A couple of beasts for Halloween!!
Darias & Anika Rodriguez
Our October Athletes of the Month are a couple of beasts that have embraced the CrossFit life and are killing WoDs like zombies in a George A. Romero movie! Darias has been helping out with our events, while shooting awesome photos of our purgees in action and Anika has stepped into strongman shoes with aspirations of competing in the future! Some very awesome people we love having as members of our gym.
Where are you from? What brought you to Tucson?
D: I’m from Los Angeles but moved here when I was 2
A: I’m from Youngstown Ohio. Chance and opportunity landed me in Tucson.
How long have you been a CrossFitter, and why did you start?
D: I’ve been doing crossfit since March/ April of this year. I started because my wife (Anika) was being all functionally fit in Florida for a few years and I had been talking crap the whole time while sitting on my butt and playing video games. So I decided when we moved back I’d give it a shot since I have an athletic background and though “it couldn’t be that bad”. Then blam! Got my ass kicked the first intro session.. and loved it lol.
A: I’ve been Crossfitting for 3 years now. I started because my work provided a personal trainer for 30 minuets out of the work day.
Which movement is your favorite?
D: Currently the oly lifts, the cleans and snatches. There’s something about the feeling you get with a heavy bar over head that makes the day so much better.
A: Power cleans and deadlifts!!
How have you improved the most?
D: In the gym, my cardio has gotten crazy better since the beginning, but all around everything, strength, stamina etc. Outside the gym, my energy levels, focus and motivation all have gotten better.
A: I’ve gotten stronger.
If you were stuck on a desert island, and could only have one food forever, what would it be?
D: I love food. This is hard. TACOS.
A: Fried pirogies with cheese and onion
What do you love about being at CrossFit Purgatory?
D: Everything! The first crossfit gym I’ve ever been to, but the coolest people too! Such a supportive community that pushes me to drive past my comfort zone and grow into the next level of performance.
A: I love the atmosphere and the community at CrossFit Purgatory
What keeps you motivated?
D: My wife always! Shes constantly cheering me on and pushing me to do my best! As well as my fellow purgees, no matter what time I finish in a WOD, or what weight I’m throwing around, knowing that everyone there just wants you to succeed and finish is a cool feeling of camaraderie.
A: Getting stronger and lifting all the weights!!
If I’m not at the box, you can probably find me…
D: Wherever the wind blows? Yea that sounds good
A: In my living room arting so hard.
One interesting thing about yourself not related to CrossFit:
D: I’ve painted some award winning paint jobs here in Tucson and Florida. (Automotive)
A: I love to do all things creative.