If you haven’t had the chance to take a class with Dan yet, you are missing out. He brings a positive energy to the 6am group, and you know when he walks in the door, he is ready to have fun and work hard. Coaches describe him as consistent, dedicated, and coachable. All three of these things has led to steady progress over his time at Crossfit Lincoln. Not only does he work hard in the gym, but he’s also the kind of guy you’d want to grab a coffee with after. He’s an all-around good dude and we are glad his journey brought him to our space.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do for a living/study? Feel free to add more. I’m originally from Minnesota, where I met my wife, Kristin, in college. We moved to Washington, D.C. so she could attend grad school, and I pursued my dream of working in the coffee industry. After she graduated, we relocated to Lincoln to be closer to family. We have two daughters—Anna (8) and Tali (4)—who keep us busy, along with our two dogs, Millie and Mae. I currently manage a sales team at a software company that serves independent insurance agents
How did you find out about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?
My interest in trying CrossFit drew me to google where to find a gym.
What was the biggest obstacle for you to start?
My biggest fear was that many of the movements would be beyond my abilities
and I might hurt myself. At the time, I didn’t know scaling the exercises was an
option.
How did you overcome that obstacle?
I had been doing a different style of group fitness class that I no longer found
challenging. I decided that if I wanted to be challenged again, I should do something
that scared me a little.
Do you remember your first workout?
I don’t remember my first group class workout, but I do remember in one of my
foundations sessions with Emily, she asked me how comfortable I was kicking up to the
wall and I’d wondered what I got myself into.
Who have your coaches been? How have they helped you through your first year of
CrossFit?
As a 6am regular, the coaches I’ve had the most are Derek and Erin. Derek brings great
energy and can always give me that boost to try and push myself. Erin is such a
thoughtful coach. She has a way of giving me just enough to focus on for the day. I know
that if I just follow her guidance, it’s building towards me getting better.
Why do you keep coming back to Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?
Two things keep me coming back: the people and the challenge.
The coaches are clearly dedicated to helping us improve every day, and I enjoy working
out alongside others who support me and laugh with me. As for the challenge, there are so many movements I still need to work on—and always will. I like knowing there is always something I could be working on and mastery is likely impossible.
How do you balance health & fitness with a busy schedule? How do you stay so
consistent in the gym?
I have to get it in before anyone else needs me. I feel so much better mentally and
physically when working out is the first thing I do.
How does CrossFit help you with your job? How does CrossFit affect the rest of your
life?
It wakes me up and gives me a mental clarity I can carry through the rest of my day. It
also starts the day off on the right foot where I feel like I have accomplished something.
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln?
The community. It’s inspiring to be around people who show up consistently and push
themselves on a daily basis. People are as kind as they are helpful. It’s evident everyone
is invested in their own progress as well as showing up for others.
