Athlete of the Month - September 2018
HAVE YOU MET... MIKE A.?
We are always paying close attention to each and every individual member here at Starboard CrossFit. We're not just looking to help them get fit, improve themselves and achieve their goals... each month, we like choose an exceptional athlete that goes above and beyond the call of duty; an athlete that stands out as a shining example of an exemplary Starboard CrossFit athlete and family member. Definitely not an easy task with all of the amazing athletes we have!
Then we ask them to share their story in the hopes that it will inspire and motivate others. Most importantly we want to recognize those dedicated members for their hard work and accomplishments, and show the local community that ANYONE can be a CrossFitter. All you have to do is make the choice to give it a try, set goals, and work hard. You may be surprised at what you will accomplish!
This month we are excited to introduce another regular member of our early morning classes (aka. #5amclub #breakfastclub.) This young man, like many of our other members, is an active duty Navy veteran. If you've ever been to one of our early morning classes then you've probably met him. We're proud to celebrate our Star Athlete of the Month for September, Mike/Michael Aandalen.
Mike became member of our CrossFit family not too long ago back in February/March of 2018. And like many of our active duty members, Mike is a Navy veteran stationed just around the corner at Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC). When work doesn't get in the way, you can find Mike putting in extra hours and perfecting his skills before and after class and on the weekends at our Open Gym hours.
Just recently he's competed in the Sunshine State Cup, one of his first CrossFit competitions. After tasting the blood of competition, he's now signed up to compete again this weekend at the BoxLife Games at CrossFit James Island. We'll all be there to support him and his fellow Starboard athletes.
Although it isn't everyday you need to battle fires or fight an enemy, you'll never know when the time comes that you'll be called to action. Being in the military, Mike and many of our other active duty friends and family need to be ready at all times and in top physical condition. This makes his personal health and fitness even more important when it comes to being prepared for any physical demand. Like Mike, many of our military personnel choose CrossFit to prepare for the rigors of their profession.
Every CrossFit workout you do will push your body in a way similar to what's experienced on the job for many first responders and military personnel. It will push you to the point of pure exhaustion. And if you train your body to push past that while you are off duty, you will be that much better at doing it when it really matters.
Mike is one of the most welcoming faces you'll ever see at 5am! He comes into class ready to work and is always laughing and joking with others and keeping things fun no matter what time of day. You'll see Mike constantly pushing himself to become a better person and athlete and he inspires those around him to do the same. We are very thankful for the support he’s shown us and for his daily, selfless acts of service as an active duty military member and we are definitely excited to see where the future lies for Mike. He is an absolute powerhouse and we’re honored to have him in our CrossFit family!
Stop into any one of our group classes and be sure to say hi to Mike and many of our other amazing members. And feel free to join us for a quick workout; see what all the hypes about! In the meantime, check out what Mike had to say about his experience with us at Starboard CrossFit...
PLEASE MEET OUR STAR ATHLETE... Michael Aandalen!
What's your nickname/call sign/hashtag?
- Mike/Michael
Where were you born or where did you grow up?
- West Palm Beach, Florida (America's ding dong)
Tell us something most people don't know about you...
- I used to work for the owner of Victoria's Secret, on his private yacht.