Athlete of the MonthDecember

Alessandra Fassett

Years at Crossfit Purgatory: 3

From Sports Bike Rider to a SUPER awesome Crossfitter

Where are you from? What brought you to Tucson?
I grew up in Massachusetts, lived in New York almost 20 years and spent the last 3 years in Poland. I came to Tucson to be closer to my dad and my sister. My dad has lived here about 20 years and my sister just moved to Tucson about a year ago.
How long have you been a CrossFitter, and why did you start?
I have been doing CrossFit for about 3 years. I started when I moved to Poland. Someone simply told me to go to CrossFit because I would meet other people there. So I thought, what the heck, can’t hurt to try. I needed that since I moved on my own and knew no one outside of the workplace. And going into a high stress job, I knew I would need to find an outlet away from work. Thank goodness for that one simple sentence!!! I walked down a scary dirt road in an industrial area (think horror movie scene) one night and went to CrossFit PT6. I signed up for personal training to learn the moves (I had decided taking classes when I didn’t speak Polish was a bad idea – although I eventually joined the classes) and that was the beginning of it all! I made good friends there and we did things outside of the box together. To me, CrossFit PT6 and the owner, Kamil Siwicki are a lot like CrossFit Purgatory. They really welcomed me with open arms even though I had no clue how to do the moves. Kamil really challenged me and definitely had a lot of patience with me as I learned. It was hard at times but I loved it! Each time I improved, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. When I moved back to the USA, they gave me a necklace that says PT6 Team which I often wear to class. It reminds me to work hard and keep at it. I miss them so much! My dream would be for the two boxes to meet – you would all love them! Plus then I would have the best of both worlds! (P.S. if you look up CF PT6 in Facebook, I am still in their cover shot and they still have a video where I deadlifted 95kg or 209lb about 2 years ago – I hope I get back to that!)
Which movement is your favorite?
Split jerk! Something about the landing makes me feel like a badass! Although rope climbs are a close second since I could never do them as a kid but finally learned how to as an adult thanks to my coach in Poland! Never say never! :-)
How have you improved the most?
Mentally! I discovered I can always do more than I think. So I try to push harder now than I have in the past. And this is also my stress relief…I really have come to appreciate all the support the community gives plus I get lost in the WODs and forget everything else for a short time. And all the laughs we have….that part is the best!
If you were stuck on a desert island, and could only have one food forever, what would it be?
I have commitment issues lol….this is my worst nightmare to have to choose!!! I don’t have a favorite….but tacos, pizza and ice cream are always good. And coffee!!! Does that count as a food?
What do you love about being at CrossFit Purgatory?
Duh! The people! I have only been here 3 months and everyone is super friendly and nice. While folks may think that is no big deal, it matters a lot to the person who just moved to town. So a big THANK YOU!!!!
What keeps you motivated?
My mother and father did not live healthy lives. And as a result, they became sick when they were young(ish). Their later years were not happy or fulfilling. I flat out don’t want that and refuse to go there…knowing that what I do now to stay healthy will make a difference 20, 30, 40 years from now is what keeps me going. I am not going down without a fight!
If I’m not at the box, you can probably find me…
Hiking….until I get my motorcycle here (it’s in storage in New York)….then I would add motorcycle riding!
One interesting thing about yourself not related to CrossFit:
See above :-)…..I ride a sportsbike and have done so since 2007….back then I was the only female in my motorcycle class! I couldn’t find a 2007 stat, but in 2009 only 10% of motorcycle owners were women to give you an idea….it has thankfully doubled and risen to 19%. I am not scared to try new things if I think I can do it. And I want to set a good example for other women. It saddens me to see women back off from something they can and want to do. My motto is if I can do it, you can do it!

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