Thursday already!!
That means it's time to hear from another member of our amazing community. Today we're talking to Blair Smith.
How long have you been a member at CFNZ? Must be coming on 18 months now.......
How did you end up walking through our doors for the first time? Was there a pivotal event that led you to us? I guess my story is pretty typical of others..... I was doing fitness boot camps and had heard about Crossfit and spent HOURS watching WOD's on youtube and thought "there is no way I can do ANYTHING near to that sort of thing" so I was too intimidated to walk through the door.... I work with Anton (I am his mentor at work) and he was constantly asking what I did in the boot camps and how the stuff I was doing there was very similar to Crossfit so I could get started there no problems.... so I eventually bit the bullet and took the plunge! Never looked back since.
Inov8's, Converse, or Reebok training shoes? Green digi camo Reeboks baby!!! (Unless it is a running WOD, then I will go back to the Inov8's - horses for courses)
Can you remember your first workout? What was it like? The old first workout!!! haha!! Yeah I sort of remember it... I remember I was not keen on doing the intro class as I just wanted to get in there and hit the main class ASAP, I had even asked Daz via email if this was possible, saying that I was "pretty fit" and the boot camp I was doing was "practically Crossfit anyway" but he politely told me that I had to do the intro course regardless...... so I figured I would tear it up and show them just how fit I was.... famous last words.
Jojo was the coach and although I cannot remember the movements exactly I know it had running and air squats in it with something else and it was an AMRAP of about 5 mins and I thought to myself "5 mins???!! I will CRUSH this.... the boot camp goes for 50mins and I am smoking that at the moment.... this Crossfit thing is looking EASY"
At the end I actually think I did puke in my mouth a little..... I could not believe 5mins could make me feel like I had climbed Mt Everest - without oxygen even!
Crossfit had me at 3-2-1 GO!! I was hooked!
What tunes do you like working out to? I prefer up beat stuff, but I am also a fan of bubble gum pop music (Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, even One Direction!! stuff like that) I sing those songs in my car..... but I also like a bit of metal... so anything loud and thumping will do, but really all I truly hear is the Coaches voices prompting my movements or encouraging us.
What has been one of the biggest things in your life that has changed since starting CrossFit? Getting through the typical "Tall Poppy syndrome" that is a very deep culture in NZ. Crossfit allows you to be proud and celebrate your achievements without people looking at you thinking that you are arrogant. I love it.
What are you doing when you aren't CrossFitting? Career, hobbies etc: I am lacking in this department at the moment!! I need to start something...... I have ALWAYS wanted to learn to surf.... anyone in the Gym a keen surfer willing to teach a 40 year old grommit how to catch a wave or two?
Is there a CFNZ member who inspires you? LOADS. I like watching the elite guys compete in the Open and see just how hard they can push themselves, I love how all the Coaches will instantly believe you can do something and are willing to help you get to that goal if you ask them how, but the biggest thing that inspires me has always been the Crossfitters who are not elite and don't have alot of the RX'd movements but still continue to turn up without complaining and do the S+C workouts. They give everything they have when it is time to get into it..... it reminds you that it is not all about the weight on the bar, the number of reps, the time on the clock at the end, it is about giving 100% when it is time to workout and ensure that you are being honest with yourself.
What achievement at CFNZ are you most stoked about? Telling everyone that I am Anton's mentor at work...... when I am not - That will wind him up! Gold. (see above)
Dealing with the huge amount of nerves at the Oly lifting comp and nailing my lifts.... and not look like a muppet. If you like to lift..... do the next Oly Comp that is in March, it is such a buzz!!
What would you like to have achieved at CrossFit NZ a year from now? 12 months eh?! Rather than list EVERY Crossfit movement.... I figure my top three would be:
- a muscle up (but in 12 months I would expect to be able to string a couple together by then)
- C&J 100kgs
- To do a flag.....
Workout
Make up Wednesday's tests, do run/row testing, or get Friday's testing (OH Squat and metcon) done in advance.
Comments