Blog
APRIL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: RACHEL RYERSON
A huge smile and a laugh is how you will be greeted by this hard working mom each morning she enters CrossFit 906. For the past year and a half, Rachel has stepped out of her comfort zone every day with an open, positive attitude and patience. Even when she had surgery for a broken thumb she came and worked out every day on lower body or rode the bike to keep her strength and stamina going.
Rachel lives a busy lifestyle, working as a web administrator from home and also homeschooling her two children. She is a dedicated Monday through Friday 7AMer at the box. She always knows the W.O.D. and gets right to the plan with no complaints. No matter what is going on in her busy life, she always makes time for a chat and that beautiful smile. She puts a lot of effort into not only the workouts but into trying to improve her form too. Her consistency in the workouts definitely shows. Her strength, technique, and confidence have all grown because of it.
Rachel was nominated by our morning athletes. She always brings a cheerful enthusiasm to the group and she’s never afraid to tackle the W.O.D. solo when needed to get it done. We enjoy her for her good, positive approach towards all things here at the box. Her attitude is infectious…you can’t help but be happy when Rachel’s around. What a great asset she is to CF906!
TRAIN FOR THE WIN
This week I want to take a moment to post the background of the programmers at TrainFTW. Check out who’s in charge of writing up our daily WODs and Strength here at CF906:
ERIC O’CONNOR
Eric started his knowledge for fitness and programming at an early age through his own education and interest and graduated with a degree in Fitness Recreation.
Following college he furthered his education by getting his CSCS certification which he then did not renew due to a difference in training philosophy. Eric also works nearly every weekend as a flowmaster, head trainer, and lecturer at CrossFit Level 1 Seminars and CrossFit Level 2 Seminars. He has also played an integral role in developing lectures and content for the CrossFit Competitors Course. He has been a coach at CrossFit Park City since 2008 where in addition to coaching classes and programming, he runs the Teens/Kids Programs, and does the programming for their Competitors Program. He also has done distance programming for affiliates through Pat Sherwoods CrossFit Linchpin distance programming avenue.
Athletically, Eric was a Division 1 Collegiate wrestler for the University of Lock Haven. He has also competed in CrossFit Games 3 times placing in the top 20 in 2010 and has competed at regionals 5 times.
Certifications:
Certified CrossFit Level 4 Coach
CrossFit Kids Trainer
CrossFit Olympic Lifting
CrossFit Powerlifting
CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff/Flowmaster
MATT CHAN
Matt originally took up CrossFit in his late 20s to help improve his endurance as a Denver area firefighter. After four Top 10 finishes at the CrossFit Games (including the runner-up slot in 2012), Chan became a full-time athlete and one of the most popular and knowledgeable veterans in the sport.
Already 30 when he made his Games debut in 2008, Chan has had to battle through injuries and out-work a growing field of younger challengers to maintain his drive for the podium. In 2013, despite nagging knee problems, he showed his heart and resolve by taking first place at a Regional competition for an incredible sixth straight year. Two years later, Matt’s return from injury at the 2015 Southwest Regionals produced a Top 10 finish—not enough for a return to the Games, but a good indication that this all-time great can’t be counted out just yet.
As a member of the CrossFit Trainer Staff, Matt works CrossFit Level 1 Courses, CrossFit Level 2 Courses, and CrossFit Competitors Courses, a weekend course that he, Eric O’Connor, and Chris Spealler codeveloped. He also coaches competition-based classes at gyms in the Colorado front range.
Certifications:
CrossFit Level 4 Coach
CrossFit Kids
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Powerlifting
CrossFit Nutrition
CrossFit Mobility
USAW Club Coach
MONDAY’S CLASSES ARE CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
24-7 Open gym is always available. We posted the TrainFTW 5k row plan on our WOD page if you decide to access the box on your own today. Thank you