Allow me the pleasure of introducing one of the Bomber Crew’s morning staples for nearly the past five years!  Jason has been a dedicated member and one of the old guard from CrossFit Wright-Patt.  Jason has been quietly crushing workouts since early 2015 with us, and well before that around WPAFB.  Jason’s humble demeanor is such that when he’s tops on the leaderboard, which is often, you’d never hear it from him – as he quickly jumps in to celebrate and motivate all those around him.  If you find yourself in the gym at 5am or on the occasional Saturday take some time to say hi to Jason – you’ll be glad you did.

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How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience?

I first heard about CrossFit when I discovered the CrossFit Wright Patt club on base.  I was looking for something more in my very boring fitness rut.  I was doing just enough to get by with the Air Force Fitness Assessment and not much more.  Working out at the gym was a bore and I ended up doing the same routine over and over.  When I came to CrossFit Wright Patt for the first time, it blew my mind.  They were doing movements and workout routines that I didn’t even know existed.  I was pulled in by the dedication of the coaches, the challenging workouts, and the awesome community of athletes.  It made every aching muscles and ripped callus worth it.

 

When did you first come to Bombers CrossFit?

I first came to Bombers about 5 years ago after the untimely demise of CrossFit Wright Patt (R.I.P. CFWP).  I was totally hooked on CrossFit and there was no way I could go back to the typical Globo Gym setup for my fitness.  I decided to check out some of the local boxes, but Bombers ended up being the first any only box that I checked out.  It didn’t take me long before bombers felt like home.  Seeing all of the other people from CrossFit Wright Patt certainly made a difference to me.

How many days do you CrossFit?

I try to come into the gym at least 4 times a week.  If I have to miss a workout for work or another appointment it definitely puts a crimp in my routine.  CrossFit keeps me level and feeling energized.

 

What classes do you normally take?

I am firmly in the morning classes.  I usually take the 5 AM, but I have been going to the 6 AM when I have a late day at work.  Waking up at 4:30 for CrossFit is jus an established part of my day now.  I like to get my workout done and not have to worry about it later.

 

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to Bombers CrossFit?

Honestly, I can’t imagine not coming to Bombers anymore.  When I am traveling and can’t come to Bombers I feel like I am missing out.  It is not just getting a workout, it is going through those challenges with all of the people at Bombers.

 

What’s your favorite thing about the Dayton area?

I originally came to this area with the Air Force and me and my family fell in love with this location.  It didn’t take long until we got very comfortable here.  It is a great place for a family and has everything that we need.  It was a real no brainer to decide that we are staying here when I retire from the Air Force next year.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of (inside and outside of the gym)?

I am always excited about hitting a new heavy lift or pulling of a gymnastic movement that I never would have thought I could do, but my proudest moment was when I was able to take some of the knowledge I learned in CrossFit and use it to help my Air Force ROTC cadets at Wright State university.  Every year we have an Army/Air Force PT challenge with Army ROTC and historically Army has trounced us.  When I came to the detachment I was told it was a lost cause and not to bother.  I started some trained sessions for our cadets, drilled them one some Olympic lifting and other movements and got to watch as our Air Force cadets annihilated the Army cadets two years running now.

 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

Don’t really have one.  I just usually grab a protein shake and then grab a light breakfast.

 

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Mostly just doing activities with my family.

What is one goal within the gym that you’re working on?

My biggest goal right now is to avoid a plateau in my fitness.  At 42 it is too easy to say my best days are behind me and I just need to maintain my fitness as long as I can.  I try to fight for ever little gain, every gold star I can.  There is a box full of young fire breathers that I need to try to keep up with as best as I can and I can’t slow down for a second.  My stated goal is to never feel my age.  I never want to stop trying to get faster or stronger.

 

What impact has CrossFit had on your life/lifestyle/level of fitness?

It would be hard to overstate the impact CrossFit has had on my life.  It is firmly part of my daily life and I can’t image what my life would be like without it.  It is hard for me to remember what I did before I started CrossFit.  If my muscles aren’t sore from a brutal workout then it feels like something is out of place.  I hope that I can impart this lifestyle to my children so then can benefit from the great comraderie and fitness that I got from CrossFit and Bombers.

 

What advice would you give to a newbie?

Don’t mark your accomplishments by the athlete next to you.  We have some amazing athletes that have devoted years of blood, sweat, and tears to CrossFit and if you use them as your yardstick you will always feel like you are coming up short.  Use the past you as your yard stick and celebrate every gain and every new lift/gymnastic accomplishment.  Most importantly you have to cultivate your smug sense of superiority around your co-worker and friends knowing that you busted your butt with an awesome CrossFit workout that they would never even try.