Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym. August’s Athlete of the Month is Annie Wasman. Annie is so fun to be around! She brings all the energy, jokes, happiness, hard work and dedication every day she walks through the doors! She has been putting in the work; she is currently working towards the goal of a pull up. She has also been upping the intensity with workouts and doing some of the RX track. She is also our official plant mom. All of our real plants in the gym are brought and taken care of by Annie! We are so happy to have Annie with us at OPCF, and could not be more proud than to recognize Annie for our August Athlete of the Month!
How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit?
I started the day lock down ended in May 2020!
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was?
I was terrified to walk through those doors! Covid lock down was not fun for me, so I was feeling extremely insecure.
I still remember at that Saturday morning I went to my first class; Amanda Hayes told me I was strong (we were doing air squats…) but damn I needed to hear those words! I don’t remember the rest of the workout, but those simple words of encouragement gave me the motivation to come back the next week!
What has been your favorite workout so far?
I love anything with thrusters! I was also excited to do Karen and see how much my wall balls have improved over the years.
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now?
I really wanted to be a professional tennis player; Serena Williams is still my favorite player. I’ve played tennis since I could hold a racket and learned mostly from my mom and grandpa. I played on scholarship in college as well!
I currently work for The University of Kansas Health System – Cancer Center as an admin for multiple physicians. I love being able to support these intelligent individuals and watch us make positive impacts on patients’ lives!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Travel! If you see me at a Saturday workout, it’s only because Spencer wouldn’t let me book a trip! We’re trying to go to all 50 states together, so you can find us road tripping across the US or visiting friends and family. I’m also an avid plant keeper and gardener, with some stunning 10ft tall sunflowers this year. Some would say I have too many house plants but I’m pretty good at ignoring the haters.
What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF?
Underachieving is still achieving – Ron Swanson. You do not have to be in shape to show up, even if you must scale a scaled workout! Everyone starts somewhere and everyday it’s going to get a little bit easier.
What is on your bucket list?
Going to all 50 states with Spencer, doing a road trip through New Zealand, sitting at center court at Wimbledon! Getting a pull up is on my gym bucket list next!
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Coffee. Just a nice cup of coffee in the AM keeps me from murdering feeling grumpy all day!
If your pet could talk, what do you think they might say about you?
Sadie, our 10.5-year-old boss dog, is a daddy’s girl and would probably talk about how annoying I am cause I always want to snuggle. I also don’t share human food with her so she would probably complain about how lame I am!
What is your favorite random fact?
I know waayyyyyy too many facts about credit card miles and points. Most of our traveling is done by racking up miles and points, and lots of research on how to hack the systems. I’ve travelled to Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malta, and all over the US by redeeming points and miles!
If you ever need to know something about Southwest Airlines or Chase points, come ask!
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Nelly – Hot in Herre. It’s a gift to humanity.