Okay, so Rick is leaving MBS next month. But, the cool thing about Rick is that he is all in. As he moves to Steamboat, CrossFit will continue to be a part of his family’s life. And it started here. Why Rick? The guy is relentless. He is consistent, driven, and the change has been evident. 4 linked muscle ups and 35 less pounds later, this guy is tearing it up. We’ll miss Rick’s WOD dances and hair, but he’ll be carrying the torch. Steamboat CrossFit Revolution is underway.
Surprisingly, you can’t see Rick’s hair in this picture! This was taken on a recent trip to Iceland!
Age: 29
Height: 6′
Weight: 180
How long xfitting: 5 months
Benchmark lifts: (whatever you have) 295 Squat, 335 Deadlift
Career: Software Engineer
Family: My Bad A$$ wife, Mariah and Koa the golden retriever.
What kind of athletic background do you have?
I played soccer growing up and into college. Three years ago I decided to get serious and became a sick P90Xer. Mariah then also got me into running and I’ve now ran a couple half marathons and a full.
How did you find CrossFit and what made you stick with it?
Looking to take my P90X abilities to the next level I started searching the internet for my next workout program. I came across the word CrossFit a few times, but never understood how it worked until I saw the CrossFit games on ESPN in the fall. After seeing those workouts, I knew it was what I needed. It’s easy to stay with it when there’s something you want to get better at every day.
You have been eating paleo. What changes have you experienced? Advice for keeping consistent with it?
Yes. Mariah and I started eating paleo 5 months ago when joining MBS. I think I’ve lost about 35 pounds and feel great. My advice for keeping consistent is to always plan ahead. I will plan a weeks worth of meals and will even look up a menu before going to a restaurant with friends and family.
Have you been harassed by the 6 AM class? What advice do you have for the fellow harassed?
I didn’t get harassed too bad by the 6 AMers, but I was prepared. My advice would be to treat it the same way you would when going to prison. The first day, walk in and get in a fight with the biggest guy in the room.
How did you get a muscle up so fast?!
I watched the slow-mo YouTube video of Camille Leblanc-Bazinet a few times and just tried to do it the same way. Shorts and all…
Favorite movements/wods/least favorite?
After linking four muscle ups, I’d have to say those are my favorite. I do like the strongman movements like the Atlas Stone and farmers carry. The overhead squat is my least favorite movement, even though I keep telling myself I love it.
Does your hair improve your performance?
Of course! Sometimes when it’s a tougher wod I’ll forget the headband, so it flows in the breeze for extra power.
Favorite activities outside of CrossFit?
Kayaking! There’s no other place I’d want to be than on the water. But when there isn’t any water, we’re out skiing, mountain biking, camping…anything outside.
Book or movie?
I love movies, but the book was always better.
Hike or run?
Trail run
Coffee or tea?
Tea
Which cartoon character best represents who you are?
A cross between Animal from the Muppets and Chip from Chip n’ Dale Rescue Rangers.
If you could eliminate one thing from your daily schedule, what would it be and why?
I’m not sure there is one…Maybe shampooing my hair when my hands tear. That sucks.
What’s your pet peeve?
I can’t stand people smoking in their cars…driving in Colorado with my windows down taking in the fresh air and in comes someone’s cigarette smoke. Not awesome.
What’s your motto in life?
Take chances. Do what you love and love what you do.
Congrats Rick! Well deserved brother! Good advice on the 6am class- at some point I’ll be going back to work and may need to join that crowd. I’ll start working on a shiv now! Bummed that your moving on but Steamboat doesn’t suck! Good luck!