It may sound selfish, but I compete for me. Not to beat anybody else, just me. I want to constantly find a better, faster, stronger me when I wake up tomorrow.
1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a techno-geek turned who turned to fitness after many years of treating my body pretty poorly sitting in front of a computer. I’m still very much into technology, as my day job is for a startup in Atlanta building mobile apps. But, now I have different priorities than JUST sitting in front of the computer.
My wife and I have been married a little more than 10 years, and got serious about fitness together. We basically woke up one day to people we didn’t recognize in the mirror and decide to make a change. I am a former world-record endurance rower. (1 million meters indoors in 89:09:18 in tandem with a partner) I also brew beer in my spare time, and I’m always brewing a little out there, that you wouldn’t find in the store.
2. What’s a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me during the week is getting up around 5am to feed my 3 Westies, then teach a 6am rowing class @ my studio (Rowbot Fitness). Work at the office all day. Then, back to Rowbot Fitness to teach rowing, boot camp, and/or powerlifting. Then back home for dinner, some TV, and bed. Because I drive a lot in between all of these things, I listen to a lot of podcasts, about all sorts of things from pens (seriously) to politics to design to silly/drama stories. My friends and students are always shocked when they overhear me listening, because I listen at 2.5x, so to them it sounds like nonsense!
3. What’s one goal you’re currently training to accomplish by December 31, 2016?
The biggest goal I achieved this year was a 1000lb powerlifting total this summer, and with it a 470lb Deadlift. Since then, my goal for the end of the year has been working towards a 500lb deadlift, and as of now it’s on track since I’ve already added 15lbs in 2 months.
4. What’s one life goal you’re currently pursuing outside of fitness?
Outside of fitness my biggest focus is doing everything I can to make the startup I work for successful. I’m still a major geek, so writing software is almost cathartic for me, and my company is on the verge of really great things.
5. What does it mean to you to Compete Every Day?
From the first time I found Compete Every Day, it felt perfect for how I live my life. I treat nearly everything in my life as a way to prove myself. Not to anybody else, but to me. I am my harshest critic at times, but also my constant champion. The more I work towards a goal the more I push myself. I try to eat well, work hard, and help others do the same any chance I can get.
6. What is one obstacle you’re proud you’ve overcome?
When I got to college I was a terrible student, and I did so many things wrong. In high school I was lucky to not have to do much studying, and that came back to bite me! I was quickly told that I needed to get my act together or find something OTHER than college to do with myself. I put in the hours of hard work required of me, and studied like crazy to get back on track, and came out the other side better for the struggle.
7. What/who do you compete for?
It may sound selfish, but I compete for me. Not to beat anybody else, just me. I want to constantly find a better, faster, stronger me when I wake up tomorrow.
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