October 2016--Carlyle Williams

Carlyle Williams—October 2016 Athlete of the Month

1.Tell us about yourself, your family, your occupation, hobbies/interests.
I have been living in St. Mary’s since 1991 with my wonderful wife and children. I have been practicing Optometry for 30 years.  My hobbies include camping with the children and viticulture.

2. When do you start CrossFitting? Why did you start? Why do you continue now?
I started with CF about 3 ½ years ago by invitation and was definitely in the mood to try something other than long distance/endurance biking/swimming/ running to help in physical fitness.

3. Do you remember your first WOD? What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
No, but I remember its effect and that it involved moving loads.  I remember thinking how could I have failed so miserably in keeping up with the group seeing how I was “in shape” already. I distinctly recall trouble with getting enough air and why aren’t my lungs functioning properly?

4. What do you enjoy most about CrossFit?
Mostly its scientific rigor and metrics, but also for the intensity/competitiveness/and high return on investment for the “workout minute” that only a CF WOD can produce.

5. What is your proudest CrossFit moment?
On my last half marathon in KC there was this lone fan out on the course holding up a sign that read “FREE BURPEES” so I shouted out as I passed by him, “Crossfitter right?” and he gave a thumbs up.  I thought to myself, I’m running this silly thing and didn’t even train for it other than my CF days.  I had my best time ever.

6. What is your favorite movement or lift? What is your least favorite?
The Thruster, it’s one heck of an all around fitness tool.  The OHS...we don’t get along very well.

7. Have you had one or two challenging CrossFit goals that you've achieved recently? What are your current goals and how close are you to reaching them?
I would like to get a Bar muscle up accomplished; I’m getting close.

8. What makes CrossFit different from other fitness programs that you might have tried in the past?  It best mimics sport and life and does so in an atmosphere of a team sport where camaraderie/competitiveness are key to success.

9. What impact has CrossFit Benedictus had on your life, in and out of the gym? It has given a sense of well being and better flexibility. And, I’ve met a lot of really neat folks.

10. Tell us about your nutrition and how it has changed, if any, since starting CrossFit?
I have slowly weaned myself off the simple carbs and junk food and moved more toward a Paleo diet as much as possible.

11. If you could write a WOD for the classes to do, what would it look like?
Swim 400M, Run 800M, Bike 1600M, FT, then polish up the barbells and clean the bumpers for cash out.

12. What advice do you have for others about the importance of the dedication of taking care of yourself, of investing in yourself? As the proverb goes, Charity begins at home...if you don’t make an effort to behave physically by maintaining good conditioning how are you going to help others with whom you live and work?

13. What advice would you give to someone new to CrossFit or who is thinking about giving it a try?  A try means 6 months! Minimum. You’ve got to be committed to getting through purgatory before reaping the rewards.  If you sign on, just stick it out!

14. Open Forum: One final note: Over the years one galvanizing observation I have made is that those who are serious and follow the coach’s instruction in executing proper form will get better and better in function and to paraphrase, be able to do more, move more, lift more over various time intervals and movements without serious injury.  It’s been inspiring to see CFB boxers work hard and improve their overall fitness and more importantly making it a habit, and one worth cultivating.