Congratulations to Jesse de Castro, the July Athlete of the Month! Jesse has been with C3 for two years and it was apparent from day one that this young man was not only a hard worker, but also extremely motivated. He started with great endurance, and he could obviously handle his own bodyweight, but through hard work, and countless hours of extra training, he has gotten much stronger and he has perfected his gymnastic skills.
In addition to being a great athlete, Jesse is also a great person (add arguably SugarWOD MVP). Not only is he encouraging and engaging to others, he is also a coach’s dream, as he is always willing to listen and take the advice or direction that is being given to him.
Also, for the first time, Jesse is ready to show off his fitness at the Summer Knights CrossFit competition later this month (Rx’d division!). We know he will make C3 proud.
Congratulations Jesse!
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In general, what is your background?
To the surprise of many, I was born in an orphanage in Manila, Philippines. At about three years of age, I was granted a better life through adoption by my continually supportive parents. Upon the adoption, I journeyed to good old Springfield, Illinois where I currently reside. As far as my fitness background is concerned, I established a solid foundation through cross-country running, which I continued to pursue throughout high school; and the martial arts, earning a black belt in Kenpo Karate. Due to the nature/style of karate, sparring matches were mainly held on foot and ground fighting/grappling (a weakness) was only touched upon. This weakness eventually compelled me to try out for high school wrestling, which straightened me out and put me in the best shape of my life…Or so I thought…
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Age, Occupation?
I am 21 years old, currently working as a part-time student, Product Manager at JH Direct, and a Sushi Clerk at Hy-Vee.
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How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
My earliest recollection of CrossFit was probably at the height of its popularity/criticism around 2012-13. After I graduated Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in 2014, I decided not play sports in college so I bought a traditional gym membership, focusing solely on gaining mass yet maintaining my cardiovascular endurance. After a year or so of self-motivation, planning workouts, completing said workouts, spending too much/little time working out, listening to music without tangling up the headphone cord, avoiding small talk and people in general, I realized how distracting, inefficient, awkward, and lonesome my workout sessions had become. Inside, I felt I needed a more than just the challenging weights. I missed the countless hours spent profusely sweating, grinding, and breaking myself down just to build myself up, whether it be a practice, drills, or workouts. With CrossFit in the back of my mind, I thought I’d give it a shot, just in case I wasn’t missing out on something important. So, I looked online and found the best CrossFit box in town and never looked back.
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How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
It’s amazing how much I’ve learned and gained in two years through CrossFit. Coming off a wrestler’s point of view, I thought I was at the peak of my performance and in a good enough shape to conquer a workout a day (to keep the doctor away). I was wrong and my pride suffered. After completing On-Ramp, I realized how uptight, inefficient, and strict I performed on some movements. I knew I could do better so I worked on the basics and practiced when I could. No matter the hour, day, or week, there’s always a workout that humbles your ego which, in my opinion, is a great opportunity for reflection and a change in mindset. That’s the beauty of CrossFit, there’s always something to work on/towards be it mental or physical. When that something is conquered, the hunger for improvement never fades and the addiction settles in. Overall, I’d say I’m in the best shape of my life not just because of CrossFit, but also the Community that is so passionately involved. (Skip to Q8 for more on Community)
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Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit.
A 185+ Snatch would be nice! If not, placing in a team or individual competition would be even better. (Scaled or Rx)
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Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
I guess it would have to be going Rx+ (with a 20-pound vest) and *potentially setting a box record* (36:59) on the Murph 2k17.
*May need to be fact checked*
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What is your least favorite WOD to date?
May 3, 2016
- 400m Run
- 2 Rounds of “DT”
- 400m Run
- 2 Rounds of “DT”
- Prescribed weight was 155, I did 105.
Let’s just say deadlifts and running are terrible combination. I had to walk the second 400m because my back was cramping up so bad. First WOD I felt like quitting.
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What do you like most about Capital City CrossFit?
You mean to say: What do I “love” most about C3? Hands down, and without a doubt, the community of athletes and coaches that I have the pleasure of knowing and competing with on the daily. C3 is home to some of the most outstanding athletes and it’s inspiring to witness their own success in and out of the gym. The ever-present comradery is second to none and the fist bumps (physical or virtual) are like icing on a cake. However, it’s important to note that success in the gym would not be possible without the phenomenal coaches whose experience, patience, guidance (bro-tips), challenging expectations, and overall bad-ass class are out-of-this-world!
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Favorite movement?
My favorite movement(s) would have to be deadlifts or anything body-weight related. Namely, ring muscle ups because I feel as if I’m flying.
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Least favorite movement?
My least favorite movement(s) would have to be either rowing or wall balls (especially the 30 pounder) because I am man of short stature and height is a disadvantage.
