I started martial arts and swimming when I was 10, I was competing in both sports up until I was 17, then the two training schedules started to conflict and I had to chose one over the other, I chose martial arts and that was my sport of choice right up until I was 38, then as luck would have it after 28 years of punching pads, bags and boards, I broke my wrist falling off a ladder, hahahaha 'Broke' is probably a euphemism in this case, 'shattered' is more accurate as I spiral fractured my Radius, sheared the head clean off my Ulna and totally powderised two of my carpal bones, requiring total wrist reconstruction surgery.
During the post surgery recovery period I did yoga but thought it was about time I stopped martial arts and looked for some other hobby. I was researching on line and came across this picture of Christmas Abbot and thought, "what ever she does...I want to do THAT!" ...Hello CrossFit!
I don't know if CrossFit has taught me this, but what I did not expect was the community and support associated with CrossFit, it is really an amazing thing that anyone outside of CrossFit really wont understand until they experience it themselves.
So many great moments so far, competing is always fun, the intensity and inevitable PR's that always accompany participation in competition are second to none. If you want to conquer one of your goats do it in a competition workout, you'll never have trouble with it after that...Any time I achieve a new skill or PR is a pretty exhilarating and defining moment.
Date joined CFEA / Month of On-‐Ramp November 2012 Favourite CrossFit exercise? All of them Most hated CrossFit exercise? All of them Favourite Games Athlete/Benchmark WOD Christmas Abbot -‐ like most people I have a love/hate relationship with FRAN. What changes in your health, physique and performance have you observed since starting CrossFit? Paleo style eating changed my life -‐ completely, irrevocably and permanently.
Proud Dad! Dave with kids Katala and Hunter What advice would you give to someone with regards to starting CrossFit? You have no idea of the support and encouragement you will receive once you commit to joining. Favorite place to eat a Paleo-‐ish meal in Auckland? Ginger's Indian Restaurant – Howick The song that gets you pumped up for a workout? Metal or old school rap...(for you young people when I say 'old school' I am talking about pre-‐1990's) The last thing you ate? Full cooked breakfast + bulletproof coffee
Proudest accomplishment at CrossFit? Both my kids making the decision to join CrossFit.
With CFEA Masters competing at CrossFit Dynamite
Goals for 2014? A Ring muscle-‐up 20 Unbroken pistols Stringing bar muscle-‐ups together 200 kg Deadlift 90 kg Shoulder press 120 kg Bench press 160 kg Backsquat Name a CFEA member that has inspired you? Byron Kemp...that man is a machine. Editor’s Note This Athlete has impressed all of us with a display of consistent dedication, taking every bit of feedback and putting it into action. Working hard has paid off with a 100kg bench press after dedicated 6week strength cycle and some impressive times on benchmark wods. Supportive, family minded and described as an Athlete with ’awesomeness’ -‐ with a distinct ability to raise the IQ at any party while having us all in stiches with his wit.
Unquestionably the easiest profile ever – Team, if there are any mistakes, take great joy in letting the grammatical master know!
Dave I almost forgot -‐ Christmas said to “pass on her congratulations xxx” ;)
