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Getting aggressive with med ball slams!

Getting aggressive with med ball slams!

 

We’re back with the second installment of Athlete of the Week! This week are honoring Anthony Ryan for his progress both physically and mentally at The Foundry. We asked Anthony to recall his baseline workout and how he has improved since then:

 

Foundry: What was your first CrossFit workout like?

Anthony Ryan: I joined The Foundry knowing that I was in the worst shape of my life and needing something to give me a huge push in the right direction. I was not ready for the baseline workout. I came out quickly on the row going over 30 strokes a minute and getting no where. Upon standing, I knew something was wrong, but I was determined to complete the workout. After a minute rest, I went through the 40 air squats and 30 sit ups breaking them up into much smaller sets. By this point, I had blurred vision and struggled to catch my breath. After another rest, I started the push ups and completed them in small sets. I can’t say I actually completed the 10 pull ups, but the combination of the rubber bands and JQ hoisting me got through the 10 reps. After “completing” the work out in around 12 minutes, I curled up into the fetal position spooning a bottle of gatorade for at least the next half hour trying to avoid passing out.

 

F: What progress have you made physically and mentally since then?

AR: I’m very happy with my overall progress. Mentally, I no longer fear the workouts and pushing myself to the place I was after the baseline workout. Physically, I did the baseline workout again with the goal of completing it in under 6 minutes 30 seconds. I did it in 5:15.

 

F: Why do you take advantage of the Rx grill (The Foundry Paleo Meal Service) and what have been some of your favorite meals so far?

AR: I view the Rx grill as a healthier and tastier alternative to the typical fast food breakfast or lunch that I ate every work day. My favorite meals thus far have been the pork tenderloin and chicken thighs with fried apples.

 

F: What is something we don’t know about you?

AR: I was a collegiate cheerleader at Northwestern from 2002-2005. My coach retired after my senior year and I was hired to coach the team from 2005-2009. Some career highlights are rushing the field following a 2004 football victory vs Ohio State; away trips to places like Hawaii, Reno, Dallas, and Durham; attending a game at all 11 Big Ten Stadiums, being on the field for 4 bowl games, and holding 2 girls above my head.

 

Be sure to congratulate Anthony and continue to WOD hard! See you next week!