Athlete of the Month

“I’ve learned how important community is…….it can make a world of difference in your success.”

1.TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF?

I was born and raised in Florida. I’m a United States Coast Guard Veteran. I’ve lived in East Tn now for about 17 years. I’m a professional dog and cat groomer, outdoor enthusiast and a World Champion Kettlebell Juggler.

2.HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CrossFit First Creek?

For as long as I can remember. It’s been many, many years!

3. WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT? WHAT HAS KEPT YOU

DOING IT? HAS YOUR MOTIVATION CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST

STARTED?

I started CrossFit when a friend asked me if I wanted to try a class with her. This was well over a decade ago, back in the HTK days. I was instantly hooked. I loved the challenge, the variety and the camaraderie of the community. I’ve continued to do CrossFit all these years because it’s never boring. There’s always something new to work on. There’s always a new goal to set. Having the support of the community to help you stay accountable towards those goals is something I haven’t experienced anywhere else. My motivations have varied throughout the years. I started with just wanting to become a healthier version of myself. I then became focused on being more of a competitive athlete. But overall it boils down to being a healthy active human being. Whether I’m competing or not, CrossFit keeps me moving and movement makes me happy.

4. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CFFC?

I’ve learned how important community is. I’ve learned that our fitness journeys are not linear. There’s ups and downs. Life happens and can detour our plans but having a community there through it all can make a world of difference in our success.

5. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?

When I completed the Appalachian Trail. While that might not technically be a CrossFit moment, the knowledge and fitness I gained through CrossFit is a direct contributor to my success on the trail. CrossFit teaches you how to listen to your body, how to perform well and rest well. It also teaches you how important nutrition and fueling your body appropriately really is. All of those factors are key to staying healthy while trekking 2,200 miles on foot across the country.

6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD?

LEAST FAVORITE?

They have typically been any of the Olympic lifts. I love a barbell workout. But as of the last few years, kettlebells have taken over my life so give me all the kettlebell movements!  

My least favorite movement……100% Burpees.

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

I love the community at First Creek. I love how everyone is supportive of each other and nobody is taking themselves so seriously that they can’t also have a good laugh while suffering through a grueling WOD. I love the guidance from the coaches. I’ve been doing this a long time but can still learn from and count on the coaches to steer me in the right direction when I have questions or simply need a word of encouragement on a tough day.

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

It has taught me that I can do hard things. The mental fortitude it takes to complete a long seemingly never ending WOD (here’s to you “Chad”) translates directly into the real world.

9. WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS?

HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

I don’t have specific goals at the moment outside of just remaining healthy. My focus has been more on good sound movements, improving mobility, and keeping a general baseline of strength and conditioning.

10. WHEN YOU ARE NOT CROSSFITTING, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE

THING TO DO?

I love being in the woods. Hiking and backpacking are my favorite activities. And of course throwing kettlebells around in the air.  

11. WHAT IS ONE FUN THING ABOUT YOU THAT WE MAY NOT

KNOW YET?

I have hiked the Grand Canyon three times.

12. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING

CROSSFIT OR WHO IS NEW TO CROSSFIT?

My biggest tip is don’t skip out on mobility training. Take the few minutes after class to stretch out properly. It will help with recovery and keep your body happy in the long run. Everyone knows how important it is to warm up. It is just as important to cool down.  

13. WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING

CROSSFIT? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT FUEL?

My diet has been all over the place over the years. Where I’m at now generally is eating clean healthy whole foods most of the time. Lots of protein, veggies, and healthy carbs. I’m not perfect, I still eat like a trash panda from time to time but overall I try to eat what makes me feel good and avoid what makes me feel yucky.