Jim has been with us now for about 3 years. Man how time flies! At first we used to joke about Jim being the “world’s tightest man” after all his years as a runner. Since then he has not only come a long way with flexibility, but with strength and gymnastics, too! Jim never complains, is always friendly, and puts his head down and goes to work every morning before the sun comes up. Thanks for being such a great part of our community Jim. It wouldn’t be the same without you!
1. When did you join EDCF? How did you find the gym? What was your first impression or how did that first workout go? “I think it has been three years, around late spring…. I live at the bottom of Loving so it was only a matter of time before I saw the gym…. I thought the first workout was fun! When I was younger I avoided weight lifting with a purpose… I was not naturally “strong” so the concepts at first were intimidating…. However, once exposed in our context, I really liked it… I appreciate all the guidance and support I have received… I will get there Drew keep working with me!
2. What class time do you attend the most, are there any regular members you work out with at that time? “After annoying several classes with conference calls during workouts I realized that I could, with a little discipline, attend the 5:30am class without any conflict… We have a solid “core” at 5:30 and everyone knows who they are…. I have always appreciated the warmth, support and comradery that occurs so early in the morning…. I love getting in and starting the day with some level of success and/or achievement.”
3. Tell us a little about yourself, What is your life like outside the gym? Where do you work, do you have kids/pets/husband/bf/partner? What is your favorite hobby outside the gym? “It is busy, but fun…. I work at Huron Consulting Group, a Chicago based firm and I manage a business that helps Community Hospitals achieve their mission through (financial) performance improvement…. My wife Amy and I have two beautiful children, Mary Grace and Miller and we all serve our two pets Stella (Vizsla) and Thor (Dutch Shepherd)…. Our house is fun and chaotic, but sleepy for me in the evening (much to Amy’s chagrin) considering the 5:30 am class (you know what I am talking about Reed)…. My hobby really is watching the kids with their endeavors, they are both great swimmers and the time I spend with them consumes a lot of potential “Jim hobby time”…. However, it also brings me great joy!”
4. What do you like about CrossFit or EDCF that keeps you coming back? I like the diversity of the workouts but I also like the discipline of the commitment to the 5:30 class. If I am in town I am there….
5. What is your favorite lift or exercise or type of workout? What is one of your short term and long term goals? “I like anything that mixes it up and I have to fight every workout not to “dog it”… I like that I am actually, maybe, squatting now “ass to grass” or maybe a Jim version of “ass to grass” vs when I first started which may have looked something like a brief flex/tweak of my knees… I appreciate the encouragement I received to break the boundaries of “bands” with my pull-ups…. Short term I try and gently increase the weight or go a little faster or simply stay close to the rest of 5:30 on the runs… Long term I was want to keep learning and improving, if not in weight, at least in form..
Thanks guys. This is very fun for me and I have truly enjoyed it!”