What do you do when you're not at CFA? I work across the parking lot at BizStream and love to spend time with my family. I like to go backpacking / hiking when I can, and seeing lots and lots of movies.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
My co-workers. I was always pretty active as a kid but wasn’t doing as much as I got older and was looking for something new. I tried pickup basketball games for awhile, but changed jobs and couldn’t keep the schedule. I was always curious what it would take to get in really good shape and hearing about CrossFit pretty much every day I was at BizStream, I figured I should at least give it a shot.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you? It was something I wanted to do again after the first class. For a long time it was just trying to learn how to do things the right way but once I started seeing physical improvement and noticed how much more energy I had I knew I wanted to stick with it.
Do you remember your first WOD? I do. My first day happened to be the day that the workout was “Ken” and I was told in advance that it was a special workout and I should really give it my all. I didn’t know what that meant, and what I did was heavily scaled. I had to look up the specifics because the workout has changed over the years, but it stuck with me.
3 rounds:
12 Handstand Push-Ups
30 Wallballs (20/14)
64 Double-Unders
6 Power Cleans (185/125)
5 Shoulder 2 OH (185/125)
13 BF Burpees
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
Rope climbs are the worst. I don’t love heights, and rope burns suck.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
It’s hard to pick one. The hot sauce challenge was a lot of fun but I think it’s the little things that make it awesome. The feeling of hitting any new PR or the first Rx workout, or finally getting a movement down that I struggled with forever (like double unders) and then doing it as part of a workout.
What motivates you during a tough workout? A few things. The music helps a lot. Seeing the rest of the 7am class and some of our healthy competition makes me not want to give up. And if I’m running a lot I think about my oldest daughter back when she ran cross country in school. She was consistently doing an awesome job and probably could still outrun me, and if she could run a 5k over and over and give it her all, I can push myself a little further.
If you could write your own workout for a day, what would it be?
I would do a partner chipper wod with lots of movements. I’m not sure exactly what, but it would include some cleans, handstand pushups, running and doubleunders.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
I still want to improve my cardio. We’ve run a 5k each of the last few years and my time hasn’t changed much at all. I’m looking to bring that down a lot more. There are still a few moves I haven’t gotten down that I would like to pull off like muscle ups and handstand walks.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
I’ve lost weight and added muscle. I have way more energy now and recognize that I need to move around if I can’t get a workout in after a couple of days. CrossFit consistently gets me out of my comfort zone. A couple years ago a bunch of us did a Tough Mudder event that I never would have done before and it was so much fun I can’t wait to do another one. Working out helps my mental state too. Less stress and anxiety is not at all something I expected out of starting CrossFit.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit?
Just keep going. Scale accordingly to where you are at and then push yourself to where you want to be. You seriously won’t regret it.
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
If you’ve been in the 7am class at any time over the last few years, you’ve probably motivated me one way or another. I’d take Ruby’s cardio and some of his cheerleading and Dave’s discipline. That dude is all in on whatever he does. Brian McKeiver and I are usually going head to head at least once a week, so he motivates me a lot to try to beat him (it doesn’t happen that often).
Quick Questions Favorite Cheat Meal: Taco Bell
Favorite workout song: I guess just keep MGK on repeat and I’m good
Favorite place you have traveled: All over Colorado
Favorite TV Show: Breaking Bad / Better Call Saul
Favorite CrossFit Athlete (if any): I’ll watch the games, but don’t really have a favorite
Coach's comment: We are pretty proud that June will mark 6 years of CrossFit for Mike. He is kind of a guy that flies under the radar but has been ultra consistent with his workouts at 7am ever since he started. Since starting CrossFit not only has his strength and cardio improved but he also developed better endurance and skills. Even though Mike lives in Cedar Springs he gets up early four times a week to get his workout in before work. We are thankful that Mike trusts us with his fitness and glad to have him be such a good part of CFA. Keep up the hard work Mike!