170308 - Faces of Choice City - Mike
Mike is a man of few but powerful and mostly hilarious words. He's a sneaky comedic ninja in the early hours of the morning and a true source of joy for those around him. He's grown so much as an athlete since he joined in Aug. of 2016 and it's been a blast to watch his transformation. His attitude toward learning new things and trying his best with all he attempts is absolutely admirable. "Just" Mike (as he is lovingly nicknamed by his 6am CrossFit comrades) is more than "just" anything, he's a total go-getter, a genuine team player, and one heckuva fella!
Tell us about yourself!
I was born and raised in the upper Midwest (Wisconsin and Upper Michigan), where I developed my love for outdoor recreational hobbies (camping, backpacking, hunting, fishing, skiing). After completing my undergraduate degree and working for different state and tribal agencies, I decided to go to graduate school at the University of Idaho where I received my MS and PhD degrees in Forestry. I immediately fell in love with the western US and never wanted to leave. However, the job market had other ideas in mind and after a brief stint with the Canadian Forest Service in British Columbia, I ended up back in the Midwest where I worked as a professor at two different universities. A little over 1.5 years ago I accepted a position at Colorado State University where I’m now a professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. I absolutely love being out west again, and my job is amazing! I get to teach and mentor the best students in the world. Go Rams!
Why do you "CrossFit"?
After taking an unintended 5+ year hiatus from any significant physical activity (mainly running back then), I was looking for a way to improve my physical fitness and hopefully boost my energy level and mood. I tried to get into biking and running again, but struggled with self-motivation. I had heard about CrossFit but was apprehensive of trying it for a variety of reasons (mainly I didn’t think I possessed the strength and wherewithal to do it). Anyhow, I eventually bit the bullet and scheduled an intro with Coach Michael. He immediately put my apprehensions aside, and one week later I was hooked on CCCF.
What makes "Choice City" so special?
I am so happy that Choice City CrossFit was the first CrossFit gym I tried. I cannot imagine going anywhere else, and I may not still be doing CrossFit if I had started with another gym. There are so many things that make CCCF special. The coaching staff are exceptionally knowledgeable regarding fitness and nutrition and are also super supportive and encouraging. Additionally, the CCCF athletes are all wonderful. I have not met a CCCF athlete that I didn’t immediately like. There is a true sense of community in this gym; everyone is full of positivity and encouragement, and I have never felt judged about my slowly maturing abilities. In addition to getting my physical fitness back, I have developed several friendships that I hope are lifelong. CCCF is everything I was looking for and more.
Strength - Bench Press
5, 5, 3, 3, 1
WOD - "Jump Rope Helen"
50 Double Unders or 100 SIngles (75 combo)
21 Kettlebell Swings 55/35
12 Pull-Ups