Congratulations, Dave, on earning the title of our July 2018 Athlete of the Month!! We did a little Q&A with Dave. Check out his answer below!
1. How did you start CrossFit, and how did you end up at Firewall?
I started CrossFit nearly 5 years ago in Needham when endless hours on the treadmill and elliptical became mind numbingly boring. At the time, I’d go 2-3 times a week and hit a bootcamp at the Boston Sports Club a couple of days. When we moved to Natick, I joined CrossFit Framingham – loved the community and the coaches (even Bucky!) enough to go with CrossFit full time, so to speak. Late last year, Framingham closed and I decided to give Firewall a run. Between Bucky as an owner/coach and my favorite Irish-then-next-door-neighbors as members (and huge fans), figured it had to be great. I could not be any happier with that decision.
2. What is your favorite part about CrossFit Firewall?
The community – from the owners to the coaches to the members. Everyone is supportive, fun, kind and works hard. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know everyone and have a huge amount of respect for the type of business Dave and Bucky have built in such a short period of time.
3. What have you seen CrossFit do for you outside of the gym?
Primarily, it has provided a giant pile of content to diversify my social media beyond family, friends, concerts and Mexican food. Kidding. CrossFit has given me a ton of tools to stay active regardless of the equipment or facilities available. It has taken away any “I’m traveling and can’t work out” excuses and made it easy to get functional burn in.
4. If you were to recommend CrossFit to someone, what would you tell them?
1) Anyone can do it. There’s always a way to scale and modify movements. 2) Listen to your body. If something feels off, ask a coach. 3) Listen to the coach. He or she is there to keep you healthy and safe – so you keep moving forward.
5. If you could sum up your experience at CrossFit Firewall in 3 words, what would they be?
Supportive, challenging and fun.
If I could add a 4th it would be “ridiculous,” mostly due to the absurd 18 mile challenge Dave and Bucky had to endure.
6. What is your favorite class to attend?
5:30 am or 9 am
7. Why do you continue to CrossFit after 5+ years?
I’ve continued to learn, improve and meet great people. I’ve also continued to feel challenged and have opportunities to push myself, whether through competitions, 1:1s, upping the weight on a movement or working a skill.
8. What is your favorite quote/saying?
“Fair enough.” No one knows if you agree, disagree or sit somewhere in between.
9. What is the best and worse purchase you’ve ever made?
The worst is easy: a horribly executed Boston “B”/Boston skyline tattoo (since covered up). It was done at a sketchy Venice Beach tattoo parlor and looked like my 2 year old attacked me with a Sharpie. Lesson learned on impulse ink.
The best is harder, but I’m digging the new Firewall tank, cyclone cup and 1:1s with Dave and Bucky. 🙂
10. If you had to lose a body part, what would you pick? (Cannot be a toe or finger)
This is a ridiculous question. I’ll go with my right ear, mainly because I can’t think of anything else and it would make an interesting conversation piece.