Wine Country CrossFit

August Member Of The Month – Richard Harrison

Richard comes to us from the Central Coast of CA. As a kid he swam, body surfed, played baseball and football. He served in the US Army from 1966 through 1969. After his stint in Germany he became an ACE Hardware Man where he stayed until retirement in 2010. He stands out among the crowd because of his cheery nature and strong work ethic. You can find him in the gym almost every morning warming up thoroughly before the WOD, and always mobilizing. By the way, Richard is 70 years old!

1. When did you start CrossFit and why? I started Crossfit in 2010. I had recently closed my business and  was investigating lifestyle changes. I discovered Marks’s Daily Apple and found a reference to CrossFit. I checked it out on the internet and started following the daily WOD on the home site. It was very challenging!

2. What time of day do you come in? I like to WOD in the AM, 9:00 is my golden hour.

3. What is one type of movement you hate and one you love? The movement I hate the most at this moment is the Thruster. Others have been up there in the past, Wall Balls, DU’s, T2B, Burpees, but I’ve improved at those. The Thruster still bury’s me fast. I really love Squat and DL and also enjoy attempting the Oly lifts.

4. Any big goal(s) set for the next year?  Conquer DU’s once and for all (the clinic a few months ago helped me a LOT). 360lb. DL (2x body weight). C&J my body weight.  21-15-9 pull ups unbroken, so I can improve my Fran time!

5. Name an athlete that inspires you and why.  Serena Williams, because she is a great athlete and so gracious. Alex Honnold who free solo climbed El Capitan in Yosemite. I also really admire Will Zerlang who is a friend and coach from Humboldt CrossFit.  He lives a very real, dedicated, balanced and spiritual life. He has a great family and a successful gym. He is totally focused  and knows how to get the most out of his athletes.

6. Tell us one fun fact about you.  Um, well, my wife says I have a “fun, playful, youthful nature.”

7. You were left on a deserted island.  What one food and thing (i.e. book, music player, etc…) would you want to be left with you? I would hope for coconut trees and wild pigs. I would need something sharp and pokey so I could eat them. I’d like a ukulele to pass the time. I know I would  get pretty good before the rescue!

8. How has CrossFit helped you in sports? Life?  I am stronger in some ways than I have ever been. I am a more well rounded and complete athlete. My life is better. I can approach any task with a positive can-do attitude. Life is a WOD, one rep at a time.

9. How have workouts changed for you over the years?  When I first started seven years ago I would be scared of what would be on the White Board, but now I know I can get through any WOD if I’m smart about it.  The exception to that is The Open! I have to plan my strategy carefully. During the 2017 Open I was too conservative and there was something left in the tank on a couple of the events, which I didn’t like. But I’m an old guy so I have to be careful. My goal is to always be able to come back tomorrow, so I mobilize 15-30 minutes a day. I pay attention to my body which means when I feel an injury I STOP, right then and there. Maybe that is one of my keys to success.