April Athlete of the Month – Lisa Gard
April’s Athlete of the Month is WELL overdue and is the one and only Lisa Gard! Lisa is a mother, wife, and #lifechanger at Dell who is currently working with so many causes to help bring awareness to health and wellness on a corporate level.
Lisa brings an energy to each and every class that is contagious. So much laughter and fun, all the while, being a positive mentor to so many. She appreciates and values progression and has the patience to let it take its course. It wasn’t always this easy for her but over the past few years she has truly embraced what it means to have true strengths and to embrace her weaknesses.
If she isn’t dancing between sets you can bet you will see her cheering on someone or just taking the time to catch up and listen to them. Her desire to love people and be there for others beams and it is truly what makes her so special.
Lisa thank you for being an example of what we the Coaches and Team at CrossFit Round Rock truly believe embodies what it means to be REBORN. Thank you for inspiring and leading so many. Here’s to you ♥️ Get to know Lisa a little bit more…
1) What is your biggest motivation?
The biggest motivation for me is ME, it sounds a bit awkward to type this…but it’s true. When I show up for myself, I’m better equip to handle anything that life throws my way and that’s a great feeling.
2) Your favorite quote or words to live by?
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” -Maya Angelou
3) What is your current training goals/PRs?
My current training goal has been to find balance in all aspects of my life. I’m a remote employee, so while I’m at home I take several ‘mini’ breaks to go outside between calls, hang out on balance board while on conference calls. In addition, my PT sessions have focused on strengthening my core and Adrien has done a fantastic job at weaving in the advice given to me from my chiropractor, PT and acupuncturist. All my healthcare is finally connected and it’s a powerful feeling.
4) Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?
I remember walking in to the box and immediately welcomed by a member of the CF community. I finished the warmup and thought to myself that the warmup alone was probably harder than the workouts I would do by myself at Golds Gym the last several years. HAH! I was excited to get to the next part and before I knew it, my adrenaline was pumping and I was sweating, the WOD (Workout of the Day) underway and music blasting through the gym! I loved the structure of programming, which allowed me to get both strength, conditioning and mobility in one session. Eight years later, the programming is still as challenging as I make it and the community is as strong as ever.
5) What advice do you have for new athletes just starting out in CrossFit?
Show up and have a little fun! If you’re ever unsure about movements programmed in a WOD, ask your coach and trust that they can make it approachable for your own personal goals.
6) Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout?
I underwent surgery back in 2019 and while minor (laceration on my left pinky), I was catapulted back to the basics on all my movements. After weeks of physical therapy, I was cleared to return to CrossFit but I was about to discover that it was going to look very different for me from now on. I had lost all strength that required a pulling movement. After a few frustrating weeks and looking through my performance history, I came to the conclusion that I was comparing at an older version of ‘me’ and that the PRs no longer reflected where I was in my journey. The moment I was most proud of was letting go of my ego, my Wodify history and starting over from scratch.
The road to recovery is never easy, but it’s possible, even if it means taking tiny steps and it’s totally worth it!
7) What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?
I love going off the grid, taking my family and camping under a cool starry night. I’ve also added bird watching to my list of interests and take joy in observing them with my binoculars early in the morning. Who knew little things like that would bring me such joy!?
8) What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Round Rock?
For me, it’s the combined effort that goes in to our CFRR programming and care that goes in to taking care of our community.
*I also love that Adrien has an amazing ability to select music tracks she knows will get me going during a PT session. She gets me and knows that I love a good bass drop!
9) If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?
HSPU, Power Cleans and Burpees or 800M run
10) How has your diet changed since starting CrossFit (if it has), and what foods do you rely on most?
Super simple: Food is fuel. I no longer believe in a quick fix. The food I eat is going to result in the level of focus I have, my productivity at work and working out and my mood!
Foods I rely on the most? I’m an eggaholic, love avocados and white rice. They’re staples in my home.