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 Spank! Spank joined the CFA Family just over a year ago and has established herself as a staple in the lovingly termed “6:00 pm Ass Class.” She comes in and works hard, no matter what the day has thrown at her and we love that she is willing to come in and move her body at the level she’s feeling for the day. We like to call that “fitness maturity” around here. Spank is one of our biggest advocates, always spreading the good word of CFA and we are forever grateful to her for that! We’ve loved being part of the journey with her and celebrating the wins along the way! Spank, we are honored to have 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:
Currently, movement is medicine, just keep showing up.
What is your fitness background?
Fast pitch catcher, half-marathons, competitive roller derby and now the cult of crossfit.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Informally, two years (I worked out 1:1 w/ a CF Coach), formally a year at CFA.
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
My first day of cross fit was in a gym in Portland OR and I injured myself in the first workout. The second time I did crossfit was in another gym in Portland and I injured myself again in the first work out. It wasn’t until my friend Dan (^coach above) worked with me 1:1 in Austin to show me that CrossFit could be safe and it was all about the gym, the coaching and being smart. Today, I’m surrounded by an entire team of family and friends who ensure I keep moving, but in a way that doesn’t hurt me.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
The 6:00 PM Ass Class. Yelling at people for dropping their bar bells….so gauche. Writing inappropriate things on Stacie’s work board.
Current Training Goals/PRs?
I love doing handstands, but a recent shoulder diagnosis means I have a long road ahead of me to get back to overhead strength. Ironic, considering my first 9 months at CFA, I couldn’t use my legs and I was the strict press queen. 🙂
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Listen to your body, forget what other people around you are doing, FORM FORM FORM FORM. Educate yourself so you don’t wreck yourself. Just show up. Some days I just sit in the corner on a rower, but I’m still there and I’m still moving.
How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?
CFA has pretty much saved my mental and physical sanity. I generally place making it to the gym above just about everything else. I make it clear to my co-workers, friends and family that not making it to the gym is bad for them. lol
What is your cheat meal go-to?
Grilled cheese sammies or Velveeta Mac n Cheese
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Yard work, home projects, flexing in no-flex zones.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
10 years of roller derby fairly well destroyed my body. There really isn’t a day that I show up where something major isn’t hurting. Ibuprofen is my bestest friend.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Increasing my front squat PR by 40% and the moment I was able to do my first box jump after breaking my leg.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“What fresh hell is this?’ – Rowing, Burpees, Deadlifts, Situps
What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
There are many days where pain, depression, and introversion keep me from wanting to show up… but I know that not showing up would just compound those problems. So I drag myself there, even if it means I’m crying while working out…because 9 times out of 10, when I show up… I don’t cry…I laugh, I get hugs, I get to swear a lot, and loudly.
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I have a car-caine addiction, I like to garden, I enjoy prepping for the zombie apocalypse, I’ve been told I can cook.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I’m a Santa Muertista.
Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Not all crossfit gyms are created equal. CFA is about family, community and love. I have never worked out with such a diverse and supportive group of humans. I’m going to keep referring people until I get stock options
