September Athlete of the Month || Liz Howland!!
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 2024 September Athlete of the Month is Elizabeth Howland! Liz has been putting in work at CFA for almost two years now. Liz came in with some experience, but has really bought into the coaching at CFA and has made leaps and bounds in her movement, especially in the olympic lifts. She is a regular in our Weightlifting, CrossFit, and Women’s Strength classes. For lack of a better term, she is the goat of consistency! She always comes to class with a willingness to learn and is extremely coachable. Congratulations Liz, so well deserved! Thank you for letting us share in your journey!
State your Name and/or Nickname please:Liz Words to live by?Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character and character produces hope. What is your fitness background?I was never committed to sports or fitness growing up and finally started strength training in 2014 and haven’t stopped working out since. How long have you been CrossFitting?I started CrossFit in 2021 but the gym I was at wasn’t really great at coaching proper movement so I think it’s more accurate to say that I started CrossFit when I joined CFA in 2023 Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?I was just trying not to die. I wasn’t used to the cardio aspect of fitness and it was humbling to realize that my strength training wasn’t enough to get me through a metcon. What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?The people. Particularly because I came from a gym where I really didn’t feel very connected, I appreciate the friendships I’ve made at CFA and how invested the coaches have been in my progress. I also love the weightlifting classes. It’s so beneficial to slow down and learn proper/safe lifting mechanics. Current Training Goals/PRs?To be able to snatch a challenging weight. I don’t have a number in mind but I’ve been working on my technique for a while and want to feel confident enough to get some real weight on the bar. What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?If you’re reading this- you’re at the right gym. The coaches really care and pay attention to your form/abilities and will meet you where you’re at and get you where you want to be. Showing up is the hardest part. How do you balance staying focused in your training when life gets busy?For me, staying active is foundational for me to do anything else well in my life. If I go too long without working out- I’m less focused, less motivated and more prone to anger. So basically I just know that training is a non- negotiable. What is your “cheat meal” go-to?Currently, a burger and sweet potato fries from biggies yard bird is my Sunday cheat meal. How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?I have a 75 lb arthritic bull terrier that needs to be carried sometimes. My 6 year old niece also loves when my brother and I throw her back and forth to each other. Wall balls have trained me for this. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?My shoulder catches randomly when I do snatches but between Heidi, Dylan & Gus- we always figure out how to get it unstuck. Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.When I PRed 55kg in my clean and jerk If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?The ninja What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?The less I feel like it, the more I know I’ll benefit it. The post workout mood elevation is more evident on those days. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?Not talented but I really enjoy rock climbing Tell us something we don’t know about you…I lead an addiction recovery group at my church. Been sober for 6 years. Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…Y’all inspire me. |
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