Congratulations to Brian Searls for being CFR’s Member of the Month for May! He is a loyal member of the 8:45am class, however, you will typically see him by 815 for his pre-warmup warmup! You may also see him during the evening classes as he frequently observes his son during the CrossFit Teens class. Lastly, Brian recently completed his very first Murph with a 20# vest in under 45 minutes! Let’s learn a little bit about him, and keep up the good work Brian!
1) What are your hobbies/interest/talents outside of CrossFit?
I guess you can say that I’m that kind of Dad that never misses any of his kids’ events. Rain or shine, night or day, I’m there.
2) Share with us one thing that most people do NOT know about you?
I was on an episode of House Hunters when I moved to CT in 2006.
3) How long have you been with us at CFR?
Going on 4 years; since Sept 2013.
4) Take us back to your first week here. How did you feel? Remember the workout?
After taking up running in my 30s (8 marathons and quite a few half marathons) and then catching the triathlon bug, I wanted to supplement my training by adding a strength component. I thought I was in good shape when I started but I was quickly proven wrong. There is certainly more to fitness than being able to run 3+ hours.
The first workout included shoulder presses for strength training following by a metcon of kb swings and box jumps. It was surprising how sore I was after 35 lbs. and a 20-inch box.
5) What moment/achievement are you most proud of at CFR?
I have two. The first was when I got my first ring muscle up. It took almost 2 years to get to that point. The other is that almost 4 years into my CF journey I continue to see improvements in all areas of fitness.
6) Design your perfect workout?
I would say anything with bench press, pushups, and/or pull ups. “Lynne” is always fun!!
7) What is your least favorite movement?
HSPU and thrusters.
8) Summarize your lifestyle in 5 words or less.
Age is just a number.
9) Have you experienced any changes in your lifestyle now that you have been a CrossFit athlete?
My view of fitness has changed from my narrow view of endurance as fitness to a more encompassing definition. It has allowed me to do things at this point in my life that I couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. At 46, I’m not a person that needs a lot of external validation, but it sure is fun to get street cred from of my oldest son when I help out with his high school wrestling team. He’s a really good wrestler and he hasn’t taken me yet!!
10) What advice do you have for anyone who is thinking about joining or who has recently joined?
Be consistent…come even if it’s workout you don’t like. Listen to your body…know the difference between general soreness and an injury. Recovery…it allows you to be better every day. And most of all…have fun!