Congratulations to our January 2019 Athlete of the Month, Lela McAferty! Lela has been working hard the past few months and her dedication has not gone unnoticed! Make sure to wish her good luck on her half marathon coming up in a few weeks!
Athlete Profile:
What makes you, you? Hmmm, this is a bit of a challenging question for me as I have always been a bit unsure of myself. You know some people just grow up so sure of what direction they will be taking in life, this has never been me. The only things I have been sure of in my life is Jesus and my ability to overcome. I come from a large family, 1 of 10 siblings. I grew up mostly in rural Louisiana, total country girl at heart. I love dressing up, reading a good book, baking and feel best when my nails are painted. I love seeing new places, learning new things, football-Geaux Saints!, going shooting and riding four wheelers with my brothers. Spending time with my family is the best, especially since we are all spread out across the Southeast US.
Describe your experience at CFNC. When we first moved here almost 2 years ago I was excited for “gym shopping”. We had been on the road for 3 weeks, moving from coast to coast with minimal gym time and I was ready to get some steady exercise in. I tried out several gyms around Charleston and landed here at CFNC. CFNC is 10 minutes from my home and my workplace. I love that no matter what when I come in there is a friendly face to greet me, especially the Laurens, Kay, Martha, Trey and Spence. Can you tell I’m a 5:15pmer? Ha! I love being around other like minded individuals who want to be healthy and be better athletes. I love staying after the WOD to do the “extra work” and push just a little bit harder. It’s really been the best getting to know everyone here and having the support of others.
What are your major life goals? Wow, these questions really make you think. In the past year my life goals have changed a little. 1. I want to be a great mom, wife and daughter of God. 2. I want to be healthy, put good things in my body and create a good life for my family. 3. I want to encourage others and practice kindness and love all the days of my life.
What are your 3 major CrossFit goals? 1. To be consistent in my workouts. I truly believe what Craig says about doing the work. When I show up and try consistently, in my experience it leads to improvement. 2. Ring Muscle Up-2019 Goal. 3. Always keep improving, being positive, becoming a better athlete.
What has been your favorite CrossFit moment so far? Completing my first CrossFit Competition. I signed up for my first competition, called the Bacon Beatdown, not knowing it was a 2 day event. I was so grateful to have had teammates that traveled with me, that were also competing, yelling at me during the WODs telling me what to do next lol. I was so sore the second day I didn’t think I would make it through BUT I DID!
What has been your favorite CrossFit WOD and why? I don’t have a specific WOD to answer this question. I really like any WODs with handstand walks ;), handstand push ups, abmat sit ups, v-ups, and burpees. I love maxing deadlifts and back squats too. Yes I know, I just said burpees.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I have absolutely no idea and I love that. I am pretty type A and the military life has taught me to be flexible. Hopefully Daniel and I will have grown our family by a kid or 2 and are living in as cool of a city as Charleston has been. I hope I am still doing CrossFit or something that pushes me to be a better athlete on a daily basis.
Share a recipe for a favorite clean meal. Daniel makes this broccoli that is really good! I call it Vinegar Broccoli, which sounds terrible I know lol.
Head of Broccoli (Separated with stalks on) 1/2 cup Olive Oil, Lemon Pepper & Salt to taste, 3 Tbsp White Distilled Vinegar, 1-2 Tbsp Honey
Put all the ingredients in a big zip lock bag and shake it up. Spread out on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
What is your favorite cheat meal? Sweets, especially dark chocolate. Pizza. Chicken Wings and Beer. Yum!
What is the most challenging aspect of CrossFit? The constantly varied workouts. Just as soon as you think you have it figured out, a WOD comes at you that brings you to your knees. Keeps one humble and I LOVE IT!
What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit? Be as consistent as you can and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. The first 3 or 4 years I did CrossFit I tended to compare myself to others. Then I came to the realization this is my journey, no one else’s. I would say be proud of who you are and what your body can do, and try a little bit harder each day.
What is your personal “walkout song” or anthem? Jump Around by House of Pain
