Athlete of the Month: Kira Strong-Gonzalez
Birthday: September 18, 1988
CrossFit Birthday: August 3, 2015
How did you hear about CrossFit? When I moved down from Ames I started running again by myself and quickly realized just how much I missed having a community of great people around me. So I did some research and CrossFit came up, I googled for gyms in Des Moines and discovered Crossfit 515 was across the street from my new job so I decided to give it a try. Haven’t looked back since
How has CrossFit changed your life? There is too much to write here really. I am stronger then ever, more confident, I believe more in what I can achieve, but my favorite is the people I have met. When someone asks me about CrossFit 515 I just can’t help but smile. I think what has been created here is something truly special and it’s something I cherish everyday. What an honor to be surrounded by so many amazing, kind, badass people. Everyone is so genuinely excited to see each other succeed at their goals in and out of the gym. From the many events I have got to participate in to, barbecues, girls nights, and just chatting with people before and after a work out I am so glad I get to be a part of it.
Favorite & least favorite movement: Favorite Atlas stone, bench press, snatch, Least favorite: Bike, Wall balls
Family info: My beautiful wife Ana and our two dogs Leo (almost 3) and Ole (11 months) They keep us laughing everyday.
Favorite saying: “And in the end, its not the years in your life that count. Its the life in your years” -Abraham Lincoln
Favorite songs to workout to: Bleed it out by Linkin Park is my favorite always pumps me up, also anything Pink, Eminem, or a great beat.
Favorite TV show or movie: Friends
What movement or skill were you most excited about when you were able to do it? Two come to mind. The ever illusive bar muscle up is fun when I can get one here and there. But I will never forget my first rope climbs. Heights terrify me and the thought of not being attached to anything and relying on myself to keep from falling was unnerving. By the time I finished my last one for the workout I was shaking so bad I couldn’t stand up anymore. I just remember staring at the rope and thinking if I can accomplish that what else can I do?
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