October's ATHLETE OF THE MONTH!
It's that time again! Time to announce CrossFit H Dub's athlete of the month. What makes up an Athlete of the Month? Not RX’ing every workout or lifting the most weight. This athlete exhibits consistency and a hard work mentality. Every time they come to the gym they have a good attitude and give their all. This person is also welcoming of others, helping make CFHD the best community there is. Each month we choose a different athlete and post some fun facts about them to help y’all get to know them better.
This month's athlete is RYAN MCGOWIN. Ryan is quite possibly the sweetest, most down to earth girl we have ever met. She comes in on a consistent basis and always gives her all. She shares our love for community and is always supporting and encouraging others to be their best. Thanks for being amazing Ryan!!
Meet Ryan:
Name: Ryan McGowin
Hometown: Millbrook, AL
Age: 28
Occupation: CPA
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:
I moved to Nashville 4 years ago and have loved every second of it. I am married (3 years this November) to Chase. We love the outdoors; hiking, camping, a good fire pit, anything outside. Fall is our favorite time of year! I love God & my 3 fur-children (Baylee, Gauge, and Becker). We love to travel and I also travel a lot for work so I am constantly in the car.
WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED CROSSFIT?
I definitely wanted to get myself on a good consistent schedule. I usually am all in or all out, so consistency helps me make better diet/sleeping choices as well
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CROSSFITTING AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO IT?
I started CrossFit back in Alabama in Spring of 2012. I cheered in college for 2 years, so we were able to work out with the strength & conditioning coach. I wanted to get back into that routine, so during grad school I had a person trainer that introduced me to weightlifting. He cut my roommate and I a great deal for us to do it together and he got experience at the same time. I moved to Montgomery from Troy and a personal trainer was definitely out of the budget. My roommate had a coworker that coached at CrossFit, so we decided to give it a try. I really loved it and kept it up until I moved to TN a couple months later. Our office was in Murfreesboro at the time, and I joined CrossFit Rampage. It really helped meeting people and fitting into a new city!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE THING WE DO IN CROSSFIT?
I love the barbell. Snatches are my favorite and I'm pretty strong with squats. Please don't make me run... thanks!
HOW HAS CROSSFIT H DUB POSITIVELY AFFECTED YOU?
As I mentioned, its given me that routine I needed. I enjoy ending my day here. Everyone is encouraging and motivating!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE TO NEWCOMERS?
Don't get discouraged when something doesn't come easily to you. The only person you're competing with is yourself and the fact that you've come in is a win compared to sitting on the couch. It's awesome to see something you struggle with get a little easier each time.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE AT THE GYM KNOWS ABOUT YOU?
I was born in Anchorage, Alaska... so I'm an Eskimo : )J/K my dad was in the Air Force and was stationed in AK. I lived there for 6 months, so I remember nothing. I would love to go back some day!
WHO ARE 3 PEOPLE YOU WOULD HAVE A DRINK WITH DEAD OR ALIVE?
1. My late grandfather, Roger Banner. He was a Captain in the Coast Guard and an incredible man. I didn't get to spend enough time with him before he passed. 2. My late grandfather, Robert Holubik. He was my namesake; of sorts, I got my initials from him (RLH). They lived far away, so I also didn't get to see him enough growing up. He was a craftsman and I inherited a Christmas village he made; it's my favorite. 3. Lastly, probably my sister, Jaime. I do miss being close to her and would love to be able to see her more. If you asked me if I would feel this way during high school, I'd have though you were crazy, but I do miss her these days!
IF YOU HAD AN INTRO SONG WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE GYM WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would play Lil Wayne's "We be steady mobbin'" on my way to every CPA exam I took, so either that or a Mumford & Sons song, maybe "little lion man"
FAVORITE SPORT?
Probably football, War Eagle & Go Trojans. But I have learned to love hockey too since I've lived here. The games are so fun.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Hmmm... probably the ability to freeze time. I never have enough hours in the day!
FAVORITE CHEAT MEAL?
I love all things carbs. A pizza and a good beer would probably be it. Nashville doesn't disappoint in the food & beer department and we have a brewery that we can walk to from our house.
