Athlete of the Month – March 2016 – Sarah Allgood

First and foremost, I am so honored to be nominated for Athlete of the Month!  Where do I begin?  Before joining Beaverton CrossFit I was your average globo gym member, I would get in my 30-45 minutes of cardio and occasional strength training.  I became bored of my fitness routine and needed a change that would both motivate me and give me the results I desired – enter Beaverton Crossfit.

Although I joined BCF in November 2011 I would say I didn’t become truly dedicated until June 2012.  At that point I decided to commit to training 3-4 days a week, and I immediately began to see improvement in my athletic performance.  Once I began regularly attending Olympic Lifting classes I also saw my lifts improve and I became more comfortable with these complex movements.  To say the least, I was hooked on BCF!  Of course the reason I kept coming back was because of the awesome people and the amazing coaches, seriously we have such an amazing community.

In March 2015 I had a new goal, which was to continue CrossFit through my entire pregnancy.  I still remember telling Mike once I found out I was expecting, he immediately gave me a high five, and let me know that we would make a plan to modify the workouts as needed.  All of the coaches were so helpful while I navigated this new terrain, especially the lovely Dawna.  It really shouldn’t have surprised me that my water broke mid-workout, but I knew that I was physically prepared thanks to Crossfit.  My c-section recovery was definitely easier because of Crossfit, and I couldn’t wait to get back to the gym just to move.

Every single athlete at BCF is an inspiration, and I love the fact that we can cheer each other on to push just a bit further every day.  The 4:30 and 5:30 class are always filled with a great group of athletes and I thank you all for pushing me, especially Book Club!  In 2016 I look forward to setting some new PRs and maybe even getting a bar muscle-up :  )

– Sarah 

Athlete of the Month – February 2016 – Jonathan Bermuda

Where were you in your fitness journey before BCF and where are you now?
Before BCF, I went to the gym 5-7 days, did your typical workouts, bench press, squats, arms and some cardio. Though I worked hard, I was frustrated and didn’t understand why I wasn’t getting the results I wanted. I wasn’t getting stronger, wasn’t toning up, I was still just average and didn’t feel confident to take my shirt off.

Now after a year of BCF, not only am I stronger but I’m able to do things I couldn’t do before; toes-to-bar, high volume pull-ups, rope climbs, and a heavy ass Deadlift. Lol. I’m more confident not only in the gym and with my abilities but also outside the gym with myself and my appearance. I’m closer than I’ve ever been to achieving my fitness goals. Like Mike always says you just need to come every day, practice, put in the work and it will happen.

What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My fitness goals have always been to get six pack abs and feel comfortable taking my shirt off. I’ve tried and failed since I was 30, I’ve always made that a goal of mine to achieve before my next birthday. Now approaching 35, in May, I have finally gotten the six pack I always wanted, and I got them before the deadline. My next fitness goals are to get muscle-ups, double-unders, and a 400lbs deadlift.

What about BCF makes you keep coming back?
Motivation, confidence, support and genuine kindness/welcoming I receive from everyone. Definitely love coming and feeling the camaraderie and support from all athletes and coaches. Though the workouts are sometimes ugly they are totally worth it, and without BCF I’d never do nor attempt some of the movements.

What is your favorite part of being a member at BCF?
Feeling welcomed, accepted and part of a team. Along my fitness journey, being vegan, I’ve been told by trainers and other CrossFit gyms, that not only would I not gain muscle but was made to feel inferior for being vegan and that ultimately I would fail. At BCF I’ve never felt inferior nor un-welcomed and being vegan has never been an issue or an excuse towards my abilities. Quite the contrary it’s a non-issue as it should be. I’m always greeted with a smile and always feel welcomed and part of the team/community.

When/what was your “ah ha!” moment?
There has been several “ah ha” moments but the one that stands out the most is when I saw “leg less rope climbs” immediately I laughed and told myself it was impossible. Not only was I able to do it, but I was able to do two of them in a row. I remember realizing that day, that moment, I’m stronger than I give myself credit. Also not to doubt my abilities but rather to always try no matter the outcome.

Does anyone at the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Most definitely, everyone inspires me both fellow athletes and the coaches. Their determination, will power and competitiveness to improve keeps me wanting to lift heavier and move faster. The coaches know and push me to lift more weight, than I think I’m able to do, I’m surprised every time that not only am I able to do the lift but that I’m stronger than I think. Without them and the athletes I’d still be at the gym lifting the same weight and wondering why I’m not stronger.

– Jonathan

Athlete of the Month – January 2016 – Molly Williams

Over 11 yrs ago I decided to make a lifestyle change and cut out soda and fast food.  Within a short period of time I lost 50lbs, felt amazing, and never wanted to look back. I knew it would take a lot of hard work but I was determined to stick with it and keep the weight off. I started working with a dear friend of mine on changing the way I ate and began personal training sessions with her at the gym to help maintain what I had achieved. With her help, I was able to keep the weight off and stay healthy, but over the years the gym became less and less appealing and I needed something new.

When I joined BCF a little over a year and a half ago, my goals were to stay in shape and again maintain what I had achieved. At that time, I hadn’t set any goals and wasn’t thinking about PR’s, Rx’ing WODs, or getting a pull-up, I was just looking for something different. I still gave each WOD my all and hit multiple PR’s during strength cycles. It wasn’t until I did my first completion this past Oct. that I had my “ah-ha” moment and I realize I had been holding back and had more in me than I knew. Since then I have pushed myself harder in many ways and set goals, achieving several of them in last few months (Rx’ing WODS, PR’d my OHS, and getting a pull up). Now to try and get those DU’s!!! I started Isagenix in November, love the results and feel this has played a major role in my performance the past few months.

What has kept me coming back to BCF, and one of my favorite parts of being a BCF member, is the environment in which everyone is willing to help one another out and treat everyone as family. You always walk in the box to a smile, a “hey how are you” or you may walk in at the wrong time to a Dirty 6:30 conversation!!  Also, the endless amount of help and time the coaches will spend with you on a movement or skill, without any hesitation, to help you master it. Though many people at the box inspire me, I would have to say the ones that inspire me the most are the 6:30 gang and the coaches. I love that we can have fun, add in our dirty comments, and have the rap music blaring, but still give it our all when the clock starts, encouraging each other before during and after each WOD.

I am beyond grateful to be the Athlete of the Month knowing how many other great athletes there are at the box. Without the encouraging support of my BCF family I would not be where I am today in the CrossFit sport!

-Molly 

Athlete of the Month – December 2015 – Matthew Zola

I came to BCF a little over a year and a half ago in what I thought was the worst shape of my life (that’s not saying much considering I was only 14). I remember doing onboarding with Marcus and getting dizzy during a five minute kettlebell and rowing workout – boy it’s crazy how far I’ve come since then! Over the next year I was in the Teen Barbell class, working with all of the coaches at BCF at that time, including Marcus, Christian, Shay and then finally Drew and Chad. All of them were amazing coaches, but once I started working with Chad, I can’t tell you how fast my strength started improving. I remember finally hitting a 200 pound deadlift in December of 2014, yet a mere 10 months later I managed to increase by 100 pounds and hit a 300 pound deadlift!In August of this year, as the Teen Barbell class finished up for the summer, I decided to start coming to the regular CrossFit classes, and I have not looked back since. It has been a huge mental boost knowing that I can keep up with the adult class, especially considering how un-athletic I had been as a child. From two days a week and begging my grandma to drive me to the gym to my current four days a week, I have learned to maximize the time I have in the gym and give everything my best effort. Thank you to all of the coaches at BCF (Mike, Christine, Chad, Dawna, Sasha, Drew and Rich) for all of your support throughout my training.  BCF is truly the best place in Portland to reach your fitness goals and have fun while doing it!

-Matt

Athlete of the Month – November 2015 – Deb Reser

Where were you in your fitness journey before BCF and where are you now?
Wow, what a surprise to be picked as November’s athlete. Every member puts in so much effort and dedication that I am truly honored.
In my pre-BCF life I had always done some form of exercise. I was your basic gym rat. Ran on the treadmill, tried to look like I knew what I was doing on the weight machines, not free weight…had no clue what to do with them! Dived into training for one Portland marathon (ya gotta do it once), a number of 1/2 marathons, PDX to Coast, Cycle Oregon. I did pretty much anything that would keep me moving.

What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
When I started at BCF 5.5 years ago I believe I wrote on the form “Fit At Fifty”. I was really looking for a quick fix to speed up my weight loss. After my first workout, 100 thrusters with a bar, my goal changed. I wanted to be able to sit again so I knew I had to come back and do more and keep moving. I have NEVER regretted that decision. Now my life long goal is to “Be Fit Every Day Forever”.

What about BCF makes you keep coming back?
Everything and Everybody. I love the challenge of trying to keep up with the 60 and younger crowd. I adore all the coaches (Mike, Christine, Dawna, Chad, Drew). Sorry Sasha, I haven’t meet you yet, but I hear your fantastic! The box is my safe place, my stress reliever, my daily social hour. Any day at work turns into a great day at the box.

What is your favorite part of being a member at BCF?
The athlete’s, the coaches. Every part put together that makes it feel like family. The friendships that have developed and are cherished. The desire to push and encourage everyone at all levels. The feeling of success when done.

When/what was your “ah ha!” moment?
The day I stepped into the old box, looked at everyone having fun while working out and committing to making BCF my new gym. Oh, and being able to do handstand push ups!!! I love them.

Does anyone the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Every athlete with the dedication and determination. All the coaches for the excellent skill set they bring and the expertise they share. And of course, my partner in crime at the 4:30 class, Karol Anderson! Such an amazing woman. And she’s been rocking it with PR’s!

Athlete of the Month – October 2015 – Louie Labonte

Louie

Where were you in your fitness journey before BCF and where are you now?
First, I am really humbled to be chosen this month’s athlete – there are so many great athletes here at BCF, so thank you! Before I started with BCF, I was doing old-school weight training four times per week (you know, chest, back and shoulders one day, followed by arms and legs the next) and cardio two to three times per week, but I wasn’t seeing any results and I was getting bored.

What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them?
My main goal was to become more physically fit. I definitely have achieved that, and I continue to see improvements today. Now I’m working to improve on some of the more difficult movements, at least for me, like overhead squats, HSPUs and DUs, and to get stronger overall. My ultimate goal is to be able to do all workouts Rx which, for now, doesn’t happen too often.

What about BCF makes you keep coming back?
Mike’s playlist keeps me coming back! Who doesn’t like to work out to a little AC/DC and Van Halen? But seriously, the other athletes and our great coaches are what keep me coming back. Without their help and support, I wouldn’t have achieved what I have achieved so far. And, honestly, at almost 54 years old, I feel better than I have in my whole life – that’s definitely worth coming back for more!

What is your favorite part of being a member at BCF?
The sense of family is my favorite part of being a member at BCF. I think the encouragement from the other members and coaches has really helped me on my path to better fitness.

When/what was your “ah ha!” moment?
I would say my “ah ha” moment was about a month after I started with BCF. The changes I saw in my body, mostly fat loss, were amazing to me since I’d only been at BCF for a short period of time – especially after years of the weight training and cardio regimen that yielded little results.

Does anyone the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?
Everyone at BCF inspires me – some people are coming off of an injury or an illness, others have busy lives with active children (I remember those days), but they keep showing up and working hard – it inspires me every day. Thanks to Mike, Chad, Dawna, Drew and Sasha for all of the help with my lifting techniques, with a special thanks to Chad for his tireless help with my overhead squats on Thursday mornings. Who hasn’t been in a class with me and heard Mike say, “a little deeper on those squats, Louie”! I think I’m starting to get there…

 

Mike’s thoughts on Louie…

Louie ….what can you say about the man, the myth, the legend?

Louie started at BCF in July of 2014 and has seen nothing but GAINZ ever since. You can pick Louie out pretty easy as he is always smiling and is a super nice guy.

Some things you may not know about Louie….he’s a big hockey fan, one of my favorite sports. (favorite team is Chicago Blackhawks) He is very funny, his wife Penny and daughter Lindsay also train at BCF. He’s very consistent with his training….hence…GAINZ!!

Louie hits it hard each and every time he’s in the box and this is what it takes to improve. Louie continues to strive to be better and get stronger, fitter and faster.

Some gains Louie has made ….50# add to deadlift , 40-50# add to back squat , 20#+ add to shoulder press. Not bad at all. Moving forward and getting better every day.

Louie is always fun to have in class and i look forward to his morning wit each day. Be sure to say Hi to him and congrats on being Athlete of the Month.

-Mike

Athlete of the Month – September 2015 – Chantell Fukumae

Chantell 

I started BCF towards the latter end of November 2014. Through constant periods of transitioning moving from Hawaii to Oregon, then to California and back to Oregon again; I knew it was time to establish myself in all regards which consisted of my career and health goals. I also wanted to find a place where I could meet like-minded people who were striving for balance and a better sense of self.

As a result, almost one year later, I feel that I have achieved all that I sought out to and more. I found a second home in BCF with my usual “Get Dirty with Team 6:30” class, as well as, other peers from other classes. There is no sense of divide among the varying caliber of the athletes that walk in the doors of BCF, just a sense of mutual understanding that we are all there for one thing… to be better than we were the day before.

Thanks to BCF I have found a place of solace that despite all other happenings in my life, for one hour, it’s ‘me’ time. If you were to ask who inspires me, it would be the dirty 6:30 crew and favored coach, Dawna Graham. Sometimes when I drag my feet to get to class, it’s knowing that I get to spend time with that crazy, no-filtered and highly motivated (sarcasm) group of people. And with that, I couldn’t be happier. Thank you BCF.

Dawna’s thoughts on Chantell…
Congratulations to Chantell on being BCF’s Athlete of the Month for September. Chantell is a regular at the 6:30pm class but is known to make an appearance at 5:30am as well.

They say you always have to watch out for the quiet ones and Chantell certainly fits into that category. She was already a member when I started coaching at BCF so I don’t have the “I remember when she started” stories, but what I do remember about Chantell was she usually set up her equipment in the back corner, sometimes even outside, never intentionally drawing attention to herself. But it’s hard not to notice when someone is working hard, perfecting her form, and getting stronger, faster, and more efficient every month. The last strength cycle Chantell hit PRs on all of her lifts – deadlift, front squat, and bench press. It’s not even the fact that she had so many PRs that impressed me, but that she just quietly went about her business during the training cycle, showing up consistently, working hard, asking a question here and there, taking coaching, and then come test days – killing it. She is such a powerful rower as well. I watched her splits on the last two capacity tests and was blown away at how much power her small frame could generate. Chantell has been working towards her strict pull-ups and now has a few. Her determination is contagious and makes everyone around her want to better themselves. Chantell – We love your smile, your sunny disposition and strong work ethic. Thanks for being part of the BCF community. And thank you for bringing a sense of calm to that crazy 6:30 class. 😉

-Dawna

 

Athlete of the Month – June 2015 – Delia Grenville

My goals are to keep showing up.   And, to do a pull-up.    I like to keep what’s ahead of me simple.  So, I can keep showing up.

My BCF experience: Sometimes I would stare so hard at Mike or whoever was coaching that I would be afraid that I was going to be arrested. But, trying to process the words and co-ordinate the movements, was a lot for me.   I came up with a lot strategies: 1) have partner that you can learn with, 2) be by yourself then you can learn without slowing people down, or, 3) stand behind a methodical person.  Ha! You probably don’t know who you are, methodical people, but I do.  I would stand a safe distance behind you and then copy your moves and your rhythm, down to the pre-stretch and prep you do before the movement.  Quietly acting like all I was doing was listening to the music. That went on for months, while trying to learn new names, really enjoying the music, remembering to bring my towel, my water, go to the bathroom, and trying to get class before my notorious “5-minutes-late-right-on-time” reputation.

Crossfit is an amazing transformation if you can let it be that for you. It will change your standards for what is normal and how you want to live your life. My sister had gone the year before so her gung-ho enthusiasm also tempered my belief with “she always loves her fitness place and at the end they practically want to hire her.” But, what you at BCF don’t know is that I would show up in Beaverton, Oregon and I would have the same stories as Nyon, Switzerland.  Stories of a place, where people spoke to you, where they knew your name, where they greeted you. Classes where they helped you put away your equipment, where they waited for you to finish and cheered you on and counted for you to get done.   Coaches who held your hand as you boxed jumped 6” because somewhere in your growing up, you forgot how to jump up onto something.  The same stories of CrossFit as a place where they celebrated your 400m time, your first clean, your squat with no pole and no pain. Sometimes because adult life can be like that “the CrossFit people” would be the only people that I would talk to between everyone leaving for work and school and then coming home again.

Now, this isn’t to make anyone sad.  It’s just that don’t ever get it twisted about what the coaches and we at the box do, is just about fitness.  It’s about transforming yourself into an athlete and that is as much mental and spiritual as it is physical.   You, the athlete-in-the-making, have to feel comfortable, and cared for to do everything that you will have to do to make your journey happen.   You gotta be okay with failing, sweating, forgetting, relearning, paining (is that a verb?) and you gotta be okay with not reaching your goal, to do the work to reach your goals.  In my case, because if I am going fix something, as my husband Kevin Putnam would tell you, I am going to really fix it. This meant working with Rich, going to acupuncture, taking Alexander Lessons, working with chiropractor, finding trainer to work on weak muscles and changing my nutrition, reading about fitness, etc.  I’m nutty that way.

I am truly honored to be the athlete of the month.  It was a hard thing to reconcile when I got the email.  For the longest while, I didn’t know what story to share but I asked Chad for advice and he said write from the heart (Chad smile, Chad hint of LA drawl).

In the end, all I did is what Mike told me to do when I started on July 5th 2013.  I lingered a bit at the end of the trial class at his office door. I remember that he typed into the computer as I asked if I could actually do “this” and get results.  Mike looked up and he said,  “Show up.  Just show up.  Most new people don’t do that.  We’ll help you with the rest.”  And, so I did.

PS. I would like to thank all the awesome co-atheletes that helped me continue to figure this out.  List of names to long to mention.

– Delia 

Athlete of the Month – May 2015 – Alex Matsuda

My name is Alex Matsuda. I’m 12 years old (13 in July!) I’m a 7th grader at Stoller middle school. I play baseball on the senior federal team for JBO. I am a 2nd degree black belt in taekwondo and have 1 year left until I earn my 3rd degree. I started my experience with BCF 5 years ago when I participated in Wishing On a WOD with my mom and have every year since.

My favorite part in between, has been playing hooverball in the summer. It is SO fun. Mike lets me be on his team. This last fall I found I needed an outlet of stronger exercise in my life. So my mom signed me up and I started on-boarding with Chad. He has and continues to teach me a lot. He makes me laugh and have fun watching him dance. I’ve learned that getting up at 5 am is worth the payoff over an extra hour of sleep. I feel sharper in school, especially on test days, and much more confident. This is what keeps me coming back.

Everyone associated with BCF has been so supportive of me and my development. I feel like I’m really part of something special. All of my coaches and the people in class I appreciate how they have supported me to improve myself and further my growth as an athlete and a person. Since starting last fall I feel more confident and stronger in everything I do. I have lots to do yet to improve on. Deadlifts are my favorite lift right now. Double-unders is a big goal right now as 4 is my best so far.

Athlete of the Month – April 2015 – Miki Hipp

Where were you in your fitness journey before BCF and where are you now? 

Before CrossFit I was struggling with staying active because I hated the gym. I hated the atmosphere; I hated putting in my head phones and zoning out for an hour all by myself, moving in and out of people doing the same thing, no one ever talking, no joking, no real fun. When I first started at BCF I had been doing CrossFit for about a year. I went to another box that didn’t have very many women and wasn’t too competitive. I’d say my strength and skill showed that. When starting CrossFit in general, I was hooked. I loved the weights, the measurable results, the interaction with people, everything. With the encouragement and competition at BCF I’m going farther than I ever thought possible for myself. My fitness is on a completely different level than it has ever been. I love it.

What were your goals when you started and have you achieved any of them? 

When I started at BCF my goal was to do a pull up.  Thanks to Chad (all credit to him) pushing me to do pull ups every day, I finally got a full strict pull up and was able to get three chest to bar pull ups in the Open, thanks to Dawna. Both of those were a big deal to me. Never in my life have I been able to do a pull up. Now I can!

What about BCF makes you keep coming back?

Coming to BCF really elevated the love for the sport; the programming, the coaches, but the people at BCF really set the hook for me. Everyone is so much fun. There isn’t a single person that you can’t talk to or joke with or work out with and not have a good day at the gym.

What is your favorite part of being a member at BCF? 

My favorite part is the camaraderie. I love how the Mike and Christine celebrate the members with bbqs or parties. The awards after the Open were great to watch!!! I loved that! Reading the comments on what happened during the Open was really heart melting. Everyone is so supportive of each other. When someone succeeds the whole box celebrates them

When/what was your “ah ha!” moment? 

I’d say my ah-ha moment was when Dan forced me to put 200# on the squat rack, instead of 190#, and go for two reps. Breaking that 200# mark is really intimidating. It opened my eyes at what I’m really able to do. I love being able to lift that much weight, and now want to lift so much more!

Does anyone the gym (member or trainer) inspire you and why?

This is a tough one. There is not one person that doesn’t inspire me. Chad, because he harassed me every day to do pull ups; Dawna, because she always is cheering you on to do one more rep; Mike and Christine, because they are a hot, fit couple, I mean com’mon! Tai, because she is so strong and I’m jealous; Kindra, because I want to be just like her. I want her muscle ups! Tom, because he works so hard that I want to work as hard. Kelly and Casey, because they have a living, working family and still make time to get to the gym. Lissa, Mel, and Sarah, because they push me and each other to come to the gym every day. We are in constant competition with each other to lift heavier and move faster. Mr. Bragg, because he is so supportive and loves that my clean is more than his 😉

– Miki 

Congrats to Miki for being Arpil’s Athlete of the Month!!  Miki came to BCF about a year ago and has been hitting it hard ever since. Miki has seen big gains in strength, Oly lifts and all around conditioning.You will typically see Miki in the pm classes, but you may catch her on a Sat/Sun am as well. She likes to spread herself around so she can meet everyone….Miki has a great attitude and is easy to work with and coach. She recently got on a nutrition plan and has gotten great results. She is leaner, meaner and faster.  Just ask Jason, her main squeeze, how bad she crushes the WODs….and him….HA!

It takes consistency and dedication to get to your goals and Miki is a good example of that.  Along with a great sense of humor and a positive attitude there is nothing stopping her from achieving her goals and then some.  Be sure to say Hi! to Miki and congrats when you see her.

Mike