Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of the month, March 2013-Diane (Dee-Dee) Fischer

 

She climbs walls, lifts heavy things and does it with a great smile.

She climbs walls, lifts heavy things and does it with a great smile.

What is your background
I’m a trial lawyer and a single mother of two (both CrossFit Kids). I grew up with three brothers in Flint, Michigan, playing every sport you can think of, and I started running long distance when I was in the Army. After I had my kids ten years ago I started lifting more weight in a traditional gym setting, but I kind of came to a crossroads in my workouts last June, and I felt like I needed a change. Some friends who knew me well urged me to try CrossFit. And now I find it to be like parenting – I can’t remember what life was like without it.

How has CrossFit 305 impacted your life?
I turned 50 in December, which really affected me – not in a negative way, but in a positive, inspiring way. Because of CrossFit, I feel like I have never been stronger, and have never been fitter, and I still have so much room for improvement. It sounds hypercompetitive but I love training with a room full of people younger than me, not only keeping up, but even beating some of them. Makes me feel like I can do anything.

What are your goals?
My short term goal — which has evaded me for some time — is to do a strict pull-up. My medium term goal is to go to the CrossFit Games in 2014. And my long term goal is to be kicking ass at 100 without ever having any serious health problems.

Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of The Month, December 2012, Jessica Smarge

Watching Jessica Smarge workout and move through life you notice her sense of grace and presence. That must come from her overall height and her background in dance from when she was a little girl up through the university of Florida. While at UF she attained a Bachelors and Masters in Physical Education.  On the other hand when you get to know her you notice a competitive fire and a fierce intensity perfect for Crossfit. Prior to finding crossfit she used her certification as a Fitness Instructor to run bootcamps and she used her competitive nature to run marathons. Marathons take a mental and physical discipline.
These aspects of her personality show in her Workouts at CrossFit 305 and most recently in her first competition where she took 2nd place. With hard work and consistency she has managed to improve steadily and has become a staple in the 305 & A1A communities. She is loved by all and is a pleasure to work with. We are really happy to have Jessica as our Athlete of The Month. Her future is bright and someday look forward to seeing her compete at the regional level.

Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of the Month, October 2012:Bradley Solyan

Hailing from Pennsylvania, Señor Solyan has been WODing with us for over a year now and his dedication to putting in hard work at the box has certainly been paying off! Bradley enjoys challenging himself, never gives up, and has been increasingly completing workouts at an RX level in a quiet, humble manner while he conquers feats of strength with grace. He’s always happy to lend a hand to our CrossFit community for special events and is one of the most genuinely sweet and nice gentlemen we know! Also, he’s Captain America.

Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of The Month, September 2012: Becky Albalah

As a member for over 2 years, she came in totally green and curious. I remember it as if it was only yesterday doing her onramp while she was in her tennis outfit. That outfit has changed to high socks and lulu pants with garden gloves. It works for her. She was not the most coordinated at first, but she took to all the Cf moves like clean and jerk, chest to bar pull-ups and even conquered double unders. Becky never misses a day. and can often be heard expressing her love for 6am workouts, saying “this is the best part of my day!” Aside from being a great crossfitter she also bakes everybody’s favorite paleo treats. Go Becky. We love you.

Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of The Month, August 2012

The Csete Family

The amazing entity that is the Csete Family is recognized as AOTM for August. Isabelle Csete joined March of 2011, establishing herself as one of our youngest members, and parents Marc and Marilyn followed suit (with guest appearances from Robert, Daniel, and Lauren!). I remember Marilyn explaining to me after starting, “It’s all about the Burpee.”

Since the beginning, they’ve all been committed and dedicated to their workouts and nutrition, and their progress is obvious. They are charismatic, enthusiastic, and welcoming to any newbies and a pleasure to have around and to train.

Congratulations, Family Csete! You’re the Athlete(s) of the Month!!

Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of The Month, July 2012

Kendra Warren

Young, athletic and strong and with a Division 1 rowing background in her bag, Kendra has no problems being coached and doing work. Kendra has a quiet way about her, even the way she speaks. Her workouts on the other hand scream intensity. She is passionate about fitness and it shows in the way she goes about her workouts and life. Look out for this one because with such a great work ethic and attitude there is no way that she could be denied! Welcome to 305 Kendra!!


Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete of the Month June, 2012

Danny Palacios

A regular at the 6am class, he has shown that crossfit is his kind of workout. He came in as a pure novice and in a relatively short time has managed to find his groove at Crossfit 305. While at 305, Danny has gained strength and his skill set has improved as well. When Danny nailed his first muscle-up, nobody was surprised. His steady efforts and practice made it a reality.  Danny is very well liked and is a great guy to have around. When asked about his personal philosophy, he stated “HTFU People!”  We look forward to more “Firsts”  from Danny.

Congrats!
You’re the August, 2012 Athlete Of The Month.

Athlete of the Month, CrossFit

Athlete Of The Month August, 2011

Marta Riley

From our Facebook page:
“Marta Riley, age 71, just told me she took herself out for a test drive yesterday. She used to have to stop and sit down 6 times or more every time she visited Ikea. Yesterday she did the whole store without rest and then topped it off by going to Whole Foods, Target and Walgreens. If that’s not CrossFit, I don’t know what is!”

I remember the first time I spoke to Marta. She had found our flier at Sakaya Kitchen. She told me she was the most unfit person I had ever talked to. I told her I bet not. She came in, checked us out and looked around. I was pretty sure that was the last I’d see of her. She proved me wrong, as she does everyday.

Working within her limits but above them at the same time, she is an inspiration to anyone that gets the chance to WOD with her. She goes for it and pushes but knows her limits. After months of working out in pajamas, she’s now in official ‘workout clothes’.

She is my favorite 305 member. Sorry buff dudes and ripped ladies.

She is better for knowing us and we are WAY better for knowing her. Marta, we want you to know that you are an inspiration to us. I know, you’d rather we didn’t, but we are.

Congrats!
You’re the August, 2011 Athlete Of The Month.

Athlete of the Month

Athlete Of The Month June, 2011

Athlete of the Month

Athlete Of The Month May, 2011