Each month Overland Park CrossFit recognizes a member who exemplifies our values and motivates others in the gym to push themselves with encouraging words. May’s Athlete of the Month is Clayton Dye. Clayton was chosen because it is evident that he is striving to get better by signing up for additional programs that OPCF has to offer (Gymnastics program and Nutrition program) and through the way he prioritizes good technique over heavier weight on his lifts. He is a very hard worker and it shows with the progress he’s made in the time that he’s been doing CrossFit. His hard work is paying off and we love having Clayton as a part of our OPCF community! Learn more about Clayton below.
How long have you been working out at Overland Park CrossFit? 11 months! Time flies..
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout? Do you remember what it was? Loved it. I remember coming on a day we had to do a million thrusters. Me being naive, thought it was no big deal when we warmed up/practiced it before the Metcon. Boy was I wrong. Still made it to class the next day 🙂
What has been your favorite workout so far? As much as it hurt the next day, I enjoyed the 100 devil’s press and burpees workout from the winter. It was ROUGH but I felt like I had really accomplished something many people wouldn’t have attempted.
What is your favorite cheat meal? Tough choice, it’s either sushi or 5 Guys’ Burgers.
What did you want to be when you grew up and where do you work now? Astronaut. I realized in high school that Calculus and Statistics were going to be the max my brain could handle in math. I then found the Stock Market and wanted to become a Stock Broker. However, NY is really far away from family and friends. I am now a Merchandiser Assistant at a commodity trading firm.
What do you like to do outside of work? Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or going on walks with the wife at a park and feeding the geese.
What advice would you give a newbie just starting at OPCF? Commit to it whole heartedly. CF definitely isn’t something you can half commit to and get the results you’re looking for. It’s tough but in the end its worth it and there is no better feeling than kicking a workout’s butt. I’d also add, practice makes perfect. I’m still not very good at double-unders, but I am slowly getting there through the help of the coaches and other CF’ers that lend advice!
What is your favorite/least favorite movement? Snatch… Really anything overhead. Shoulders die every time.
What’s one Crossfit goal you have set for yourself to accomplish this next year? Set a new PR in squats and power clean.
What changes have you seen in yourself since starting at OPCF? I’m able to move heavier weight more quickly and with better technique. Leah’s nagging… er, coaching, has kept me honest and more mindful of foot placement and other aspects of a lift that keep me from hurting myself. Klaudia’s nutrition plan has helped quite a bit as well. I am trying to gain a little bit of weight and eating as much as I do, I haven’t felt groggy or heavy during a workout. I’m seeing great results both on the scale, and in my legs and upper body.
What is your biggest improvement or proudest accomplishment thus far? It might be small but being able to do a dip on the rings. An old football injury has kept me from doing a lot with shoulders but with the right technique I’ve been able to do those and increase the speed at which I get them done.
How do you fit working out into your weekly schedule? Every day after work! I work the normal 8-5 gig so 6:30 is the best time for me to get a workout in. I will occasionally make it to the 5:30 AM class as well later in the week but the bed sometimes wins out.
What is something you have always wanted to do but haven’t yet? Deep sea fishing or a trip to New Zealand for many reasons but mostly to sight see. Really pretty country out there.