Tell us a little about yourself and what got you on the path to CrossFit…
I was working out at the company gym that I used to work for many years ago. I was making my own workouts from things I found online. Certain days were lifting, certain days were cardio. One day I got a chance to talk with the personal trainer that was employed by the company. I wanted to get in better shape and he looked at my workouts and asked if I ever heard of Crossfit. I said no. That guy changed my life forever for the better. It’s funny how some people are in your life for a very short period of time but have a huge impact on the outcome.
I found a new box right down the street from me at the time and signed up for my first class not knowing what to expect. I did my first beginner workout and was floored by how much more fit the other members were. I thought I was in decent shape. I was very wrong. The rest is history. That was over 9 years ago.
As a kid I played lots of soccer, baseball and basketball up to highschool. Once in highschool I started lifting more and got into track and field for 2 years.
What keeps you coming back each day?
It has to be the people. Working out by yourself isn’t nearly as fun. Having that little bit of friendly competition to push yourself or motivate others to push themselves is the best part for me. I have met many great people and made many friends through Crossfit. It isn’t just a workout, there really is a big community aspect to Crossfit that is priceless. The mental health aspect to keep pushing and growing is not talked about much but is a tremendous benefit. Seeing what you did maybe two years ago and what you can do now is a fantastic feeling.
What is your favorite at-home exercise to do?
Air squats and pushups.
If you had to do 100 reps of one movement (not running), what would it be?
100 bodyweight back squats. When you break it’s a 10burpee penalty.
What are 1-2 of your goals for 2021? Have you accomplished any of these?
1: Endurance building. Workouts like FOTC qualifier 1 beat me up. I need to get better at those style workouts. That is my goal for this year. I have a plan to work on it. Just need to put in the work.
2: Not getting injured and paying attention to what my body is telling me. When it’s time to rest, rest. Rest and recovery are just as important as working out if not more so.
Favorite Lift?
Snatch
Least favorite Crossfit movement?
Running hands down. Running is scientifically proven to cause cancer and hair loss in men. It’s proven science. I can link the research papers if you want to see the data.
Hometown?
I don’t really have a hometown. I moved around alot as a kid. The last placed I lived for a decent amount of time was Central PA
Favorite Charleston Restaurant?
Lewis BBq. Sweet Jesus that brisket is delicious! Seriously, when we came down here to visit and investigate the area we had the BBq and I was sold. Sell the house, we are moving to Charleston, we can buy another one down there. The food in Charleston is light years ahead of Central PA.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
Pro soccer player scoring a goal at the world cup. That has to feel AMAZING!
What would you most like to tell yourself at age 13?
Take your lawn mowing money and paper route money and invest in Google, Apple and Bitcoin when it becomes a thing. Basically the theme from Back to the future 2 but without the almanac but I am not biff in this scenario. I am Marty and I have not met doc yet and there is no time machine. Then, sell your shares and move to Hawaii and open a gym, get swole and surf. Also, don’t follow others, make your own way and do what you want to do not what others want you to do. Do what you feel is right. But most importantly invest in Google early on. Then it won’t matter because you will be filthy rich living in Hawaii surfing everyday.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
Nickola Tesla. The man invented modern electricity and many things we take for granted today. He was seriously in tune with the world around him. As an electrical engineer he is the man to aspire to be like. I would love to go back in time to meet this man and just be around him as his assistant.
One thing about me people would be surprised to know?
I once had dreadlocks past my shoulders. This was a few lifetimes ago but it happened. Such fun times.
If the CFJI coaches came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare?
Slow cooked BBq brisket and ribs with pulled pork and smoked sausage with sweet potato souffle, baked beans, honey buns and cornbread with cinnamon butter. I would cook this on an offset smoker. There is something very satisfying spending all day drinking a few beers slow cooking some meat and then finally getting to eat it. It just tastes better.
Give us a “Question of the Day” to use in class.
Are you happy? If not, why are you not happy and what are you doing about it and if you are, why are you happy, what makes you happy?
Is there anything else we need to know about you?
I really enjoy building things and solving puzzles. I enjoy making and building things more than owning the item itself. For instance, in PA I spent 2 years building my “dream garage” countless hours working on this thing, the design and constructing it. Then, when it was all done, I barely used it and we sold our house. Didn’t miss it at all really when we moved. I look at it like the buddist practice of letting go. It felt really good to let it go. Like the sand mandalas they make and then destroy. I have done this many times. I have restored some vintage electric pianos that took months to restore then used it a few times and sold them. I will spend lots of time on something, get seriously into it, build something, then just sell it. It’s the journey of making something that is more
pleasurable than the thing itself.
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