Congratulations to Jason Cook from Printers Row, and Megan Currier from Union Station, our May 2015 Athlete’s of the Month!
These two members are engaged and active in The Foundry community: they attend workouts regularly, participate in gym and social events, and just generally boost the sense of awesome at the gym! You’re guaranteed to see their faces at least 3-4 times a week in class, and it’s always with a warm smile and great attitude towards themselves, fellow athletes, new members, and visitors. Regardless of what the workout is, you can count on them to work hard no matter what, and to push themselves and others to be better all the time.
At Printers Row, Jason comes to class every day and makes steady progress towards his goals. He diligently does the supplemental work given to him by his coaches in order to make gains and avoid injury. He knows his body’s limits but also knows when to push harder in a workout. Jason’s wife, Grace, is also an active member in The Foundry community.
Over at Union Station, Megan has established herself as a leader in the community. She’s helped in the organization of a RAGNAR team to represent The Foundry in June, and has participated in the past few Trodo Games. Megan always gives it her all in class and welcomes help/coaching. She usually stays after class to socialize, mobilize, or do accessory skill work as well.
Jason and Megan both exhibit some excellent qualities we look for in a Member Spotlight: attendance, hard work, and engagement in the community. Take a few minutes to get to know them better by reading their “Member Spotlights” below!
Get to Know Jason Cook
Member Spotlight May 2015
Age: 37
Occupation: Business Planning at HERE Maps
In general, what is your background?
After growing up in West Michigan, I ventured off to college at Michigan State University, where I completed a bachelor’s degree, began working in the East Lansing area, and then returned to MSU for my MBA. In 2006, I moved to Chicago and worked in various IT project management and business analysis roles.
In 2008, on a trip to New York, I met Grace; we were married in 2010. Since then, we have been either working out at The Foundry, planning our next meal out, or imagining a way to fill another page in our passports.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story?
I signed up for Foundations (along with Grace) on January 1, 2014. Prior to joining The Foundry, I had spent three years in a year-around outdoor bootcamp in Lincoln Park. The program introduced me to CrossFit and helped me gain the confidence to join The Foundry.
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry?
At 37, I’m in the best shape of my life. Coaches at The Foundry are some of the best around. Getting to the workout is a highlight of my day.
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)?
I would like to continue to improve my level of fitness and gain confidence on moving more weight efficiently.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)?
Maintain fitness and health so that I can enjoy life to the fullest.
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far?
Joining The Foundry and seeing improvements I’ve made over the past 15 months have been a great accomplishment for me. As for a specific movement: double-unders: it took a long time, but they are coming along.
What is your favorite movement?
Cleans are a favorite. Prior to CrossFitting, I didn’t have any significant lifting experience.
What’s your least favorite movement?
Any overhead movement – but I’m working on improving here.
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout?
I do like a challenging METCON. Chipper workouts are good motivation for me.
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you?
When I see overhead squats or handstand push-ups, I know I’m in for a difficult day… but I do keep trying to improve flexibility and strength in this area.
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage?
A lot of water and a vegetable/fruit snack while I’m making dinner. Sometimes a beer.
What is your favorite movie?
The Royal Tenenbaums
What is your favorite book?
I read a lot of news, so when I do pick up a book, it needs to be something fun. David Sedaris is one of the few authors who can help me laugh my way through a flight delay, so I’ll choose his book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames.
You get to choose the music your class listens to this month! What is your favorite style of music, or who is your favorite musical artist?
I do enjoy a lot of different music generally. For workouts, I choose rap/hip-hop: A Tribe Called Quest, Biggie or Drake will all work very well.
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by?
“Work to live (and not live to work).”
What is your spirit animal and why?
A sloth. That’s how I feel in the morning before coffee, especially when trying to get up for the 9 a.m. workout on Saturday. I prefer the evening workouts.
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about…
I’m passionate about traveling and experiencing a day in the life of a person in a different place.
Get to Know Megan Currier
Member Spotlight May, 2015
Age: 23
Occupation: Category Manager – Ingredients at Tyson Foods
In general, what is your background? Born, raised and went to college in New Hampshire. Competitive ski racer and played Rugby in college.
How long have you been a member at The Foundry? What is your CrossFit story? I have been a member for just over a year – started when Union Station first opened. I found crossfit after college when I was looking for a competitive outlet for myself.
How has The Foundry changed your life/lifestyle/level of fitness? What do you like most about The Foundry? I have always worked out and played sports, The Foundry improved my overall strength and endurance and influenced a diet to support my fitness goals. I love the sense of community. I was brand new to the city when I joined the Foundry and have made some of my best friends there.
What are your short term goals (gym or personal)? Get a damn muscle up.
What are your long term goals (gym or personal)? Enter into a larger competition (Ex. Granite Games) and complete a Half Iron Man Triathlon
What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment thus far? Once I get a muscle up that will for sure be my proudest accomplishment. Until then – mastering strict pull ups was pretty exciting for me.
What is your favorite movement? Anything with Kettlebells
What’s your least favorite movement? Full Squat Snatch
What is your favorite WOD or type of workout? Running + Weighted movement combo
What WOD or type of workout would you rather avoid but you know is good for you? Anything with a heavier Snatch and/or overhead squat
What is your go-to post-WOD meal/snack/beverage? Kill Cliff Tasty!
What is your favorite movie? The Rocky Series
What is your favorite book? Too many to count! A recent favorite is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
You get to choose the music your class listens to this month! What is your favorite style of music, or who is your favorite musical artist? For the lifting portion – 2000 hip hop Pandora is a good go to. Metcons – anything fast paced (I’m a fan of all the current stations we play so not much to change here!)
Do you have a favorite quote or words to live by? It is a quote from my running days but I think it is a great one and can relate to crossfit as well. I have it taped to my desk at work.
“If there’s one thing we runners do, it’s endure. We endure through long runs and hard workouts, weeks of bad weather, and days of low energy. We do what it takes to see things through to the end. We can achieve amazing things in the rest of our lives by practicing that virtue in our non-running endeavors.”
And another favorite taped to the desk…
“…if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody….”
What is your spirit animal and why? Jaguar (long story short a lady did a spiritual ritual on me to discover my spirit animal and it was a Jaguar). They are also one of my favorite animals. Strong, Fast, Humble, Beautiful and all around Bad Ass. What isn’t there to like?!?!
Finish this sentence. I’m passionate about…my family, the outdoors/fitness, my career and pints of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream