Occupation?
Shipping Supervisor for a corrugated box manufacturer / 5:30 class Loudmouth / Grandmaster Bastard of Rowmania.
When did you join DCCF?
I joined DCCF in March or April of 2015. At the time, I was pretty depressed, smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, drinking more booze than should be allowed by law, and the only shape I was getting in was “round.” My buddy Ryan Benningfield suggested that I try out the Elements class just to see what I thought of it. After that first class I never smoked again and although I will still crush some bourbon if called upon, imbibing is no longer my primary hobby. (My apologies to every bar in The Highlands!) As soon as I could, I moved into the 5:30 class and I’ve been going Monday-Friday ever since.
Give us some background on your history with sports?
When I was younger I was WAY into skateboarding. I spent 8-10 hours every day out on the streets causing a ruckus from the age of 13 to 18. But once the medical bills started coming in as payment for all that fun I was having, I had to hang it up.
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health and fitness since starting?
The most amazing part of starting CrossFit and joining Derby City was how quickly I noticed that things were changing. Within a few weeks, I found myself waking up excited to fly through the workday and get to the WOD. It became the highlight of my day, although I’d often have second thoughts afterwards while lying in a pool of my own sweat, staring at the ceiling. I also won the Eat to Perform muscle mass gain challenge and over the course of those three months my body changed significantly. (Oh, hey lats!) When I first started, I was embarrassed to take my shirt off in public; I now own a healthy collection of tank tops which I won’t hesitate to rip off if there’s a run programmed.
Favorite thing you’ve done or seen in 2015?
This year I completed the Rugged Maniac race and I competed in Kentuckiana’s Fittest ’15, two things I NEVER thought I’d be able to do. But I did, I had a blast, and didn’t even make a fool of myself! (Well, no more than usual anyway.) I’ve also signed up for the Urban Bourbon half-marathon in October. So, in 2015 I will have officially participated in more fitness-related activities than ever in my entire life. (WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME, DERBY CITY?!?!?!)
Tell us about your goals for 2016.
Next year I want to make proper nutrition a focal point, increase my proficiency in all the standard movements, and hit a 300# Clean. I also hope to do an RX level competition and complete the Spartan Trifecta without dying in the process.
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Derby City really did change my life. In my mind, there’s not a place in the world that is filled with better people. I am honored each time I set foot in the gym to shed blood, sweat, and tears with everyone in there. I’m in the greatest shape of my life and I owe it to meeting the best people who push me to be better, and at least *tolerate* my shenanigans on a regular basis.