Where are you from? What do you do for a living/study? Feel free to add more.
I grew up on a farm near Milford, just west of Lincoln. I’m a retired 5th generation Nebraska farmer. Before returning to the farm I was in the Army National Guard, initially as an enlisted soldier, then completing Officer Candidate School, as well as being Ranger and Airborne qualified. Between 1978 and 1990 I was also in law enforcement, initially as a uniformed police officer, county sheriff’s investigator and state deputy sheriff with the state of Nebraska. Today I am retired and live on the farm where I grew up.
Sports & Conditioning: In high school I played football, wrestled and competed in track, graduating in 1974. I walked on in football at the University of Nebraska for two years, Tom Osbornes 3rd and 4th years as head coach. I was introduced to weightlifting at that time, and continued to lift for several years. After football I continued training through my military requirements and as an Airborne and Ranger officer.
Unfortunately, by the mid 1990’s I had stopped training. Over the next few decades while raising two daughters, I became less active as work, family commitments and life in general seemed to consume my days. By 2005 I had gained twenty five pounds and was settling into a sedentary lifestyle. I took medications for blood pressure and cholesterol, and generally was heading down an unhealthy path.
How did you find out about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?
Ten years ago I started at Lincoln Crossfit in June 2015. By this time I had both knees replaced, as well as a hip. Initially, I was unable to do CrossFit basic exercises like strict pull-ups, overhead squats or toes to bar. However, Phil and the instructors at that time taught me to modify, scale and workouts. Over the next six months I lost twenty pounds, quit taking medications, and saw my fitness level improve tremendously. By my first open in 2016, I finished 8th (scaled) in the 60 year and older class. That year two of us finished in the top ten in our categories from the Lincoln gym, quite an accomplishment and testament to quality of coaching at our Lincoln CrossFit Gym.
The next year, 2017, with encouragement from Phil and the CrossFit coaches at the time, I made it a goal to finish higher in the Open. Ultimately I finished 1st in the 60 and up class (scaled). Three days after the last Open workout (there were 5 then) I had my 2nd hip replaced, making four prosthetics by then (knees and hips). Throughout this time the coaches at CrossFit found ways for me to modify workouts and I only missed one week of CrossFit classes after the hip replacement.
What was the biggest obstacle for you to start?
I had been away from weight training and sports for years and was initially frustrated with my lack of conditioning and strength.
How did you overcome that obstacle?
I came to terms with the fact I wasn’t competing with who I was in my youth, but was competing for my future.
Do you remember your first workout?
It was a 5:00 am class. I believe Phil Kniep was coaching. I was impressed with the encouragement from coaches and the other athletes.
My first workout involved overhead squats, and I was unable to hold a pvc pipe over my head and perform a squat.
Who have your coaches been?
Ten years ago Emily was just becoming a coach. Phil, Paul and several others were coaches then. Our gym has a solid history of promoting new young coaches who help athletes learn about fitness and exercise.
How have they helped you through your first year of CrossFit?
Over the last ten years, our coaches have helped me learn to modify, scale, overcome joint replacements, one shoulder rebuild and dealing with the changes that come with owning a 69 year old body.
Why do you keep coming back to LIncoln Nutrition & Fitness?
I have found my workout home. There is a sense of family and community at our gym that I would miss tremendously. It’s my place.
How do you balance health & fitness with a busy schedule?
Being retired allows me the freedom to set my schedule. I plan much of my week around my CrossFit workouts.
How do you stay so consistent in the gym?
When I miss a day or more at the gym, I feel almost a sense of loss. Every time I complete a workout I feel a sense of accomplishment.
How does CrossFit affect the rest of your life?
Thanks to CrossFit, I am able to hold my own stamina wise. Whether hiking with my twenty something year old daughters, or crank starting my century old antique cars, because of CrossFit I’m able to do most activities, in spite of limitations from my prosthetics..
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln?
I don’t think there is just “one favorite” thing about CrossFit Lincoln. There are the obvious health aspects. The sense of community. The personal relationships. They all combine to make my CrossFit experience satisfying and fulfilling. I’m looking forward to the future with CrossFit Lincoln.
