How old / young are you?
I am in my 40s (until early next year), but I am still trying not to grow up!
What is your occupation?
I am a civil engineer focused on large flood risk reduction infrastructure. I work in the world of risk and uncertainty to support making modification and design decisions. I have a PhD in Civil Engineering and spend a lot of my energy to better understand extreme floods as well as impacts and consequences from flooding.
When did you join Widespread Fitness?
I joined Widespread Fitness in the late fall of 2021 during the tail end of the COVID era.
Why did you decide to give Widespread Fitness a try? What was
your athletic background before starting?
I was excited to give Widespread Fitness a try primarily from getting so out-of-shape during COVID, with the idea that I could get stronger and fitter. I was also stoked about the name Widespread, as I am a big fan of Widespread Panic having gone to 50+ shows in the 1990s. I had done some sporadic CrossFit over the years (in Golden and Knoxville) primarily to supplement my outdoor sports activities. I have been a strong outdoor sports enthusiast focused on various disciplines over the years, most notably mountain and gravel biking, long-distance trail running,
whitewater kayaking and rafting, backpacking and mountaineering, and snowboarding. Growing up I played soccer and tennis (competitively) and at university played rugby then ultimate frisbee.
What changes in your health, physique, and overall performance
have you seen since starting?
I am stronger and more fit! But not lighter….
What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting?
I am so thankful for Widespread Fitness, the owners, the instructors, the fellow athletes. It is the best thing I have done for myself in the last few years. I fully advise sticking with it, putting in the time to workout even when you “don’t have time”. Widespread Fitness makes life much better! I also recommend focusing on form and consistency, not getting too crazy with weight to end up getting hurt. It’s hard not to be too competitive, but just do you.
What is your favorite and least favorite exercises / movement?
My least favorite exercise by far is the overhead squat. I like most everything else, except I am not good at kipping. I am a fan of cleans and thrusters. Burpees have been known to kick my ass.
What is your most memorable moment so far?
I have had several memorable moments at Widespread Fitness. The CrossFit Games have been very memorable. Also, memorable were the couple of times I have done solo workouts – CrossFit is better with friends. I remember being super sore after workouts the first couple of months. With all these memories, my most memorable moment is when I got an abdominal cramp from some crazy core exercise Matt had programmed and I thought I was going to die right on the spot. Thankfully, Matt had me get on the floor to stretch it out.
What do you like to do outside of the gym?
I love to do things with my incredible blended family of 6! We never have a dull moment with the 4 kiddos (aged 7 to 17). We also like to go to Italy where my wife is from, and travel in general. Finally, I really like outdoor sports (see above) and my job (also see above).
What is your favorite “cheat” food or meal?
I consume a lot of calories everyday in the form of food and beverage. So, I don’t cheat at all because I eat and drink without any restraint. But I really like beer and gelato and bacon and bourbon and cheese.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I double-majored in Anthropology and participated in shamanic practices during those formative years. I am also really good with a shovel.
Who or what inspires you the most?
I am most inspired by passionate people. Matt and Kari are passionate people and they inspire me to be my best.
What is one goal you would like to accomplish?
I want to lose 20 pounds before I am 50 years old while “training” for the 2025 Salida Pole Pedal Paddle
(https://youtu.be/NULfq0y4LiA).
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