Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Phoenix, for most of my life I actually lived on 39th ave and happy valley so I have always been a north sider.
What are your hobbies (besides CrossFit)?
I like to tinker with things. I enjoy building things; tables, metal fabrication, cars, etc. I enjoy watching things take shape and I like the challenge of learning something new.
What is your occupation?
I currently work for American Express leading a Big Data/Machine Learning team that specializes in classification, predictive analytics, and we are increasingly involved in architecting and building neural networks to replicate human thinking and decision making.
How were you first introduced to CrossFit?
Haha, this is a great question. I was introduced to Crossfit in a roundabout sort of way. My Aunt and Uncle had joined a local gym and wouldn’t stop talking about how much they loved the constant variation that Crossfit offered. As I am with most things I was super skeptical until they invited me out for drinks with several of the members from their gym. That was the where I met this amazing girl named Stacie, I spent most of my time trying to make her laugh and when the night ended I asked my Aunt when she usually worked because I wanted to see her again and figured the best way was to go to her work every day (call it persistent or creepy, both would be accurate statements haha). The next day I signed up for the sole purpose of going to the gym to see Stacie. After a few classes I found myself showing up consistently for the workouts but more so for the coach. From there I went to Blade when Chris and Claire opened it and since then have never looked back. So I guess you can say it is Stacie’s fault you all have to put up with me.
What is your favorite WOD/movement?
My favorites are: wall balls, assault bike, and box jumps because they are humbling and constantly remind me there is work to do.
What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Stretching, if they made a machine that made it so you never have to stretch I would buy 6 of them.
What CrossFit accomplishment are you most proud of?
Honestly, I am super proud of our gym. I am proud to say that when I started there were only a few of us and now we are sending athletes and teams to regionals consistently year after year. I am proud to say that I have seen Blade go from small, to expanded, now onto a massive new gym. I remember the days when Chris and Claire would need a rides home at night because they only had one car and Claire was working full time. I am proud of what Chris, Claire, and Terra have been able to build, and proud that I have been a part of it.
What is your favorite song to WOD to?
Not a fan of Kanye as a person, love his music.
What would you like to accomplish next through CrossFit?
Consistent top 10 at the gym, that is always the goal.
Fill in the blank: I love…I eat…I will…I am…
I love…Pizza
I eat.. Pizza
I will… eventually try the gluten free pizza..
I am..about 10 to 15 pounds over weight because of all this pizza.
