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Downtown Member Spotlight-Tyler Reed

1/22/2015

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD? I first heard about CrossFit in 2008 at Marine Officer Candidates School, but I started doing it regularly sometime late in 2009 in Quantico, VA. The first WOD that I can remember is a scaled version of Linda with my friend Mike in the Barber gym “functional fitness” area. I liked this new workout experience that pulled from many areas of fitness. I like that it inspired me to research new ideas in nutrition and health.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA? I moved to New Orleans in June of 2014. I started coming here almost immediately. I did my research before the move and remain happy with my decision. Before I moved here I was a coach at Desert Dome CrossFit aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)? 5-6 days a week. I do a powerlifting program, my primary focus, in the morning and the WODs at night. I also go to Strongman on Saturdays.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA? I enjoy the focus and discipline that a strength program demands, and the accomplishment when it comes times to test my progress. I like NOLA specifically because it’s a place that embraces my goals, and I like seeing people chase their own. I love the people, I love the exceedingly positive environment.

Favorite thing about New Orleans? It’s hard to say because I still haven’t gotten to enjoy a Mardi Gras yet. But I love the abundance of festivals. It feels like someone is always celebrating something here. The food is good too.

What accomplishment are you the most proud of? With regards to fitness it’s the first time I deadlifted over 500 pounds. It was the result of focused training over months and months. I was excited about the attempt for the whole week leading up to the lift.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal? District Donuts and a ton of bacon.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? Powerlifting. Outside of fitness I like folk music, traveling, and standup comedy. I also make killer costumes.

What do you do for a living? I’m a Captain in the Marine Corps. Specifically a Communications Officer.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? 315 bench press. I want to have reliable muscle up and handstand walks by the end of the year too.

In the past you have competed in a few local and intragym competitions, why do you compete? Competing is so different from training, and recent competitions have reminded me of that. I hadn’t experienced the thrill of competing since I wrestled in high school. I did some single lift meets early last year, and I loved getting mentally ramped up for a single task. I just can’t replicate that intensity in training.

Do you plan on doing the CrossFit OPEN? I’m on the fence. I’m recovering from a back injury and I want to stay focused on recovering with some other goals in mind. I will at least be there to support everyone else.

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Uptown Member Spotlight....Dotsie Chlup

1/8/2015

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How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?

I heard about CrossFit through a friend/workout buddy from Elmwood Fitness Center. When I decided to check it out, I drove by three times before I actually parked my truck and went in. I met Mollie and signed up for Fundamentals. All I remember is dangling from the garage door opening like a fool, trying to do pullups and being sore for days after my first Fundamentals class.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?

October 2nd or 3rd of 2010. Joliet St!

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?

About 4-5 days...and I go to the 4:30pm WOD Uptown, 5pm Thursday and 10am Saturday Strongman classes.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?

The awesome coaches and members, the atmosphere, and the constantly varied WODs...and now, every other workout is boring. CrossFit spoils you-long gone are the days of plodding away on a dreadmill/elliptical/spin bike for an hour. That’s just absurd now.

Favorite thing about New Orleans?

All the interesting souls who walk the streets..and the architecture.

What accomplishment are you the most proud of?

Well...just coming off the GORUCK Challenge, I’d say it’s one accomplishment I am pretty proud of. Also...losing some weight this year.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

Greek/Lebanese...from any of the local restaurants..Lebanon Cafe, Mona’s, Fatima Cafe, Byblos..

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Belize, and my bulldog Mizza. I volunteer occasionally for a few animal rescue organizations. I like to paint sometimes..and sign up for art classes.

What do you do for a living?

I work for a Medicare Advantage company and currently process appeals and grievances. I just moved into this position from IT-smart move, I am not an IT person at all!

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

I started working on running in the summer, and I am still on that mission...most currently-rope climbs. Julie showed me how fun rope climb (attempts) can be. Thanks, Julie!

You recently competed your first Go Ruck Challenge, tell us about it! Few take-aways?

Yes...yes I did just complete my first GORUCK Challenge, and it was awesome. I am signed up for an event in July and will sign up in July for one in November. There may be a few more in between, but those are definites.

I signed up for the GRC back in July and was pretty psyched about it. I knew it would be hard, I did a little research. Decided to keep it a secret and train for it. In the end, I did very little training for it--I got kinda bored rucking alone. I kept up with the running (if you want to call it running), though. I was totally calm and collected until a few hours before the event, and when I arrived, there was a group of guys standing in a circle with their gear, and I walked up all wide-eyed and freaked out, thought I was going to puke on the spot. They were looking at me curiously and one introduced himself, and I said, “I am so nervous, I might puke.” And they all started to line up and introduce themselves to me, and I instantly felt better. This is pretty much the theme of the event--it’s not about you, it’s about the person/people next to you. Then the Cadre showed. EEEEK. We all lined up in “two lines” and well, let’s just say I was a little confused at first by his version of “two lines.” I got it quickly though, thanks to my new big “brother.” Of course I had to be the one to show up with “extra” bricks, role of duct tape, and a bottled water that wasn’t going to fit in my rucksack. and my new brother got the Cadre’s attention to me (I almost died, I tell you), and I was able to ask him what to do with the extra bricks. That poor guy volunteered to carry the bricks. I was like, greeeeat, these dudes are going to hate me. At this point, the Cadre is looking at me and saying something about not showing up “light or late, so that’s good” and I am like, “uh huh” and staring at him all wide-eyed and freaked out. Then it was on to PT and the “meat” of the event…

Which I won’t tell you much about. You will have to be brave enough to experience it :-) I will say this...I fell in the water when we first got in and were lining up, and I am glad I did, because it kept me smiling and laughing at myself during the second half of the event, when things start to hurt.

To see this group of seventeen pull together as a team and encourage and help each was like nothing I have ever experienced before. It’s one of those things that you just have to experience for yourself. All egos are left behind, all your weaknesses are on display--and no one really cares because they’re going to ensure you complete the task at hand no matter what. Everyone cares about everyone and is “checking in” to offer help and/or encouragement...and just getting it done. No whining, no quitting,acting as one unit, and never leaving anyone behind. You come out of this event with a whole new circle of friends who are just as crazy as you, and an unbreakable bond.

I’ve never been so excited about receiving a patch in my life!! I was on a high for a few days after...and got the itch to sign up for more!

Some questions I’ve gotten:

Why did you do this challenge?

Because I wanted to, it looked fun to me! I like that it’s a TEAM event with no obstacles. You won’t find me jumping over (playing with!) fire and then doing burpees right after. No thanks! I want a course that is going to work WITH ME, not against me.

Why did you choose the long version instead the short one?

Because...why not? Honestly, I didn’t know about the shorter version until after I registered for the event.

How did it feel like being the only girl?

I honestly didn’t think much of it, I was nervous when we first started the event, and then I just fell into the welcome party and PT and just got into a groove. I am used to being in a male dominated environment and I’ve always wanted a brother--I got sixteen that night, and in some cases, for a lifetime. I still had to carry my weight--everyone contributes in this event. No one slacks off--they make it impossible to slack off.

Would you do it again?

YES!!!

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Downtown Member Spotlight-Tyler Reed

Uptown Member Spotlight....Dotsie Chlup

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