May Athlete of the Month || Jaclyn De Los Santos!!

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 May Athlete of the Month is Jacki De Los Santos! Jacki joined the crew back in August of 2018 and very quickly became a part of the CFA family.  She is pretty die-hard with the “coffee crew” at 7:30 am. Jacki has taken HUGE strides in her health and fitness since joining class. Her Whole Life Challenge results were insane and she’s been putting in some serious work in class. When Jacki comes in, she works hard, encourages others, and always finishes with a smile. She exemplifies so many of the qualities we look for in an AOM and has truly proven herself as one of the #badassbabes of the community. Jacki, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our May 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: 
Jaclyn Marie De Los Santos, but everyone calls me Jacki

Words to live by?
“Conquer your inner b***h” lol
-Joe Rogan

What is your fitness background?
None! Besides playing a few different sports and dance in high school, I really had zero experience when it came to a barbell.

How long have you been CrossFitting?
9 months, still such a baby!

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I remember it like it was yesterday! I went to Austin’s 6pm class and we did Grace. I decided it was a good idea to use 55lbs on the bar, which I paid for later!  I finished in under 5 minutes, but I seriously felt like I was drunk or had been hit by a truck! I could barely walk straight out to my car and I probably said ‘thank you’ to just about anyone who talked to me during class. Will definitely always remember this moment.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Not to sound corny or anything, but seriously everything! From my 7:30 crew, to the amazing coaches, to the sense of community it gives me. I’m just in love with it all!

Current Training Goals/PRs?
Since I’m still pretty new to CrossFit I have so many! One of my goals for 2019 was to get all my lifts to at least 100#, I’ve hit a few but still have a long way to go on other ones. I also want to eventually do a competition and commit to adding weightlifting to my regular schedule. There’s more but I think that is a good place to stop!

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Don’t be nervous! No one is judging you for not having as much experience as the other, and you also don’t need to be super strong to start CrossFit in the first place! That all comes later 🙂

What is your cheat meal go to?
Italian food! Pizza, gelato, you name it. Mandola’s is my husband and I’s favorite!

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Running and hiking. It’s so crazy how easy running is now that CrossFit has made my endurance higher!

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Definitely during 19.5! I probably cried the entire time and might have yelled at Coach Mark once, but it was such a nice feeling to finish!

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
“Jack-Attack”
Buy In: 1000m Row

then

5 rounds for time:
10 ‘Heavy’ Squat Cleans
10 High Box Jumps
10 Kipping Pull ups

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
Knowing how disappointed I am in my self when I don’t go to class and how much better I feel when I do.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I love cooking, gardening, hiking, running, camping, and most of all reading.

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I once worked part-time at a Comic Book shop. It was one of my all time favorite jobs.

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Never give up! It took me so many years to commit to my health and fitness and it was definitely a slow process, but here I am doing stuff!

Jaclyn De La Garza