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Nick Reyes

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May 5, 2023

February Male Athlete Spotlight - Alex Harrelson

When did you start CrossFitting? Who/what got you started?I started about a year and half ago. One of my school parents was an avid crossfitter so I decided to give it a try. What is your favorite/least favorite WOD?I like the Hero WOD’s. I don’t know that I have a specifically favorite one but the Hero ones tend to be really cardio intensive or push the limits which is why I like them. My least favorite would have to be ones that have lots of snatches. I don’t know specific WOD’s but ones that have lots of heavy lifting are not my best workouts. What is your favorite/least favorite movement?My favorite would have to be thrusters. They are challenging, but something I can do fairly quickly. I’m also partial to rowing. My least favorite would have to be snatches for sure. I’m so stiff and that movement is not natural for my body. But slowly I’m getting there. Also, push-ups are a real struggle for me. After about 50 I’m toast.

Tell us a little bit about yourself (family, job, sports, interests, etc.)I grew up in the Olathe/Overland Park area. I have an awesome family and 4 siblings. My pups name is Hadley and he is my 4 legged child. I grew up swimming competitively since the age of 7 and was a cross country runner through high school. I have my own painting business on the side of being a third grade teacher, and I love to travel to the beach.What was your workout routine before CrossFit?I would go to the gym and do my own “bro” lifting for lack of better words. But mostly I would run. It was really irregular and not very motivating. What did you think after your first CrossFit workout?I remember thinking how awesome it was that I didn’t have to make my own workout. That’s one of the benefits for me is that I don’t have to think about new ways to do different things. I show up and always get a killer workout. What were your goals when joining CrossFit? Have you achieved any of those goals?If you saw me when I tried to kick up on the wall the first few weeks it would have provided you endless laughter. Double unders were another source on contention and bar muscle ups were hard (still are) for me. I have conquered the wall and have made it my friend. Double unders finally clicked after about a year and many lashings from my rope. And the bar muscle ups are still coming along. I chicken wing it but I can at least get up there.

Has CrossFit affected your life outside the gym?My friend circle has drastically grown. The people I have met have changed my life forever. There is such a strong community at CrossFit 913 (KSAC) and I cannot imagine my life without the lifelong friends I have met here. Not to mention I met my boyfriend and future husband here. Do you have any other special memories/ achievements during your time here?I remember the first time I did a bar muscle up. Jess Kiblen, Patrick Chandler, and Nikki Anthony were all there giving me pointers and I remember how excited they all were for me. What advice would you give to a newbie just joining CrossFit 913?Don’t get discouraged if you can’t do something. I really struggled with some of the movements but I just kept at it and one day it just clicks. Keep with it. It may seem rough some days but keep coming back. We are all in it together and everyone is there to support and encourage you. Something you might not know about me is?I’m terrified of snakes. I hate the little buggers. I know they are afraid of me but I can assure you I am more afraid of them. And the older I get the more irrational my fear of them becomes.

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