August Athlete of the Month

Congratulations to Byrnsey

Hometown: Narberth, PA

Current Location: Narberth, PA – yea I know boring but I lived in CT, Chicago, IL and Jersey along the way

Age: 45

Occupation: Insurance Sales, Property Casualty

College: LaSalle University

Family: Married to Meg B...three daughters, McKenna, Moira & Frankie.

How long have you been a CrossFitter?  May of 2011

Did you ever play sports? Crew or as my wife says I say “When I was an Oarsman”

What is your biggest achievement at CrossFit? Def competing and completing the Open this year, with the highlight getting thru the 30 snatch’s when I had just set my 2 rep PR at that weight (it was all of the support for sure)……and kicking Bob Harpers ass!!!

What do you feel that you still need to work on?  Olympic Lifts and mostly Squats any and all, and of course my “Governor”

Goals for the rest of this year? 50lb increase in both front and back squat

What's your favorite WOD? Filthy 50

What is the craziest insane workout outside of CF you have ever done? Really am I aloud to publish this, Meg would kill me?  Kidding!  Has to be the recent CMC in the Poconos.  In my past all of my Crew workouts.  They were very much like CF workouts.  Jumpies, Hill Sprints, High Pulls you get the picture.

What’s your least favorite WOD?  Fran is a total mind f_c_  and I hated it.

What’s your favorite lift?  OK all at once……push press, shoulder press any press

What’s your least favorite lift?  Squat

What skill do you want to work on in 2012 the most ?  Squat cleans, Snatch, OHS also want to finish in top 100 in Open in my class next year.

What's your favorite foods, and snacks?  Almonds (snack), Chicken and Meat (Food), Beer  (Liquid).  Olan Tagged this as my “pale ale” diet.

Whats your favorite piece of workout "gear"?  Pink Socks

What you say is your biggest improvement since starting CF?  Strength….it has taken a good 12 months but starting to see some major jumps.

Who is your favorite coach?  Aimee and Cate of course.  Donkey now has made the nooner coach crew and is an excellent addition.  I am a regular at the nooner’s and these are my coaches.  They are not only excellent teachers and motivators they have become friends……..NOW the rest of the coach’s …. I really appreciate and like them all.  Tim, Chris, Jason, Laura, Mel, Vinny and Jeff I have had the pleasure of their instruction.  Timmy P was my fundamental coach and is my favorite to break balls.  Chris P is a funny f’n dude.  Jason is a ball breaker with great coaching skills and intentions.  Laura is a true professional.  Mel is a sweetheart and great motivator. Vinny “I am really as good as I am”.  Jeff is old like me and I love that.  Steph V – I haven’t been coached by yet but knowing her I know she is great!!!

PR's to mention? Goals Reached? Nutrition highlights?...

PR’s have been recent:

·         215 - push press

·         215 - clean and jerk

·         467 - number of times I have said something inappropriate since I joined KOP

Goals reached;

·         Competing in the Open

Nutrition Highlights

·         Not really any big highlights.  Had to change my diet a bit about 6 months into CF.  Needed more carbs before WOD’s and more protein after.

OK, now for the sap.  I want to say thanks to all the coaches and members that I have had the opportunity to meet.  It is my pleasure to work out with you, to be instructed by you and to help you when I can.  You are a great group of people.  I have had the opportunity to make some very close friends and I am grateful for that.  I certainly do not feel 45 years old and I thank you all for that.  There is nothing more I like better than to make someone laugh or  feel good about themselves.  I think it is such an important part of living……..I also am thrilled to see the progress of those of you that started CF with me or after – keep it up you all look great and I am sure feel great.  I am especially impressed with and excited for Keith B and Mike T, both my friends and now coach and soon to be coach.

A shout out to John (dad) and Eileen (mom) and Chloe (kid).  The great and I mean great support people for KOP.  My nickname might be Byrnsey but to Chloe it is “bye bye” (I think she likes me).  If you have a chance to speak with them please do.  And tell John how much you appreciate all of his hard work into the great box we have.

Thanks coaches – this is truly an honor.