🏅 April Athlete of the Month: Alban

Alban’s Story

I arrived in Houston in November 2022 as an expat. The first few months were a blur. I quickly realized that building a social circle here wasn't going to happen overnight. I knew sports could be my "way in," but unlike back home in France, there wasn't that automatic "club" feel. Then I found CrossFit, and I knew right away it was the mix of fitness, community, and family I was looking for. On February 22nd, 2023, I walked into CCCF—just a two-minute walk from my front door—for my first class. To be honest? It was a disaster. I had zero CrossFit experience. My athletic past was a distant memory. I was so out of shape that I had to stop the WOD halfway through. It was too hard. Too intense. But despite the struggle, something clicked. I loved the atmosphere. I loved the mutual support. I saw people at every level pushing their limits, and watching the advanced athletes hit their heavy lifts and technical skills gave me a target. So, I stayed. I even stayed after class just to watch the next heat, trying to analyze and understand. Before I knew it, I was hooked. The scale started moving, my body changed, and I found a family at CCCF.

The Setback

Then came the injuries—the ones you try to ignore for too long. Plateaus turned into frustration. Combined with the stress of expat life far from family, I started to drift away. What followed was a downward spiral: no training, poor nutrition, and mounting stress. By Summer 2025, I hit 210 lbs. Looking in the mirror, there were no more excuses. I knew exactly where that path was leading if I didn't change course.

The Reconstruction

I came back to the gym where it all started, but with a brand-new mindset. This time, I wasn't there to "perform" against others; I was there to move. The goal was simple: burn calories, stay consistent, and stay healthy. I built a non-negotiable routine:

Daily: 1 hour on the BikeErg
5:30 AM: Accessory and strength work
Daily: CrossFit classes
Nutrition: Clean, intentional fueling

No magic. Just discipline. It was frustrating to feel like I was starting from scratch, but I kept my "Why" in front of me. The results followed:

Sept: 203 lbs
Oct: 197.5 lbs
Nov: 186.6 lbs
Dec: 175 lbs
Jan: 165 lbs
Feb: 160 lbs

In about six months, I lost nearly 50 lbs.

The Next Chapter: HYROX & Beyond

Weight loss was the foundation, but I needed a mission. That’s when I signed up for HYROX Houston. When I registered, I knew I wasn't physically ready—but that was exactly the point. The training brought my fire back. I set a goal of 1:15, then whispered “sub 1:10” to myself. For me, just finishing isn't enough anymore. I need to see what I'm truly capable of. This HYROX isn't just a race; it’s a milestone. It’s proof that no matter where you start, with discipline, consistency, and the right environment, you can completely rebuild yourself. CCCF played a massive role in that. Qualifying for the CrossFit Open Quarterfinals this year was just another confirmation that I’m on the right track. I still have big goals, both short and long term. That’s what drives me to show up every day. The road is long, but it’s definitely worth the ride. See you at the box!

💛 Why We Chose Alban as April Athlete of the Month

From the very beginning, we saw Alban’s potential — not just in his athletic ability, but in his mindset, his hunger to learn, and his willingness to show up even when things were hard. He has grown tremendously since the day he first walked into CCCF, and every step of that growth has been earned through discipline, humility, and consistency.

Alban gives 100% in everything he does. Whether it’s a WOD, accessory work, HYROX prep, or simply supporting the people around him, he shows up with intention and heart. Watching him transform — physically, mentally, and emotionally — has been one of the most inspiring journeys in our community.

We’re proud of the changes he’s made, proud of the man he is today, and proud to honor him as our April Athlete of the Month.