September Athlete of the Month || Kaytlin Blanchard!

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 Kaytlin Blanchard! KB joined the CFA Family in December of 2020, but wasn’t a stranger to CrossFit when she came to us! You’ll usually find her sweatin’ midday with the lunch bunch! She always comes in with a good attitude and a great big smile. She’ll make ANYONE feel like a rockstar when they walk through our doors. Kaytlin always comes in ready to work hard in class and try to be a little better every day. We’ve loved being part of the journey with her and celebrating the wins along the way! KB, we are honored to have you as our September 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: image0.jpeg

Kaytlin/KB

Words to live by?

We should all treat each other like groups of drunk girls in restrooms, the world would be a much nicer place and full of random compliments!!

What is your fitness background?

I’ve always been active!! Started off with competitive dance then field hockey became my true love. I was lucky enough to play on teams all over the USA and overseas then coached for awhile!!

How long have you been CrossFitting?

I started CrossFit in 2012. Took a break due to injury in ‘16. Rejoined in Dec. ‘20!

Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?

Oh man, I felt so excited and scared to do my first WOD!! I think it had some overhead plate lunges with a partner and I knew I didn’t want to let them down so I pushed myself so hard. Cut to the next day, I could barely move hahaha I think I took 5 days off to recover but I was hooked and ready for more!!

Now, I do 2-3 WODs a day 5-6 days a week!! So much progress has been made!!

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?

Easy, the community and coaching staff!! I’ve never found such a wonderful group of people. Everyone is so genuine and truly loves to watch each other succeed both in and outside of the gym, it’s incredible!! I feel so lucky to be a part of the crew

Current Training Goals/PRs?

I’ve been training for a few competitions over the last few months and it’s been a blast!! So many PRs have been made thanks to all the coaching and programming. My current goal outside of comp training is to get my TTB strung together!!

What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?

Don’t be scared or intimidated!! Starting out is the best part, everyday is pretty much a PR!!

How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?

I’m fortunate that I can plan my days around my training for the most part. On days where it seems like it’s hard to get in a WOD I just remind myself, it’s 1hr of my day and it makes me feel soooo much better!! I can give myself 1hr

What is your cheat meal go-to?

HAH…anyone that’s met me knows my whole life is a cheat meal!! That’s why I’m always at the gym lol

How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?

Not to brag but, I can bring in all my groceries in one trip lol!! Haha really though, I like to test my fitness trying new things. This year I completed in my first terrain race with some other CFA members, I also started competing in some local team CF comps with CFA members too! I enjoy hiking, running, skiing/snowboarding, golfing, paddle boarding, pretty much anything active and outside is my jam!!

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?

I’d say my challenges are mostly mental. As a masters athlete, listening to my body and actually slowing down or going lighter vs full send, has been a process. I know it’s necessary so I can continue to have longevity in the sport and continued health without injury though!! The second challenge has been my body dysmorphia. Putting on muscle, being healthy, and being able to do the movements in CF has changed my body a lot and I’ve come along way in loving my gains but there is still some work to be done!! The CFA community has really helped so much with this and I can’t thank everyone enough!! It’s the best!!

Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.

It may sound strange but I’m most proud of the days where the WOD falls apart or maybe I breakdown because I’m having a bad/sad day and I still persevere!! Those days are hard but it’s rewarding to look back and know “I still did it”.

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

“Of course there’s running” 5 Rounds for time: 3 Rope Climbs 6 Heavy Cleans 21 Sit-ups 400m Run What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it? I’ve never regretted workouts I’ve showed up for, only ones I didn’t.

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

I’m a road trip gal, Augie (my dog) and I leave town often!! I’m a classically trained pianist and play the baritone as well. I like throwing pots or really anything ceramics/art related. I absolutely LIVE for animals and love anything and everything involving them!!

Tell us something we don’t know about you…

9 is my favorite number, it comes up in my life often. For example, being picked for AOM on the 9th month!! It’s said in numerology 9 is the highest level of change and I certainly like to mix it up!!

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…

If you didn’t dance at some point during the day, did the day ever really happen?!