September Athlete of The Month: Zac Pettiette!
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 September Athlete of the Month is Zac Pettiette! Zac just joined the CFA family in April of this year, but he’s no newbie to CrossFit. He came to us with a couple of years of experience under his belt and has fit right in! Zac pushes himself and gives the rest of the class some ammo and a little friendly competition with his drive. He definitely has a fire in him and we can see his hard work! We’ve thoroughly enjoyed Zac’s positive attitude and friendly smile in class. Zac, the CFA Team is proud to honor you as our September 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:
Zac Pettiette
Words to live by?
Don’t worry about the mule, just load the wagon!! #mulestrong
What is your fitness background?
I played high school football, powerlifted, and “bro gym” for many years.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
I started on my 40th birthday, over 2 ½ years ago. I had an early mid-life crisis.
Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I remember my first day vividly. Started at 5 a.m. with heavy sled pushes and ended with lots of heavy power cleans and box jumps. When I got home I collapsed on the closet floor and cried to my wife “I am never going back again” Once I figured out there was a scaled workout, I was able to finish the WOD’s and start to get better. There were so many movement I could not do at first, so I would come 30 mins early or stay late and practice, practice, practice, and watch hours of youtube videos.
What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?
Prior to joining CF Austin, I had only been to one Crossfit box. Because of the great introduction and the awesome community it was hard to leave. My biggest concern was if another Box could be as good as the last? Since the first day at CF Austin I was welcomed with open arms into their community and have gained many new friends. The fellowship and support at CF Austin has been outstanding even for an “over the hill” athlete such as myself.
Current Training Goals/PRs?
Currently I am working hard to prepare for the Fittest Games qualifier and 2018 Crossfit Open.
What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?
Crossfit is not for everybody, but if you are serious about making a life changing decision and improving your health, it is the right one. Everyone is not in the same physical condition or have the same fitness goals. Crossfit takes your strengths and weaknesses and formulates a workout program that will best fit your needs and skill set. Everyone has an opportunity to get fitter!!
What is your cheat meal go to?
That’s an easy question for me!! Most definitely my 2 a.m pan of chocolate brownies, washed down with a large cold glass of milk.
How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?
My two daughters keep me very busy. Both are very good athletes, so I am either playing catcher for my youngest daughter that’s a softball pitcher or hitting a volleyball back and forth with my oldest.
Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.
Anytime you finish a WOD Rx and still alive, that’s a great feeling. Crossfit teaches you the impossible is possible. Finishing Murph is my proudest moment by far.
If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
My strength is most definitely anything Should to Overhead. So the best way to describe my WOD would be what would not be involved. No burpee’s of any form, running, muscle ups, or snatches. So basically just a lot of strict should to overhead, handstand pushups, and kettlebell movements. 
What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
At this point in my life I work full time, crossfit daily, and be a Dad. My kids are 13 and 12 and they keep me very busy, so I don’t have time for hobbies just yet.
Tell us something we don’t know about you…
This is the toughest question. I played the saxophone in middle school and I love watching American Pickers and Judge Judy.
Longhorns or Aggies?
Texas A&M for sure!!! Class of ’97. Not a big fan of burnt orange. I missed the annual football rivalry and hope it will be restored soon!!
Leave the fine folks of CF Austin with some parting words
I think I have met a majority of the members but if we haven’t met come introduce yourself. I am either there sweating at 12 noon or 5:30 pm. It’s not hard to spot me in the box; I am the one right in front of the big fan during every workout.