How long have you been doing CrossFit? Who or what got you started?

My first-ever class was in 2008. My rugby coach, Tom Brose (CrossFit DC), went to California and met some guy named Greg who taught him the CrossFit methodology. Took a long break from CrossFit starting in 2010 until I found CrossFit Defined in 2018. It was there I realized the power a strong community centered around a common goal can have.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: (Family, career, hobbies, interests)

I was born and raised in downtown Chicago, which is where I met my wife Katie (and fellow Alpiner!) in January 2018. We traded the skyscrapers of Chicago for the mountains and adventure of Colorado and we settled in Arvada in January 2020, shortly after we married. When not at the gym, we love to hike/snowshoe, camp, and explore the great state of Colorado with our two pups, Olive and Penny. Workwise, I am the Director of Finance and Revenue Cycle at Health and Rehab Solutions, a physical therapy company that partners and grows smaller organizations nationally.

What is your favorite memory at Alpine CrossFit?

Tough one! Not really workout-related. Turkey Challenge last year: At least 15/20 non-competing Alpiners were there to cheer on and support the competing athletes. A proven staple of a strong community! Close second place….any time I beat Jon Little in a WOD.

What was your workout regimen before joining Alpine?

Before moving to CrossFit full time in 2020: 4 x week of powerlifting (Conjugate Method) and 2 x week CrossFit.

 How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym?

The long WODs that make us mentally uncomfortable have helped me perform better at work during long problem-solving and brainstorming sessions. Outside of work our longer, more strenuous hikes.

If you could write a book, what would it be about?

My Grandmother was the ultimate badass. If you want to know more, ask!

What category would you be least excited/most excited to see on Jeopardy?

Least Excited – Reality TV Shows Most Excited – Sports Trivia

 What was your first workout, and what did you think after doing it?

When I started again in 2018, Open WOD 14.1. I was thinking about all the lashes I probably had on my calves from missing at least 80 double unders. Definitely should have scaled!

What is your favorite and least favorite WOD?

Favorite = Annie or Helen / Least = Karen

What are your favorite and least favorite movements?

Favorite = Back squats and Thrusters / Least = Wall balls

What advice would you give a newbie just getting started at Alpine CrossFit?

1) Ask all the questions! Nothing can be done right without a strong sense of understanding and a stable foundation. 2) Scale early and often 3) Say Hi to someone new to you every class, everyone was a newbie at some point!