Athlete Spotlight: Mike Jones

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Name: Mike Jones
Age: 43
Occupation: Systems Engineer (IT)
Which class time do you usually attend? 4:00
Favorite WOD: Anything without Burpees!!!
Favorite CF Movements: Power Clean, Power Snatch
1RM Deadlift: 355
3 RM Back squat: 280
Favorite Food: My Wife’s Lasagna
Favorite Movie: Empire Strikes Back
Favorite Athlete: Don’t really have one.
Dream Job: Not having one!!
Dream Vacation Destination: Hiking the John Muir Trial or Relaxing in the Mountains
Favorite WOD song: N***** In Paris, we play it so much at the box, it has become my fav!
Favorite Motivational Quote: “Do or do not, there is no try.” – Yoda

How long have you been doing CrossFit? 
“It will be one year this month. I started in July 2015.”

How did you first discover CrossFit and what made you decide to start? 
“A buddy from work talked to me about No Excuses, I didn’t really listen at the time. The more I heard him talk about the workouts the more interested I got. He moved and a month or so later, I decided to try it for myself.”

Tell us about your sports/fitness background:
“None to speak of from my youth. I got into Obstacle Course Races right before I started at No Excuses.”

What sorts of positive changes (mental, physical, emotional) have you noticed in your life since getting involved at No Excuses? 
“I have definitely seen a physical change and I am probably the strongest I have ever been in my life. I have also found that I can push past the mental aspects of quitting during a WOD, which translates well into the real world. I still want to quit, I just tell myself to shut up and keep going as much as I can!!”

What keeps you coming back and motivated?
“The improvements I see, the challenges of the WODs, and the people at the box.”

In what other ways do you use your fitness? 
“I love hiking and Obstacle Course Racing. I ran my first OCR a few months before I started CrossFit. Then a few months after starting at No Excuses, I ran my second one and was amazed at the progress I had made on getting over some of the obstacles. I feel like I could hike anywhere as well, with not much preparation needed.”

Who or what motivates/inspires you?
“CrossFit wise, Adam P motivates me. Have you seen how much that guy can Deadlift? Also, Glen W as well. We are the same age and I compare myself to him. I have a long way to go, but I always tell him that I am going to catch up to him one day. And lastly Angie D, she just never quits!!  Personally, it’s my wife. She has been through a lot with breast cancer, loss of our daughter, among other things and she the strongest and hardest working woman I know!!”

Please share with us a favorite CrossFit or No Excuses moment. 
“Probably getting my first pull up, it took what seemed like forever.”

Name one goal you would like to achieve in CrossFit.
“Muscle Up. Period.”

Tell us about your hobbies and interests outside of the gym:
“Think I have covered that, besides hiking\camping and OCRs, I like spending time with the family. I also tend to spend too much time playing video games from time to time.”

What advice do you have for someone just starting CrossFit or is on the fence about starting? 
“If you’re on the fence, just give it a try. You will not regret it. If you have taken the leap and just started, slow down and follow the process. That was hard (still is) for me. Everyone wants to be doing Muscle Ups and Hand Stand Push Ups in a month. It may take a while, but enjoy the process, celebrate the small things. KEEP TRACK of your workouts and look back on them. You will be surprised at how quickly you will progress.”

What do you love most about No Excuses? 
“The people. Everyone encourages you and makes you want to do better. If I don’t give or get 5 or so fistbumps before I leave, then a lot of people didn’t show up for class that day!!! The coaches are encouraging and making sure you’re doing everything right and are always approachable when you have questions. They even do math very well for us barbell counting challenged!!!”

Coach Laura’s Take:
“Mike has been a great addition to No Excuses. He first got started just to improve his Obstacle Course Racing and once he got into it there was no turning back for him. Mike has jumped in to CrossFit with both feet, “drank the Kool-aid,” and has improved so much from when he started. He has changed his body composition, gained new skills and is improving his technique in his lifts. I was particularly proud of Mike’s effort through his first CrossFit Open. Mike is always encouraging others and if anything, we have to slow him down and encourage him to rest!! His enthusiasm for his fitness and for this gym is contagious. We are glad to have him as a part of this community.”