June Athlete of the Month: Mark Miles

Congratulations Mark, you are the NoCoast Athlete of the Month!

Mark joined us at NoCoast about 3 years ago, following his wife, Jen to the gym. Mark may have had to have his arm twisted a bit to get here, but once he was here and started to gain some confidence, his fitness and strength has continued to grow. Mark has held down the fort for our 6pm class over the years and also drags Jen to our Saturday morning partner workouts every weekend. 

Thank you, Mark, for all of your hard work and dedication to NoCoast. We love having you and Jen at NoCoast and you guys are a huge part of our community. 

Quotes from Mark:

“I have always played sports, but never really worked out consistently.  As I got older, I started to struggle to keep up in the sports that I enjoyed and injuries became more frequent.  Doing CrossFit has pretty much eliminated my injuries and has brought my fitness level back to a point where I am enjoying these sports again.  I have even started mountain biking again after avoiding it for years due to my fitness level.”

“Both Jen and I are now involved in CrossFit and it is something that we are able to share.  We are able to complain to each other when we are sore or struggling and be proud when we crush it.”

Age: 47

Athletic/Sports history/highlights: 

I played soccer a lot growing up and have continued to play in my adult life.  I still play once a week.  

How long have you been CrossFitting?   

About 3 years 

How did you get into CrossFit?  

My wife, Jen, started CrossFit in an effort to improve her back pain.  The results were impressive and she loved it.   Eventually, I caved and joined her.  

What is your favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?  

Weighted pull-ups??? Only because for some reason, I am actually good at it...  Cleans are fun too.  

What is your least favorite WOD/CrossFit movement?  

Burpees and wall walks…

What is your most memorable CrossFit moment?  

The US Marine Cpl Albert Gettings hero workout on Labor day last year.  It was brutal and I wanted to quit on multiple occasions.  Pushed through it and glad I did.

How does nutrition play a role in your fitness and recovery?  

Probably not as much as it should, I just do what Jen tells me... 

How has CrossFit improved your overall wellness?  

I have always played sports, but never really worked out consistently.  As I got older, I started to struggle to keep up in the sports that I enjoyed and injuries became more frequent.  Doing CrossFit has pretty much eliminated my injuries and has brought my fitness level back to a point where I am enjoying these sports again.  I have even started mountain biking again after avoiding it for years due to my fitness level.  

How has CrossFit changed your family? 

Both Jen and I are now involved in CrossFit and it is something that we are able to share.  We are able to complain to each other when we are sore or struggling and be proud when we crush it. 

Advice to new people:  

Show up.  I know it can be a little intimidating at first, but we are all still working to learn the movements and improve.  I still can't do half the movements correctly....