Athlete of the MonthSeptember
How old / young are you? 41 years old What is your occupation? Nuclear Medicine at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette. When did you join Widespread CrossFit? October 2015 Why did you decide to give CrossFit a try? I learned about it from a friend I worked with. He was a tri-athlete and started doing CrossFit to change up his routine. He talked me into giving it a try and I loved it. What was your athletic background before starting CrossFit? I grew up doing just about every sport, (football and basketball became my primary sports in high school). I did a lot of mountain biking and intramural sports in college. When I was in my mid-30s, I decided it was time to get back into shape and started doing P90x. Shortly thereafter, I learned about CrossFit and gave it a try. I’ve been addicted ever since. What changes in your health, physique, and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit? I truly believe I am fitter in my 40s than I was in my 20s. I’m definitely stronger, and due to the consistency of CrossFit, along with good sleep and a healthy diet, I’m healthier than I’ve ever been. What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit? Just to jump right in and give it a try. I know a lot of people are intimidated by CrossFit, but if you are willing to set aside your ego, listen to the coaching and work hard, you will be grateful you gave it a try. What is your favorite and least favorite CrossFit exercises / movement? My favorite movements are deadlift, wallballs, and oly-lifting (even though I suck at it). One of my favorite WODs was the 17.3 open WOD with chest-to- bar pull-ups and snatches. My least favorites are overhead squats, handstand push-ups, and thrusters. I really hate thrusters… My least favorite WOD was when we rowed 2000K for time. That was terrible! What is your most memorable CrossFit moment so far? I did the Turkey Challenge a couple of years ago. There were some unbelievable athletes there. It was very humbling as well as exhilarating all at the same time. I also did the Wyoming Open last year. There is something about doing a competition that really pushes you beyond what you think you can do. I would encourage everyone to sign up for a competition at some point. What do you like to do outside of CrossFit? I enjoy mountain biking, playing in the “old-man” basketball league, and spending time with my family. What is your favorite “cheat” food or meal? This might take a while…Blueberry pie, apple pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, banana cream pie (Really any type of pie). Life Cereal (it’s glorious), Five Guys burgers and fries, all types of potato chips, my wife’s homemade chocolate chip cookies, cake, and French toast with peanut butter and real maple syrup, just to name a few. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? When I first started my career in Nuclear Medicine, I worked for a mobile unit that serviced rural hospitals in western Nebraska, Eastern Colorado, and Wyoming. They told me they would increase my pay if I got my CDL and drove the semi-trucks (along with doing the patient studies). So, I got my CDL, drove the big mobile unit to all of these hospitals, set it up, did patients all day, and then drove it home. I look back at that and laugh. We were required to wear a tie at that job, and I always got some funny looks when I stopped a truck stop to fuel my semi wearing dress clothes. Who or what inspires you the most? My wife… She gets more done in a day than I do in a week and keeps a positive attitude while doing it. God bless her. What is one goal you would like to accomplish through CrossFit? I would like to be in the top 100 in Colorado in my age category during the CrossFit Open next year.
