James G.

Name:
James Glade

Age: 
28

Hometown:
Grew up in Carpentersville.

How long have you been Crossfitting?
1 year and many many burpees ago.

Athletic Background:
I played football and tennis in high school. Afterwards, I picked up running (love doing obstacle races) and weight lifting. I have always tried to stay somewhat active.

What were your thoughts after your very first WOD?
"Hopefully this was enough to work off all the 312's and nachos I just consumed the night before at Houlihan's." I think I came the closest I've ever came to throwing up after a workout.

What is something no one knows about you?
I can't swim, doggy paddle, or stay afloat in water. I'm like a giant rock. I also enjoy writing and have written a few comedy scripts in hopes of one day doing an open mic stand up so you all need to attend and laugh (at me is fine) even if my jokes aren't funny.

What are your training/fitness goals?
Even though "dadbods" are in according to social media, I want to continue to build muscle and shred away fat. Sorry ladies. I also want to post a higher score than Patrick just once...A guy can dream right?

What is your favorite CrossFit WOD/movement?
When I'm not good at a certain movement or lift, it motivates me to want to get better at it until I can do the movement as prescribed. I've been on a full snatch and muscle-up kick lately. I also like running now that it's warmer and I actually really enjoyed doing "Murph" recently.

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
I think my hands would agree and say that it's anything with toe-to-bars in it. 

What is your favorite cheat food?
Beer, nachos, ice cream, cake, donuts, pastries, pizza, anything fried, pasta, and honestly the list can go on. You paleo peeps would be appalled at my diet but I manage to do it all in moderation.

What's your favorite thing about CrossFit?
I love everything about it. The workouts are never boring and are always a challenge, I'm in the best shape of my life and feel great, the coaches are knowledgeable, encouraging, and badass, and the people are all wonderful, extremely nice and very welcoming (especially my 11am folks). "Just a buncha awesome people doing awesome things."

Any advice for people just getting started?
Make it a habit of coming in so you don't rob yourself of this experience and all the things I listed above. Also don't avoid movements that you aren't good at. Work at them. Come in early or on rest days if you have to. I sucked at everything when I started.