t have direct control over the outcomes but you do have total control of how you choose to respond.
What is your fitness background?
I’ve always played sports and been active/exercised for as long as I can remember. I did traditional gym workouts and ran for years and then I needed a change/challenge so I started CF.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Almost 5 years. Ever since I moved to Austin
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I was excited, probably overzealous to prove I was “fit” because that’s what I thought CF was all about then. Now, my fitness goals are different and I’m more intentional in how I approach workouts. It’s all about fitness longevity now.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Obvious Answer: The community. It’s supportive. It’s the best. IYKYK
Personal answer: the coaches. I’ve been at 3 different CF gyms and I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed the level of personal dedication and investment to each member, as well as the attention to lifting safely/teaching the basics that every coach shows. Just great people all around.
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Run at least 40 miles/month. Come join the run club after class.
Stretch/Yoga 9x/month aka improve my mobility
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Try not to compare yourself to others. Everyone’s journey at the gym has started differently and most people have been doing it for a long time. How fast you move and how heavy you lift are all relative. We’re all getting better and everyone wants you to get better.
How do you balance staying focused in your training and in your life?
Fitness/training has been a part of my life for so long now that it’s just ingrained into my schedule and routine. It’s vital to my mental health which then benefits outside life. It would be more difficult not to train at this point and I hope the habit stays.
What is your cheat meal go-to?
I don’t really have cheat meals because I’m not a big diet watcher (shame, shame, i know) but I love pizza and probably eat it 2x a week.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
I use it to keep up with my hobbies (see below). My goal is to never be too tired or out of shape to enjoy activities.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
We did Jackie back in April and I have times recorded from 2018, 2019, and now 2021. It’s gone from 10:03 to 8:21 to 7:05. I was pretty surprised. Keeping track of your times really can show you how far you’ve come when you may not even realize it.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
I could be better about taking rest days. Sometimes I bite off more than I can chew.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“UnBearable” 9 Bear Complex – 400 m run – 6 Bear complex, – 800m run – 3 Bear Complex – 1600 m run. (95/65)
Bear complex (power clean, front squat, push press, back squat, push press)
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Making small goals and finding small victories when the larger ones feel unaccomplishable for the day.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Golf, Yoga, Running, Wake Surfing. A lot of live music/concerts/events. Greenbelt. All the Austin things. As far as talents, I make a pretty mean fart noise and can almost rotate my feet around completely backwards.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
Some may know this but I recently got the opportunity to donate stem cells to some anonymous gentleman and it was one of the cooler/rewarding experiences I’ve gone through. Sign up for BeTheMatch if that’s your thing.
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
“The only normal people are the ones you don’t know very well.” -Alfred Adler. Get to know your weird, fellow gym goers.