Athlete of the MonthJuly
How old / young are you? I am 34 years old but turn 35 in November…. What is your occupation? I am a Senior Project Manager at Veolia Nuclear Solutions When did you join Widespread CrossFit? I believe it was August 2016. Why did you decide to give CrossFit a try? I have done CrossFit on and off since 2014. I originally joined CrossFit because it was very similar type of works out I did in the military. I was also getting bored and having stagnant progress in a normal gym setting. The atmosphere of a CrossFit gym is very appealing. Being able to meet new people and being apart of a mini community that promotes a healthy lifestyle is big part of why I like CrossFit. I think it also important to find a Box that a person can feel comfortable in the environment it offers. Widespread CrossFit offers this great environment that helps you feel comfortable and has a “family” feel to it. Widespread has great coaches that help you make all around progress and make sure your form is correct so we do not get injured. Kari and Matt run a great and wonderful gym, I am glad I found Widespread CrossFit to be apart of. What was your athletic background before starting CrossFit? I played sports growing up, but mainly I played football from elementary school through high school. My wife and I joined a masters swim team in Pacifica, California before moving to Colorado which we both enjoyed. Luckily, we also lived close to the ocean and I was able to start surfing again. Other than that, I try to stay active as much as possible. What changes in your health, physique, and overall performance have you seen since starting CrossFit? My strength is overall more balanced. In a normal gym setting it is common to focus on “Bro” lifts and trying to look like the dudes off Jersey Shore, ha! CrossFit also forced me to focus more on my endurance again, that was one of my weaknesses walking back into CrossFit. Due to trying to be consistently going to the gym 4-5 days a week, it forces me to watch the type of foods I eat each day and what I drink so I do not come into the gym in a poor state of health and mind. What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit? Do not be intimidated, trust the coaches, and program. When you first start it is going to be tough, but it is tough for everyone. Do no put too much pressure on your self to compete with others because each person has their weakness and was at one point new. Try to enjoy the WODs and do not give up, finishing a tough WOD brings a sense of accomplishment when you leave the gym. Try to be consistent so you see the benefits. What is your favorite and least favorite CrossFit exercises / movement? This is a good question, I seem to “miss” the days when sled pushes are in the WOD : ). That is my least favorite movement. My 2nd least favorite movement is running with a wall ball, it’s so awkward. There are also the gymnastic movements that I find tough and I need to work on more, specifically muscle ups, hand stand walks, and pistols. What is your most memorable CrossFit moment so far? It is hard to pick just one. I enjoy the Opens because everyone is so supportive, and it pushes all our limits. All the great party’s/bbq that Kari and Matt hold are always a good time. My first WOD in Widespread was also very memorable, everyone was very welcoming and nice. What do you like to do outside of CrossFit? I like to spend time with my wife, Brynn and our 3 dogs. I am overall simple person. A good home cooked meal and enjoying a summer evening with family and friends is always fun. I have finally been able to find time to go on more hikes and take advantage of the great outdoor activities that you can do here in Colorado. What is your favorite “cheat” food or meal? Hmmm, if there are French fries anywhere near me, I am going to eat them! My favorite is to get the super-size McDonald fries and I tend to eat them like I have not ate in weeks. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I was once on ESPN for Rock, Papers, Scissors. One evening I was in a local bar in Kansas when I was back home in my mid-twenties and Bud Light was holding a competition I ended somehow winning. Due to me “winning”, I was invited to the regional championship tournament in Kansas City. I again somehow won that as well, there were probably 50 people in that tournament. I was named the regional champ and won a trip to Vegas with all expenses paid for the national championship which was shown on ESPN. I did not win the national championship, but I gained a great story! Who or what inspires you the most? My wife and family, they are all very supportive and have helped me to be a better person while supporting all my goals in life. What is one goal you would like to accomplish through CrossFit? To do a Muscle -Up! I also want to continue the healthy lifestyle that CrossFit promotes and offers.
