Athlete of the Month

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, my family moved to East Tennessee when I was 7 years old. I grew up in Sevier County and moved to Knoxville in 2005. Married to the love of my life, Katie Kelley for almost 10 years now. We have four amazing kiddos, all of which were adopted. Couldn’t love them anymore if they were my own flesh and blood.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CrossFit First Creek?

I started at CFFC in March of 2022.

WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT? WHAT HAS KEPT YOU DOING IT? HAS YOUR MOTIVATION CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?

I’ve always been interested in CrossFit but was scared to death of it. My good friend, Josh Morton, convinced me to come give it a try and I was immediately hooked! I love the community aspect of CrossFit. The people at the gym are what keep me coming back!

My original motivation was solely to get myself back in shape so that I could be the best version of me for my family. Although that is still there, the competitive side of my keeps me motivated as well. I see other guys around my skill level doing things and I tell myself, “If they can do that, so can I.” Healthy competition keeps me going!

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CFFC?

I’ve learned that the thing that limits me the most is my mind. I’ve overcome so many things physically since starting CrossFit.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?

Proudest moment has to be when I did my first strict pull-up. I was 38 when I started CFFC and had never been able to do a single pull up. That first one was a HUGE milestone for me!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD? LEAST FAVORITE?

Favorite lift – Deadlift

Favorite Movement – Surprisingly enough, wall walks 

Favorite WOD – The Alex Lawson Hero WOD 

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CFFC OR JUST CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?

The community.

WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?

I was starting to experience chronic pain in parts of my body that is now gone. My confidence levels are through the roof! I’m a better husband and father to my family because I am able to do things, physically, that I haven’t been able to do in a long time!

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

My top goal was to be in the best shape in my life by time I was 40. I’ll be 41 in July and can confidently say that I achieved that. My goal now is to just get a little better today than I was yesterday. 

WHEN YOU ARE NOT CROSSFITTING, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?

I’m a travel junkie! 

WHAT IS ONE FUN THING ABOUT YOU THAT WE MAY NOT KNOW YET?

One of my favorite hobbies is flying airplanes. Started my training in 2019. I only wish I could fly more!

WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR WHO IS NEW TO CROSSFIT?

Stay the course. You probably won’t see immediate changes, but you’ll wake up one day and feel like a completely different person. Stay disciplined to come through the door every day!

WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT FUEL?

My diet has changed tremendously since starting CFFC. Primarily meat proteins and good fats. I’ve almost completely cut out sugar and I feel incredible!