Congratulations to our November 2015 Athlete of the Month!
Brandon Shelton
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a native Texan, though I’ve also spent some time living in western Colorado and Nashville, Tennessee. In the past I’ve mostly stayed active through distance running before finding CrossFit. If I’m not working out (or working) I’m probably finding new metal music, building computers, or PC gaming.
What brought you to CrossFit?
I have some friends and family who started CrossFit before me and seeing their results and how much they enjoyed it got me interested at first. I’ve never had much luck being consistent when I’ve tried to go to the gym and lift by myself, so having an atmosphere of community where the workouts are programmed every day and everyone does them together helps a ton.
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started at the beginning of July so just about 4 months now.
How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
I can honestly say I’m in the best shape of my life even now after barely 4 months. I think that running as a foundation has built in me the mindset that you can always go a little bit farther and work a little bit harder than you think. I’m much more well-rounded as an athlete with Olympic lifts as a regular part of my workouts, and CrossFit has completely revamped my nutrition for the better as well.
Favorite CrossFit lift/movement?
Squat cleans; I also still enjoy running and rowing, which seems to be a bit of an anomaly in the Crossfit world. I dunno, I’m weird.
Least favorite CrossFit lift/movement?
I don’t think I really have one. I mean I do have movements that are difficult for me or I haven’t really worked up to yet like Pistols or Muscle Ups, but I see them as challenges to overcome. It’s just a matter of time before I can start killin’ those too! (…Ok, full disclosure, I kinda hate thrusters)
Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
I have quite a few, but I’ll keep it concise. In the short term, RX’ing every workout. In the long term I want to hit a sub-4:00 Fran and compete at the Crossfit Regional level. As one of my favorite quotes goes, “If your goals don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.”
Do you have any advice for someone who is just starting CrossFit?
I’m still such a beginner myself, but here’s what has helped me the most so far:
-Don’t ever let intimidation keep you from starting or from tackling any WOD and scaling it to your level. We’re all growing together.
-Your progress really does depend on your nutrition. It fuels everything else.
-Overall enjoy the process and the people around you. They are the ones who make it all worth it in the end.
