August 2017 Athlete Spotlight

Heath R.

Tell us about yourself

I am originally from Evansville, Indiana.  I have a wife, Jaime, and a daughter Madison (who both attend CrossFit classes).  We relocated to the area about 5 years ago with a promotion my wife received with the Cintas Corporation in their First Aid and Safety Division.  I have since been working with Cintas as well in Sales for their Fire Protection Division.  I enjoy taking rides on my bicycle and racing my daughter around the neighborhood (somehow she always wins), spending quality time with family, and collecting antique tractors with my dad.  I am a big kid at heart and don’t intend to stop being that way anytime soon.

What made you start CrossFit?

I wanted to try CrossFit, but was intimidated by the movements.  I finally built up enough courage to try a beginner class at Trenches.  Even though I couldn’t walk for a few days after, I am glad that I did.  Being that I am the athlete that lives the closest to Trenches (along with my fellow neighbor CrossFitter), I have no excuses to miss class.  Being able to walk to class is a huge motivation for myself along with a nice warm up.

What were your thoughts after your first workout at CFT?

What am I thinking!?!?  How am I supposed to be able to move now!?!?  I was not a big fan of Coach Travis.

What impact has CrossFit had in your life in and outside the gym?

It has impacted me in ways I did not think were possible.  Being able to push myself above and beyond your comfort level, committing myself to a lifestyle change and sticking to it, and improving my overall health and losing weight.

If you had to write a WOD, what would it be?

I like running and WODs that are lengthy in time.  Believe it or not, I have run (2) marathons, (6) half marathons, and competed twice in a team relay race of 200 miles.  So, give me a WOD with a lot of running and I will be happy.

What’s your diet like? How does nutrition play a role in your life?

Have you seen what I look like?  I am the poster child for Golden Corral Buffets.  Not really, but I could definitely improve what and when I eat.

What advice would you give to a new CrossFitter?

Don’t be intimidated, everybody was at the same point when they started.  As long as you are better than yesterday, you are making gains.

What’s your favorite motivational quote and why?

“Life is like a sewer…what you get out of it depends on what you put into it” – Tom Lehrer  If I don’t give my all or push myself to be better, I will never see any improvement and will just stay the same.Heath_2