October Athlete of the Month || Brian Stacey!!

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 October Athlete of the Month is Brian Stacey! Brian has been part of the CFA family for about a year and a half now and has recently kicked his training into high gear! That is not to say he hasn’t worked hard up to this point though. Brian has been a part of the trusty noon crew for some time now and many of the coaches have had the pleasure of working with him. He is focused and extremely coachable in class and it shows as he gets closer and closer to his goals. Brian, we are honored to have you as our October 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:
Brian

 

Words to live by?
No better time than now to go for it.

 

What is your fitness background?
I swam competitively for 13 years, then started competing in triathlon and endurance sports in 2007. I’m a 3-time Ironman finisher (Canada, Florida, Louisville).

 

How long have you been CrossFitting?
I’ve been at CFA since May 2019.

 

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I was very intimidated on my first day and just wanted to get through the class without embarrassing myself. Now I can actually set goals and really push myself.

 

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Hands down, the community.

 

Current Training Goals/PRs?
I’m currently training for Ironman Mont-Tremblant, so my main goal is to build strength and improve fitness to prepare for the race. That said, I’d also like to eventually be doing all my workouts at least at the athletic level, so I’m working toward that as my main crossfit-specific goal.

 

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Set a variety of goals: small goals, long-term goals, and a seemingly impossible goal. Having lots of small goals helps me stay focused and motivated day-to-day. Having long-term goals helps me stay disciplined enough to string together small goals. Having an impossible goal helps me track my progress over time. And nothing beats resetting goals because you just accomplished something you once thought impossible!

 

Things look a little different right now, how are you staying focused in your training and in your life during this time?
I constantly reevaluate goals vs the current situation. My training in April (lockdown) vs August (heat) vs today  is completely different, but I have to look at what kind of progress is feasible and set my goals accordingly.

 

What is your cheat meal go to?
Tex-mex for sure.

 

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
Swimming, biking, running, tennis, hiking.

 

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
I’m pretty sure I PR’d on my front squat last week. If it wasn’t a PR, it was just a really solid rep. Either way, it was a proud moment.

 

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?
I was diagnosed with epilepsy in mid-2017 and was put on medications that had some severe effects. By the time I got meds and dosage figured out in late-2019, I had lost most of the progress I had made from 4 years of IM training. Being patient, forgiving, and persistent in finding my prior level wasn’t – and isn’t – easy.

 

If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
12 Deadlifts then three rounds: 500m row, 2mi on the bike, 400m run.

 

What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?
I know I’ll feel better for at least giving it a shot. Even if it’s not my best workout, it’ll be better than nothing.

 

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
Camping, hiking, traveling, going to see live music, watching or playing tennis.

 

Tell us something we don’t know about you…
I coached swimming for many years. I coached kids, adults, and Special Olympics teams in Dallas and Austin.

 

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…
Sign up for a triathlon! Crossfit is such a great supplement and you’re already closer to the finish line than you might think. I’m happy to share some tips for anyone interested.

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