Members spotlight...Vincent Delvin (downtown), Evan Mactavish (Uptown), and Cathy Ton (midcity)

These three are being spotlighted together as they have all just finished the 2015 CROSSFIT OPEN!!!

VINCENT DELVIN

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
A friend of mine started to Crossfit back in NYC. I hadn't seem him in a couple months and it got him into crazy shape really quickly. I decided I had to check it out. I went to a free class in the winter of 2013 at Crossfit 718 in Park Slope, Brooklyn and we did a modified version of Fight Gone Bad. It kicked me on my ass; I knew I had to at least try this.

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
I first came to Crossfit NOLA in the summer of 2013. I was a visiting medical student doing a fourth year elective at Children's Hospital and I happened to be subletting a place right near the MidCity location. I met Liz and signed up for the month I was here. I was fairly new to Crossfit at the time and it was August in NOLA. I loved the atmosphere at the box and made it there nearly every day despite the heat and humidity. When I returned to NOLA to start residency in June 2014 I knew I had to come back to CF NOLA.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I usually do 2-3 WODs a week, typically in the afternoon and almost always downtown since I can walk there. I have also started occasionally going to Strongman class in MidCity, if you haven't checked it out you should.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I love Crossfit because as soon as you get comfortable you realize how much more you really have to grow. The people at the box are good people that help motivate each other, it's also a pretty relaxed atmosphere as far as CF boxes go which I really like. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
This is the smallest city I've ever lived in, but it has lots of the trappings of a much larger place. I love how I can go out for a great meal and run into people I know. Also, everyone is so friendly here.


What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
I just completed my first muscle up for 15.3; it was a LONG time coming.

Outside the gym the biggest accomplishment of my past year has to be finishing medical school and starting residency; it also has been a LONG time coming.


After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I eat a lot of chicken/pork and veggies (usually broccoli) with tons of hot sauce. If I'm having a cheat meal probably some Vietnamese or Korean food, also Lilly's is walkable from the downtown location so ...

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I run nearly every Wednesday with Happy's Running Club. I also like to run up and down St. Charles street. I recently have gotten back into Bikram yoga so we shall see how that mixes with my Crossfit training. I love to travel anywhere and I also love to spend time with my nieces and nephews. Nothing beats a day on the beach with a good book and a cold drink!

What do you do for a living?
I am a pediatric resident for LSU at Children's Hospital. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I would like to run another marathon within the next year


Is this your first year doing the CF OPEN? What have you learned or what do you hope to get get out of the next 2 weeks of competition?
I have previously participated in some of the open workouts but never in an official capacity. This is my first year actually signing up and trying to do all the workouts. I love the atmosphere at the gym with the heats and Jeff giving positive reinforcement to everyone. I've learned that I can do a muscle up and I've learned some of my limits on other movements from the first two workouts. I hope the next two weeks will be lots of fun!

EVAN MACTAVISH

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience/WOD?
I heard about Crossfit back in 2010 while living in Boston. I was tied into a Globo Gym contract, but did an intro class. After that, I knew my days of bicep curls and lat pulldowns were numbered.    

When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
November 2012, almost immediately after moving to New Orleans. I read reviews and found Crossfit NOLA was the best around. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made athletically. 

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
I’m a solid supporter of the Uptown noon class. As Coach Brad says, “We’re a little older, and more chill.”  


What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
I enjoy the peer pressure aspect of a WOD: I look around and see people pushing themselves as hard as possible, and that keeps me engaged. I keep coming back not only for the self-accountability, but for the relationships and progress we’ve all collectively made. 

Favorite thing about New Orleans?
There’s a lot to love, but there’s nothing like a good Jazz Fest day. 

What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? 
I’m proud I’ve gotten exponentially better at double-unders. Not only does it feel great stringing together a set, but the reduction of marks on my arms from missing is also nice. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
I don’t have a set meal, but I enjoy a tall glass of milk. Whenever possible, I enjoy a Company Burger. 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I like foreign travel, shopping for antiques with my girlfriend Sara, playing ball with my dog Ernie, and populating my newly created Instagram account with whimsical, artsy photos


What do you do for a living?
I’m transitioning to something new. I’ll keep you all posted - I know you’ll be excited to know what I find. Everyone can feel free to creep on my LinkedIn page. 

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Muscle ups! Thanks 15.3, challenge accepted. 

Is this your first year doing the CF OPEN? What have you learned or what do you hope to get get out of the next 2 weeks of competition?
This is my second year, and it’s been great seeing progress over last year. If you had asked last week, it was to go RX throughout the open. This week, I’d like to just beat Zack Harvey. 

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

I discovered CFNOLA through a couple of mutual friends. I tried the free Saturday class with Eric at uptown and was hooked immediately.


When did you first come to CrossFit NOLA?
May 2013


How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally take (times and specialties)?
5 days a week. This year I am focusing on Olympic Lifting and gymnastics. Also love Strongman!!


What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit NOLA?
My kids are the ones who drive me to the gym. I want to stay physically and mentally healthy for them so many years down the road. Also, the comraderie in the gym, the wonderful trainers who are all so supportive and the competitive drive to be stronger keeps me coming back for more!


Favorite thing about New Orleans?
Family, friends, food, culture


What  accomplishment are you the most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Inside the gym, finally getting a kipping pull-up and HSPU!!! Outside the gym, proud and thankful to have a healthy, beautiful family.

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?
Rib eye steak and 3 fried eggs over easy with mashed cauliflower

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Biking with the family, cooking paleo dishes that none of my family eats 


What do you do for a living?
Job 1: Manager to Catty Car Corner

Job 2: full-time mom and wife

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Stringing kipping pull-ups. Clean and jerk 155lbs. Snatch 135lb. 


Is this your first year doing the CF OPEN? What have you learned or what do you hope to get get out of the next 2 weeks of competition?
Yes, first year for the Open. It is definitely a competitive event, even if I'm scaled! I've figured out my weaknesses through the Open, but now have more goals to work on in hopes to do better next year. I looked forward, yet dread, the last 2 events hoping to finish with a decent number for both myself and Crossfit NOLA

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