Athlete Spotlight: Mercedes Huarte-Brindle

Name: Mercedes Huarte-Brindle
Age: 31
Occupation: Corporate Finance @ Cisco Systems.
Which class time do you usually attend? 6 AM
Favorite WOD: anything that involves cardio
Favorite CF Movements: squat clean
1 RM Deadlift: 195
3 RM Back squat: 145
Favorite Food: Steak cooked the Argentine way (in my country, chicken is a vegetarian meal)
Favorite Movie:  Don’t really have a favorite one. But love watching sport championships.
Favorite Athlete: LeBron James, Tiger Woods, Jack Nickalus, Serena Williams. I admire not only their talent, but also their mental toughness and sport IQ.
Dream Job: successful professional athlete.
Dream Vacation Destination: I enjoy traveling to places that I have not previously been to, that is a dream on itself. Lately, I have been checking Singapore, Hong Kong, Normandy, and Islands on the Indian Ocean. But with a 10mo old, we may rather stay on similar time zone for the next 2 years, so we will most likely stick to North, Central and South America.
Favorite WOD song: Anything with a beat. Only way to make sure I am awake at 6am.
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Somehow we’ve come to believe that greatness is only for the chosen few, for the superstars. The truth is, greatness is for us all. This is not about lowering expectations; it’s about raising them for every last one of us. Greatness is not in one special place, and it’s not in one special person. GREATNESS IS WHEREVER SOMEBODY IS TRYING TO FIND IT.”
–Unknown.

How long have you been doing CrossFit?
“Since October, 2016.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start?
“My husband, Corey Brindle, had been doing CrossFit for a while, while I was doing other things like running ½ marathons, bootcamp, etc. So once we had our first baby, Jace, he relentlessly asked me to give it a try, that it is close to home and I would like it, and he was right (don’t tell him that though).”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“I have played field hockey, done ballet, and played golf starting at 6 yrs old. But by the time I was 12, I dedicated myself fully to golf. I competed in my first national championship at 13, became a scratch golfer at 14, and when I was 15 I started to receive offers to come to the US to compete in Div I. I have been extremely blessed to be able to compete in the most incredible tournaments and courses, with extremely talented and successful players. I somehow manage to still compete, even though I don’t have the time to practice as much as I did in the past. So, I guess it’s all about quality over quantity now.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses?
“I certainly became stronger, my fitness has become overall better, when it comes to golf, it has certainly helped me compress the ball better, which by default, adds distance.”

What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“The willingness to get fitter and face different challenges.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness?
“To keep up with my 10 mo old, and make it through the day of crossfit, work, golf practice, and playing with my son, and not completely collapse. And like I previously said, I play golf and still compete, and to be able to attempt to keep up with 18 yr old kids, or college golfers, I have to to be in the best shape possible.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
My husband, he’s the person with most grit, relentlessness, and with the most drive that I have ever known.

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment.
“Showing up 5 times a week at 6am feels like an accomplishment on its own. LOL!”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit. 
“Pull ups.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“Traveling with my family, playing golf, eating at new places, and somehow my husband has showed me that running ½ marathons can be fun (good way to go around a city).”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting?
“If you think you need a change, it is most likely because you do. So, don‘t question it, just try it, what’s the worse that can happen?”

What do you love most about No Excuses?
“My 6am classmates! ☺ Oh! and Corey and Min busting my chops that I need to do heavier weight, kidding kidding, no, not that one.”

Coach Brandon’s Take:
“Mercedes started with us not long after having her first child, so we had to modify and scale some things early on. But she was patient and never in a hurry to do more than her body could handle. That patience paid off because it allowed her to develop her core strength and properly learn some technical movements. Now she’s become arguably the best CrossFitter in her household.”