March Athlete of the Month – Liz Yankiver

State your Name and/or Nickname please:
Name: Liz Yankiver, aka: the Lizerator, Lizzie, Lizina, Lizard

Occupation?
Paramedic at Austin-Travis County EMS, aka: life saver, ride giver, ass kicker.

Words to live by?
“Well-behaved women seldom make history”-Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
My mom always told be to treat others the was you would like to be treated.  That has stuck in both my personal and professional life.

What is your fitness background?
I was “Daddy’s little linebacker” until my little brother was old enough to fill that position.  I am/was a swimmer, and started competing at age 4.  It was my first love, and will always remain a big part of who I am.  I swam in high school, did the athletic training thing, and played a bit of softball.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I have been at CrossFit Austin for one year. Holy cow, time flies when you are having fun!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
I couldn’t pick one thing that is my favorite.  I love the community that is CFA.  I love being a little nervous (still) everytime I walk through the doors.  It is certainly the people that make me want to come everyday. And, I love my ladies…

What are your training goals?
I would like to continue my weight loss(at 70 lbs now), continue to get PR’s on my lifts, and eventually do some lifting meets.

Favorite sport or activity?
CrossFit, swimming, being at the lake, Yankees baseball, and generally being outside!

Recent adventure you’re planning?
My best buddy and I are going to a shooting school in Vegas at the end of the month…I’m going to learn how to be a ninja! (and learn to defend myself with my firearm)

Tell us something we don’t know about you?
Well, some of you know that I play the bagpipes…others don’t. Yep- Stupidest. Instrument. Ever. Also- I want to be a doctor and am planning on that goal fairly soon.

Longhorns or Aggies?
Hands down- Longhorns. Is that even really a question?

The Mustache, and Southern Do contest is weekend. Who’s the favorite? Whats your game plan?

On the ‘stache front, I have to say it will be close between David and Cody.  David has the “I’ll build her a cake or something” going on, and Cody- well, his is just rad. As for the hair- I have it in the bag. We have all seen the ‘fro that I can rock, second only to Wes.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?
You CAN do anything you set your mind to.  When you decide for yourself that things will change, the only person that stands in your way is you.  Surround yourself with supportive people and get it done.

Before CrossFIt

After CrossFit!