September's Athlete of the Month

Time to highlight one of our spectacular athletes! What makes up an Athlete of the Month? Not RX’ing every workout or lifting the most weight. This athlete exhibits consistency and a hard work mentality. Every time they come to the gym they have a good attitude and give their all. This person is also welcoming of others, helping make CFHD the best community there is. Each month we choose a different athlete and post some fun facts about them to help y’all get to know them better.

This month we are so happy to highlight Miss Abby DeSpain. We aren't joking when we tell you she is one of the most disciplined person we have ever met. CrossFit H Dub just wrapped up a 6-week nutrition challenge and Abby did not cheat ONE TIME, not once. She killed it! She is dedicated and hard working inside and outside of the gym. Not only that, but if you haven't had the pleasure of taking a class with Abby, you need to get on that quick. When she finishes her workout (let's be real, during her workout too) she is right there to motivate you to the finish in her own Abby way. And let me tell you, it's amazing. We love having this girl at H Dub!

Name: Abby DeSpain

Hometown: Franklin, KY

Age: Freshly 28

Occupation: Ad agency Account Manager

What were your goals when you started CrossFit?

My initial goal was to survive because I wan't entirely sure what I was getting into. I remember I told Coach Trey during my first session "My arms are weak and I'm fully aware of that, but I'm here to get better!"

How long have you been doing CrossFit and how did you get into it?

I've been doing Crossfit about a year and a half now.

I got started by winning a raffle at the Nashville Fit Magazine launch party for free On-Ramp and thought "Oo yay! I've always wanted to try CrossFit and this makes me a little less scared to start as a true beginner." Before I started on-ramp, I honestly had no idea if this was a workout that would become part of my regular routine, but here I am now trying to expose as many as I can in Nashville to Crossfit H Dub! Coach Trey and Coach Lacee are truly THEE best and were the biggest factors that impacted my decision to stay with CrossFit. They are incredibly patient, knowledgeable, inviting, and sincerely care about the experience of every person that walks into the gym.

What is your favorite/least favorite thing we do in CrossFit?

Favorite: Back squat & Kipping Pull-Ups (even though I'm not good at them, I enjoy practicing to get better)

Least Favorite: Strict Press & Running

How has CrossFit H Dub positively affected you?

Two of my favorite things I've gained from The Dub:

-Greater mental grit

-New, supportive, quality friends

What advice do you have for newcomers?

Gotta let your pride go! Being stubborn is good when it equals being persistent to push through your workout, but being stubborn isn't great when it equals you not scaling appropriately just because you want to try and hang with the Rx crowd. There is literally no one judging you for being smart and scaling the workout to fit YOUR needs. Growth is still going to happen!

What is something no one at the gym knows about you?

I became a published poet in 1st grade

Who are 3 people you would have a meal or drink with dead or alive?

My Pa

Katie Rodgers

Tracee Ellis Ross

If you had an intro song when you walk into the gym what would it be?

Shake That Monkey by Too $hort

Favorite Sport?

Soccer

If you could have one super power what would it be?

Mind reading

What is your favorite cheat meal?

Biscuits and gravy made by my Gram followed by Coconut Bliss Vanilla Ice Cream topped with cookies right out of the oven orrr freshly fried plantains w/ cinnamon and salt