When did you first start doing CrossFit?
February of 2011
Do you have a favorite WOD or WODs?
Murph, 9/11, and Gator
How about a least favorite?
Lynne
Which of the lifts is your favorite?
Back and front squats, and Snatch ( although my snatch resembles my golf game: ugly)
Least Favorite Lift?
Deadlift
Tell us a little bit about yourself (family, job, sports, military, interests, etc.).
I am married to my wife, Bethany and have 2 sons, Matt and Liam. I am the President/CEO of a small broker dealer which specializes in trading Municipal Bonds. My interests are watching my boys run cross country and play lax. We also like to take at least one great family vacation a year. This year we are heading out to Jackson Hole to ski over Christmas.
What were you doing before CrossFit?
Absolutely nothing. Once I turned 40 back in 2010 , I knew I had to do something, or I was going to turn into that 50 year old dude with man boobs, a big stomach, and tooth pick legs.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
Humiliation. The WOD had DU and box jumps. MW gave me a 12 inch box and told me to do singles. I fell off the box and could not even get a single under. I was like WTF! Humbling!
What were your goals when joining CrossFit?
To go twice a week and get into some semblance of shape.
Please tell us about achieving those goals?
I never thought that I would have gotten into CrossFit as much as I have to date. I went from going 2 days a week to going as much as time allows. My whole life has gotten healthier. I wnt from hating to work out to loving it.
What are some of your best WOD times/ achievements inside the gym?
No WOD stands out. However, just the fact that I have learned ( and still learning) the various lifts, and then watching my lifts get heavier every 6 months. That has been a lot of fun. I also love battling thru the hero WOD’s. The men and women who sacrificed their lives for this country are always an inspiration to me when I am in the darkest part of a WOD.
Do you have any other special memories/ achievements during your time here?
The friendships I have made stand out the most. I have developed some really good friendships. Finishing my first benchmark is a really vivid memory, It was late June and I thought I was going to die. Some of the best times are when we have done a competition or a fundraiser, and upon completion sharing a beer with a fellow athlete/ friend.
What advice would you give to a newbie just joining Central Bucks CrossFit?
Leave your ego at the door. I don’t care what you do in your professional life, when you walk through that door, your a student. Just listen and work hard. Trust the coaches, and there is no shame in scaleing a WOD. In fact more respect is gained by scaling than from struggling thru a WOD when the weights are way to heavy. You’ll end up looking like a jackass. Listen to your body and take days off. Mobility is really important. As coach Dan always tells me, ” it’s not always about today. CrossFit is a journey”. Finally, away from your effort, your integrity is all you have. Be honest with yourself and the whiteboard. No one likes a cheater! Other than that have fun,
Something you might not know about me is?
I hate to run!
Coach’s Notes: Joe is one of the truest friends a person can ask for. His dedication to his family, friends, and the sport of CrossFit continue to pay dividends for him. Not just in his athletic skills, but also in the huge circle of camaraderie that he has created over the years. A few distinct memories that stick out for me is: 1) his first workout, (2) the fact that for every event we hold, he is the first one there before the sun comes up to help set up and lend any assistance needed, and (3) his tearful interview for the “Newtown 26” fundraiser and the bold letters emblazoned upon his back in the memory of Catherine V. Hubbard. I have enjoyed watching you grow, Joe. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do.