March Athlete of the Month || Marvin Poquiz

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 March Athlete of the Month is Marvin Poquiz! Marvin has been with us for about 7 months now, but it feels like he’s been part of the crew for much longer! He very quickly became a part of the family! Marvin has a smile to light up the room, making everyone feel welcome. He’s always in for a good time and the coaches love how responsive he is to cues. He listens, applies, and makes great progress in every single class!  Marvin has so many of the qualities that we look for in an athlete of the month! Marvin, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our March 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: Marvin

Words to live by?
“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

What is your fitness background?
I did track and was a cross country runner in high school, then mostly did HIT/P90x-type of workouts starting in college.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
Approximately 4 years now.

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit Austin… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
August 8, 2019! I remember it distinctly because it was my first day living In Austin, had just gotten into (what I thought to be) a minor accident a couple hours prior, and it was over 100* that day; I was sweating profusely and it felt like I was drowning in dry heat/lava.

Aside from the environmental shock, my experience that day was ! Tim was manning the gym that day and we talked in length about what I’m looking for in a box as I was “shopping around” for a new home.  He walked me through CFA’s overall vision/goals for its community and then assessed my “fundamentals” of CrossFit.  Needless to say, I didn’t even bother visiting any other box!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Hands down, my favorite part about CFA are its people.  Both coaches and members cultivate a community-based environment that really enables each member to reach their personal fitness and social goals.

Current Training Goals/PRs?
My training goal this year has been to show up! Personally, this means being more mindful with my body to avoid injury and allow me to keep showing up.

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Be patient, stay humble, and keep an open mind! Chances are you might have to unlearn or break some bad habits to do things correctly/safely.

What is your cheat meal go to?
Pan-fried crispy SPAM with white rice!

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

Yikes… I plead the fifth 😳 I suppose I dabble in outdoor hiking with my partner, Brandon, and our 3 dogs.

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
There’s not a specific instance I can recall, but I’m proud of the moments when I’ve hit old PRs or make new ones knowing I’m continuously getting better.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
My perception of what it means to be fit and healthy. Social influence can be deadly if left unchallenged, but defining what it truly means to be fit and healthy for myself was empowering. #youdoyou

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
Starvin’ Marvin

20min AMRAP
1000m Row Buy-In
5 Pull-Ups
10 Burpees
15 Medball Squats
20 Double Unders

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
I made a couple friends in the form of a raccoon and 2 tuxedo stray/outdoor cats in the morning who I feed with bread right before the 630am class. I suppose showing up for the coaches is a close second! 😉

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I’m a nerd at heart and avidly collect X-men and Transformers toys based on the cartoons.  To this day, I still watch some anime when I have the time. I also enjoy listening to e-books and podcasts stations by NPR; I love just zoning out on my drives to/from work.  I’m currently consumed by my master’s program, but on occasion I get the itch to make art. I’ve painted giant canvas pieces and have even painted a giant mural for my last CrossFit gym in LA.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’m a “stress” addict, I get a thrill in always seeking discomfort to improve.  Hence why I’m a fan of CrossFit, getting my masters, and finding unique job positions in the Air Force.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
“It’s only really over when you give up!” I say this to myself when I need a little boost professionally with a work and/or school deadline.