Congratulations to Jim Preckwinkle, our April Athlete of the Month! Jim has been a great athlete his entire life, but he found out very quickly that the demands of CrossFit require more than just world class speed. CrossFit can be a very humbling sport. While others may shy away from their deficiencies, Jim has put in a lot of hard work to improve on his weak points to become a well rounded athlete. Persistence and diligence are great qualities that Jim brings on a day-to-day basis and that is why he is our April Athlete of the Month!
1. In general, what is your background?
I was born and raised here in Springfield. I graduated from Southeast High School in 1995. I ran track all four years and qualified for state in the 100m as well as a couple of relays. I attempted cross county for a couple years but found I was way more suited to sprint (probably why I feel the shorter the wod the better!). I attended Illinois State University and received my bachelors degree in Philosophy. I currently reside here in Springfield with my family which includes my wife of 16 years, Emily and our two children, Wesley (11) and Molly (8), both of which are proud Dominate members. I also hold a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo which I’ve practiced and taught off and on over the past 25 years.
2.Age, Occupation?
I am 39 with 40 breathing down my neck. I work for the State at the Department of Central Management Services where I oversee the procurement of services for many of our wonderful state facilities.
3. How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
My wife, who is a former member of C3, told me I should really look into this CrossFit thing she’s doing. She said I’d like it because they do lots of pull-ups. I had never heard of CrossFit but thought if they are doing pull-ups how bad could it be. 😉 As I’m always willing to try something new I gave it a shot and haven’t looked back. (As a side note, she’s rejoining and is currently in this month’s on-ramp. Yay!)
4. How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
I had always thought of myself in decent shape prior to joining and found out I was gravely mistaken after that first on-ramp class.. haha! I can now more accurately say that after countless hours spent here, I am in the best shape of my life (post high school). I find it amusing that as I continue on that path to 40 and beyond I continue to hit new PR’s. Even though some wods are terrible and I still get that anxious feeling just before each one, CrossFit is something I look forward to everyday.
5. Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
I would really like to improve my Olympic lifts. I find the gains in those two movements the hardest to come by. I’m not sure if it’s lack of mobility or coordination that hold me back (I’m sure it’s both) but I am determined to make strides.
6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
There are a number of favorite moments that stand out for me. Accomplishing anything for the first time always leaves a lasting impression, whether it was the bar muscle-up or ring muscle-up (which took many months of attempts), or figuring out that kipping T2B and HSPUs is way easier than doing them strict. Participating in my first competition with Scott and Jan was very rewarding (however we received no awards). And, learning mid-competition that I can’t do single-unders (sorry Zach) is a moment I’ll never forget; because if you can’t step back and laugh at yourself from time to time you aren’t having enough fun.
7. What is your least favorite WOD to date?
I know it’s been said before but 14.5/16.5 just sucks!
8. What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?
This is an easy one, the people. It’s such a neat experience to walk into C3 knowing you’re about to put yourself through hell but be ok with it because you’re always surrounded by such great people all doing the same. Inspiration is around every corner, from the youngest members working out for the first time in their lives, to the oldest members looking to turn back that clock (all with amazing success), to all the expectant mothers as well as the super stud athletes who finish the wods in record times and lift unimaginable weights. C3 is a remarkable place filled with even more remarkable people. Oh, and the coaches aren’t so bad either… 😉
9. Favorite movement?
Pull-ups (strictly done of course!)
10. Least favorite movement?
Overhead squats