Athlete Spotlight: Dodson Strawbridge

Name: Dodson StrawbridgeDodson
Age: 26
Occupation: Attorney
Which class time do you usually attend? My work schedule often requires me to WOD at 6 a.m., but my heart will always belong to 7 p.m. SPRING BREAK!!!!
Favorite WOD: DT
Favorite Lift: Clean
Deadlift Max: 460 pounds
Back squat Max: 385 pounds
Fran: N/A
Cindy: 19 Rounds + 4 push ups
Got Muscle-ups? No, but a work in progress.
1 mile run: 6:56
How long have you been CrossFitting? Since November 2012

What keeps you coming back/motivated?
“I absolutely love the camaraderie in the gym. Regardless of your level of fitness, or what time you normally WOD, everybody in the box has that infectious positive spirit.”

How did you find CrossFit?
“I have a close friend who introduced me to it during school. I found No Excuses when I moved to Suwanee. Needless to say, after the 45-minute intro class with Ben and Laura, I knew this is where I needed to train.”

What is your athletic background (If applicable)?
“I wrestled and played soccer growing up. Then I retired, and took my talents to the intramural Fields, where I spent college and law school collecting intramural champion T-shirts!”

How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
“Obviously, my fitness has improved since joining No Excuses. However, the biggest change I’ve noticed is in the quality of the other 23 hours a day I don’t spend in the gym. The WOD works wonders for the rest of my day!”

What is the one thing you have done here that you never thought you could do? (muscle up, double unders, heavy deadlift, run a mile, etc.)
“The most challenging movements for me in the beginning were double unders and handstand pushup. But now, thanks to several weeks of GOATS, I’m finally starting to get the hang of both of them.”

What motivates/inspires you?
“The inspirational answer is improving my fitness and quality of life both presently and far into the future. But, the truth is somewhere between seeing that “Damn, he’s been working out” look on an ex-girlfriend’s face and trying to match Chris Mount on the whiteboard.”

What is your proudest CrossFit achievement?
“At this point, my proudest CrossFit achievement has been integrating CrossFit into my life. I think Laura Moore said it best when she told me after my intro class that ‘If you can do it for 90 days, you can do it for the rest of your life.’ Now that I’m closing in on six months of training at No Excuses, I know that to be true.”

Name one goal/personal achievement you would like to achieve through CrossFit?
“Currently, the number one goal is to complete the elusive first Muscle Up.”

What goals have you achieved in CrossFit?
“The biggest goal I have attained since starting at No Excuses is getting to a point where I know I’m going Rx’d in almost everything (see the point above re: Muscle Ups). The confidence that comes from knowing, even though it might be heavy, or long, or tough, or whatever it is, I got it. That was where I wanted to be in November when I hit the door, and I’m slowly working my way there every day.”

Hobbies/Interests outside of CrossFit?
“Is “none” an acceptable answer? No, seriously, away from the gym, I enjoy pretty standard stuff. I enjoy spending time with good friends, over good food and drink. And I definitely enjoy occasionally skipping out of the office early for something fun, like a Braves game, matinee movie, or smashing a bucket at the range. Also, if you’ve experienced the pleasure of me DJ’ing a WOD, you know I enjoy country music. I’ll never pass up a good concert.”

What is your favorite meal?
“Chicken nachos and cold beer.”

Any advice for new members?
“You are capable of much more than you realize. But, the only way to achieve that potential is to keep showing up. Work hard and you will see results!”

Coach Mario’s comment:
“In less than 6 months, Dodson has become an impressive CrossFit athlete!  When I first coached him in a WOD, it was clear he had some inherent strength and athletic ability. Since that time, he has definitely come into his own. Dodson works towards a goal each time he hears 3…2…1…GO! It’s not just about finishing, it’s about what he wants to accomplish and works as hard as he can to get it. With a good engine, strong lifts and a great personality, he has all the potential in the world to excel at CrossFit.  With some of the top lifts and times at NEA, his future looks really bright in the Sport of Fitness. Although he has become my WOD nemesis, I enjoy the competition more than he knows. I am thankful he is part of our community!