June Athlete of the Month || Julia Carrillo
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 June Athlete of the Month is Julia Carillo! Julia joined us almost a year ago and has found her place with the 4:30 crew. Julia is constantly pushing her limits and it’s resulting in impressive gains in her fitness. She’s always up for the challenge! Not only is she an excellent addition as an athlete, but you’ll find her pretty regularly at our social events too! Julia exemplifies so many of the qualities we look for in an AOM and has shown really amazing progress in his time here. Julia, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our June Athlete of the Month and as an awesome part of this community. 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: Julia Carrillo / “Jules” or “Rillo”
Words to live by? Laugh every day
What is your fitness background? It’s not much of a background. I did Drill Team dance in high school, and then stuck to only cardio type workouts for a while. In 2014 I started hitting up the ‘Globo gym’ until I found CrossFit.
How long have you been CrossFitting? This is hard. I’ve done ‘CrossFit style’ workouts for a few years now, but only the less complex movements, (box jumps, wall balls, front squats, etc.). I didn’t learn Olympic lifting, and gymnastic movements until after I joined CFA back in June of 2017.
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today? I did my fundamentals and then didn’t actually show up for a class until a few weeks later. I was incredibly nervous about meeting new people and looking like an idiot. I don’t remember the workout but I remember feeling very welcomed. And hot…soo hot. I feel like the workouts are still just as hard, but now I can do almost everything RX’d. 
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin? The trash talking. It gets the blood flowing.
Current Training Goals/PRs? Butterfly pull-ups….and don’t sprain anything or make me bleed my own blood again.
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit? 1. It’s not always a competition. 2. Don’t be afraid to let go of the assistance bands and try things RX’d-it’s how you grow. 3. Don’t cheat. You’re only cheating yourself.
What is your cheat meal go to? Pizza and Beer
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym? I would say I go on hikes and play sports, but I don’t. I plan on attending the Peace Officer Academy at my work and I know they will give me plenty of opportunities to use fitness outside of the gym.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout. My first time doing Fran in January. I set up my band on the pull-up bar and then Brenda yelled at me and said I didn’t need it. It was my first workout doing pull-ups unassisted. Then the next highlight was cutting 3 minutes off my Fran time when we tested it again earlier in May.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be? I would instead create a hero WOD for my brother and name it “TJ” after him. He was killed in action back on June 28th, 2005
28 Minute AMRAP
6 HSPU
6 Pull-ups
6 Burpee over Bar
6 DL @ 105/155
6 Power Clean @ 105/155
28 Double Unders
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit? I love a lazy day just watching Netflix, but I also love being out in the sun, hanging with friends, family, dogs and the boyfriend. I also enjoy dabbling in videography and making videos highlighting peoples’ suffering, (2018 CrossFit Open).
Tell us something we don’t know about you… I am a licensed Cosmetologist. Oh, and ya know the giant Bronze Beaver outside Buc-ees stores? I helped design his shoes.
Longhorns or Aggies? Broncos
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words… Sooner or later, everybody goes to the zoo.