September Featured Athlete- Macarena Tejada López
Where are you from?
Huelva, Spain
Do you have any siblings? If so, how many?
3, 2 brothers and 1 sister, I am the youngest
Oldest is 15 years older and the sister that is just older than me is 8 years older
What brought you to Ithaca?
Cornell
How long have you been in Ithaca?
August 2021, 3 years
What is your education in?
BA English Philology
MA Gender Studies
MA Spanish Literature
PhD Roman Studies
My scholarly work addresses Facism connected to masculinity
Studied personal narratives from war journals from the point of view of the soldier
What do you currently do for a living?
Teach Spanish and Literature at Cornell
What brought you to Pallas?
CrossFit. I started CF in Eugene, Oregon. I looked for CF places in Ithaca and found Pallas and stayed. It offers a lot in the schedule and the coaches. My first class was with Zach on a Saturday. I loved the vibe, community and decided to stay.
How long have you been a member at Pallas?
January 2023
What keeps you motivated to keep coming to the gym?
Emotional stability, I like exercising and feeling stronger. I have goals and objectives that I want to pursue, see my friends, also work out with/ be coached by Tim S. and Lauree.
What’s your favorite and least favorite CrossFit movement(s)?
Favorite: Toes to bar are beautiful when done well, love watching people Snatch
Least Favorite: First least favorite is Burpees and second least favorite because I feel uncomfortable is anything upside down, anything handstand or wall walk related.
What would your ideal WOD consist of?
Running or Rowing
Devils Press
Muscle Cleans
Above WOD playlist/5 song max?
Kill or Be Killed by Muse
Stockholm Syndrome by Muse
We Run This by Missy Elliot
Four Seasons “ Winter” by Vivaldi
Atrévete-Te-Te by Calle 13
What’s your go to comfort food?
Pizza
A somewhat controversial opinion, but I like pineapple on pizza.
How did you come to teach English?
I spent a semester in Limerick, Ireland
I shared a house with 6 people who spoke English and Gaelic
My oldest brother exposed me to music and Disney movies in English
As a fellow Halloween adorer, what is a favorite costume that you have worn for any occasion?
The Grim Reaper for a Halloween party
What is your favorite dessert?
Arroz con leche
Where is the coolest place you’ve visited?
The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
What do you miss most back home?
Family and Friends and the prices
What book would you recommend to a stranger?
Besides the Lord of the Rings, Ordinary Man by Christopher Browning
If you could live anywhere and money wasn't an issue, where would you choose?
North of Spain, because it has a cooler climate
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I am really good at coloring and I have exceptional parking abilities
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start at Pallas?
I would recommend that they not listen to a word the CrossFit haters/skepticals who say CrossFit is dangerous and that it is only for skilled people. It is NOT, it is one of the most inclusive exercise experiences that I have ever participated in. Don't overthink it, just show up.
Favorite thing about Pallas?
Other than my favorite coaches, The COMMUNITY, definitely!!