Athlete of Month: Mike D.

Mike D, known as "Big Mike" by my three year old, has been at NoCoast for almost 2 years. We have loved seeing his progress as an athlete, which incidentally, parallels his progress as a person in general. This is true for all athletes. But Mike is unique in that he came to us in a formative time. He had just moved from Texas, just got a new job, was a student, and just in his early 20s. Many young dudes his age are into going out, and just not interested in health and longevity. And even though Mike has gone rogue a few times, like not wearing shoes....ever, he sticks around. And we are better for it. He's come so far as an athlete, gaining both strength and conditioning, losing at least 20 pounds, and nailing down a diet no longer laden with sugar. He's come into his own. We're proud of him. And wanted to share.

Age/Weight: 26/220lbs How long have you been CrossFitting? 2 years

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: I loved lifting weights in high school and college but did not stick with a certain sport consistently.

How did you get into CrossFit? Went on vacation with my cousin who brought me to a box to drop in and I was hooked.

What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement? I do not have a specific WOD that is my favorite but I really enjoy the mini AMRAPS with rest in between. My favorite movement is probably shoulder to overhead. My least favorite would be burpees. I. Hate. Burpees.

What is your most memorable CrossFit moment? After about two months of CrossFit I did my first competition and there was a clean ladder that went up to 185 pounds for the scaled. I barely made it to the 185... One day I was lifting and I realized that I was WARMING UP on cleans with 185. That was definitely a good feeling.

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery? Well, everybody knows I have a major sweet tooth but with the support of everyone I have managed to keep it under control (usually). The better I eat the better I feel and I have noticed it has a direct impact on my performance.

How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness? I have learned more about lifting, proper form, nutrition, and the importance of mobility. It has changed my life for the better. Advice to new people: The best advice I could give to someone just starting CrossFit is to be humble, take your time, and focus on mobility and proper form. The speed and the strength will naturally follow!