October Athlete Spotlight: Joel B

October’s CrossFit Oakdale Athlete spotlight is Joel B.
By Tricia Wessling
“I need to run faster…. Or have Joel run for me?”- Conney Chaney Frazee regarding the most recent Lurong Challenge WOD
That’s right Joel is down right fast, more about like sneaky fast and his fellow CFO’ers know it. I like to call folks like him “outside smokers” they come out of no where (unassumngly fast) and smoke everyone on runs or WODS or BOTH! AND He’s gunning to BEAT one of us!! YESS!I [ who? If I told you, I’d have to kill you. It’s on the DL  😉 ]
Joel has been super fun to coach and watch as he continues to get stronger and faster. I’m glad he found his “home” at CFO. OH ! He has a great laugh too. Let’s get to know a bit more about Joel…
How were you introduced to Crossfit Oakdale? 
CFO has been in my life since I first drank the CrossFit Kool-aid. Although I started at San Francisco CrossFit, CFO was my gym when I came home to Oakdale on weekends or holidays. I liked CrossFit so much that I even wanted to do it on my vacation time. When I moved back to Oakdale, I became an proud official member. CFO welcomed me with open arms and big smiles and it has always felt like home.
When did you realize CrossFit was for you?
I realized CrossFit was for me when I actually looked forward to going to the gym. It’s been a year and a half and I still find myself planning my day around the CFO schedule and I think about it throughout the day. I truly enjoy the workouts and the challenges they bring, but, in reality, it’s the people that bring me back day after day. The community that is CFO makes it amazing. 
How has CrossFit changed your life?
I’m definitely in the best shape I’ve ever been. I was relatively inactive for most of my adult life. I always had a gym membership but never used it. I felt out of place and lacked confidence in what I was doing.  I somehow always ended up on the treadmill…bored.
I started out weighing 135 lbs. and within nine months I increased to 165 lbs. I have improved my times and lifting weights and I feel confident in what I’m doing. Also, CFO has a great group of people who I’m glad to call my friends and I have learned something from each one of them. 
Favorite workout/lift…. 
My favorite lift changes from time to time, but it’s gotta be the back squat or clean.
I have always wanted to…… 
do double-unders consistently well! Right now they’re consistently bad, but I’m working on them! 
1 word people use to describe me…
Nice.
Outside of the gym I like to……   
Watch TV! I definitely watch more than I should. Also, I like tend to my vegetable garden. Just started prepping for the fall/winter garden.
Three things you would ALWAYS find in my fridge…..
Tortillas, homemade salsa (thanks mom), and eggs. 
Favorite physical activity outside of CrossFit Oakdale…. 
Like to ride my bike or go hiking.  To be honest, CrossFit is pretty much the only physical activity I do. 
Song that gets me pumped up for a workout…. 
Once the coach says “3, 2, 1…GO!” I couldn’t tell you if there even is music playing. I’m good with anything as long as it covers up the noise of my labored breathing.
The last thing you ate…. 
Just picked up some In-N-Out. Double double, fries, and a coke. Definitely not paleo. Yum.  
Proudest accomplishment….. 
Every time I complete an Rx WOD I feel like superman. I also secretly compete with specific members so it feels good when I “win.”

 
Workout of the Day
Strength
Back Squat
3 rep max
Take 20 minutes to build to your heaviest possible 3 reps of the back squat.  You’ve had 3 weeks and 6 sessions to dial it in.  Go for it!
Conditioning
Run TL Davis Loop
50 Wallball Shots 20/14
100 Doubleunders
15 minute cap