How did you discover CrossFit?
I could see my fitness declining and didn’t want that to continue. Past attempts at joining traditional gyms always failed. I was seeing crazy crossfit workouts on social media like tire flipping and thought that looks like fun. I was drawn to the group class and the competitive atmosphere. Oh and I have never flipped a tire, maybe someday.
What draws you to DeNovo CrossFit?
I was drawn to DeNovo because of the coaching, I knew Coach Paige from another gym and enjoyed her classes. What I found was an amazing group of coaches that I know I can trust. I have had coaches before that I didn’t trust. But with the DeNovo coaches, if one of them suggests something or recommends scaling or encourages me to go Rx I know that they have my best interest and it comes from a knowledge and purposeful thought. They are always right and those workouts are always the best..
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in CrossFit and in life?
My biggest life accomplishments have been raising my two sons. They are amazing people and however much I had a hand in that I rank among my greatest accomplishments. In CrossFit I would say the Murph workout, not any one workout but doing that grueling workout every year (except last year). Just grinding and not giving up for nearly an hour is always humbling. I am also excited to have made the quarterfinals this year. It was one of my worst open performances yet but getting old does have its perks.
What athlete/s at DeNovo inspire you to be the best version of yourself each and every day?
The athletes who inspire me the most are the people who walk into CrossFit gyms for the first time, not former athletes or those who have done different workout programs but those that walk in looking to make a change in their health and fitness. I know it's hard to take that first step and that always inspires me. It is what I like best about CrossFit, someone who has never worked out doing the WOD next to an elite Crossfitter and getting the same encouragement, cheers, etc..
What is your pet peeve?
Running with Andy, .
When Jorine beats me for First Round Champ!
Jenny’s Slacker Radar. When I am trying to take a longer break or slow my pace because I am dying she comes out of nowhere to tell me to knock it off and get back to the bar. She could be across the room looking at someone else and just know I am slacking off. Uggg.
What/who inspires you?
I’d say my family
Favorite workout song?
The Immigrant Song or anything by Led Zeppelin (except Stairway to Heaven too slow of a build up) Or anything Bollywood.
What advice would you have for anyone who is nervous to join DeNovo?
Don’t be intimidated by what you see, everyone here had to walk through those doors for the first time and felt nervous. This is a very welcoming community for all abilities.
What do you enjoy doing outside of CrossFit, both for fun and professionally?
Riding Horses, cooking, hanging out with my wife and sons. Andy Shellenbarger and I own Washburn Land Surveying together.
If we were sitting here one year from now, what would we be celebrating together?
My goal is be in the commitmed club 10 out of the 12 months this year. I have 2 out of 3 so far. I need to get back to the consistency I have had in years past.
Favorite CrossFit movement?
Ring Muscle Ups!!!!! It feels like you are flying.
What are you currently reading?
Madhouse at the End of the Earth about a Belgian expedition to Antarctica.
What are you thankful for?
Well since we are talking about CrossFit, I am thankful that I found it. How it has improved my health and fitness immensely, I was not on a good health trajectory before I started.
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