May 2017 Athlete of the Month: Matt McClane

Congratulations to Matt McClane, our May 2017 Athlete of the Month. Matt has been at C3 for just over a year now, but it seems like he has been here forever (I mean that in a good way!). In his time here, Matt has become a fantastic ambassador for us, always introducing himself to new members and making them feel welcome.  Matt has also made great strides as far has his fitness goes. Matt brings a laid back, fun-loving attitude to every class he attends, but don’t let that fool you – he takes his health and fitness very seriously. He has gotten his diet locked in and made his health and well being a priority by coming in consistently and giving everything he has with every workout.  Matt has been dealing with a strained wrist, however that did not deter him from coming in and getting better.  He did what he could to work through it, and despite the setback, he continued to get stronger and more fit, just an example of the dedication Matt puts forth on a day to day basis!  Congratulations Matt!
1. In general, what is your background?
  • My family has lived in Springfield for almost 4 years, we moved here from the Chicago Suburbs in September of 2013. I initially thought “move to Springfield, win the Governor thing” but that didn’t work out. I am lucky to be married to Anne McClane and I have two kids Rilyn (7), and Landon (5). 
2.Age, Occupation?
  • I am 37, and a Pastor. So, I am a Pastor and I Crossfit, which means I am someone everyone wants to talk with at parties. 
3. How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
  • My neighbor Robert started doing CrossFit in the Spring of 2015  and I had seen what it had done for his fitness and health, so I was interested in learning more about it. I knew Doug Welk and Jeff Thomas, and both of them told me about C3. It worked well with location and price, so I came and checked it out. After the on-ramp, I was hooked. 
4. How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
  • I know this is hard to believe by looking at me, but I have never been what you would call “athletic.” CrossFit has helped me to redefine what I think about when I think about fitness and working out. Before, I would go to the gym and be super intimidated by everyone around me. I felt like I had to pretend to be someone I wasn’t.  Here, I can be me, at my level, and still feel like I am a part of the community. I know if I eat terrible food, I am going to perform in a way that I am not happy with. So, this has helped me with my disciplines of what I eat, and how I think about food. I am in better shape than I have ever been, I still have along way to go, but it is cool to be able to say that. 
5. Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
  • I would love to see a 350# on my back squat by the end of the summer. I also plan on rejoining the Three Orange Whips this summer at Battle for The Hill and making a big push for “not finishing last.” Last year we tied for last, which is not technically last, so I am pumped to see what we can accomplish this year. You have to have big goals #OrangeWhips 
6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
  • I spent 6 months in a brace trying to heal a torn wrist ligament. It was a really rough time mentally, emotionally and physically. A month after being cleared to do lifting with both arms, I was able to RX a workout. That moment was a pretty big deal for me. It was a huge relief to know I COULD do this again.
7. What is your least favorite WOD to date?
  • Anything that has Brian say “Yeah, so this should be a fun one folks” I don’t think I like what is coming next. 
8. What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?
  • For an hour a day I get to be around a group of people who are all different. We all have different stories, different backgrounds, different families, and different careers. But when the 3-2-1 happens, none of that matters. There is a synergy of community that says “We are in this moment together, so lets get after it.” I love that, it is pretty special.
9. Favorite movement?
  • Snatches, all of variations..barbell, dumbbell, kettlebell. 
10. Least favorite movement?
  • Pull ups or toes to bar. Both things that I want to be able to SO BAD, but I am just not there YET. 

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