1. How did you get started on your CrossFit journey?
   Funny story. In our community, we have/had (pre Covid) a group of “old” retired men that met for breakfast once a month. At one of these breakfasts about four years ago, Dave Mitchell talked about this austere group of old guys going to CrossFit to form a “Legends” group. We had (I think) about 8 guys interested and show up. After about two weeks, just 3 of us remained, then just Dave Mitchell and I remained. We initially met (pre-Covid shutdown) on Wednesdays at 4:00 in the afternoon in the space on the “other side” of the wall.

2. How long have you been a member at Equity?
   As I said earlier, about 3 years, but the first year as only a Legend so once per week. Eventually I decided to get a bit more serious and just passed my 2-year 3 days/per week anniversary.

3. What advice would you give someone thinking of trying CF?
   Simple, try it out. Don’t be afraid, you will have fun and be surprised with what you can do.

4. What was your first impression?  How has that changed?
   So, going back to meeting on Wednesday afternoons, and overlapping with the 4:30 class, my first impression was being a bit intimidated (and maybe a bit scared) by the members “on the other side” of the wall.  Now, I’m on the same side of “the wall” and not intimidated, I’m inspired and encouraged.

5. How has the gym improved your life?
   The obvious is the increased energy, and confidence, however, the most important improvement is that I do not have to compare myself to anyone else. Just to compare myself to me and impress me.

6. What do you do for a living and how has CrossFit impacted that?
   I am now retired for over 11 years. I was, for 20 years, a hospital administrator and then a healthcare consultant for another 20. Since my retirement I have obtained my Doctorate and now teach (part time) Healthcare Administration as an Adjunct Professor at Wilmington University, College of Business. Has CrossFit impacted what I do in my retirement? My entire life scheduled around when CrossFit class is. Yes, it has impacted my retired life!

7. Favorite gym story or memory.
   Going back to the original Legends class, Paul Palmer was teaching and discussing the Burpee and how important it is for us “older folks” to be able to get up off the floor if we should fall down. So, here it is some three years and tens of thousands of Burpees later, yes, I’m pretty confident that I can get up off the floor if I should fall down.

8. What are you most proud of that you have accomplished at the gym?
   So, pre CrossFit, I did not work out at all. I was, and have always been active, always moving, always doing something, but no real focused exercise. Don’t get me wrong, I was not in bad shape, but nothing like the shape (I like to think) I am in today. There are many things that I do not (and should not) do at my age, such as hand stand pushups, muscle ups, 36” box jump overs, but there are many things that I do now that I never in my life thought I could do, such Wall Walk, toes to bar, and thrusters. I think my most proud accomplishment is completing the CrossFit Open this year, 100 percent Rx which included 42 double unders!

Favorites:

Food – YES!

TV show- What I like to call “The Chicago’s” Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD.

Movie – I’m dating myself here, but “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I have watched it every holiday season for the last 50 years.

Holiday - Thanksgiving

Color - Blue

CrossFit Movement – Deadlifts!