April's Athlete of the Month
Time to highlight one of our spectacular athletes! 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 is Brian Rutledge. Over the past year, Brian has been putting in some of the hardest work we have ever seen. This guy has goals and will do whatever it takes to reach them. His most recent accomplishment was winning a grueling 12-week fitness challenge within his company. We had to kick him out of the gym some nights. Just kidding (kind of). Not only is his work ethic inspiring, but his personality and dance moves light up the room. Keep up the hard work and positive vibes, Brian!
Name: Brian Rutledge Hometown: Houston, TX Age: 40 Occupation: Software Engineer at Eventbrite Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Born and raised in Houston, Texas. I moved to Nashville in 1998 to go to Belmont University. I met my wife there and have lived here ever since. I worked in the music business among other things for a while but eventually went back to school to get my MS in computer science. I have a 5yr old daughter Ellie and a 4yr old son Gus who’s named after my favorite character from my favorite book of all time, Lonesome Dove.
What were your goals when you started CrossFit?
To look like Coach Trey does. I should probably revise that goal.
How long have you been doing CrossFit and how did you get into it? 3 years ago I was 37 years old and 37 pounds heavier than I am now. I was pretty unhappy with myself and wanted a change. I signed up for the Tough Mudder and told myself “you better get ready, or this is really going to suck”. I started running and followed the workouts they provided to prepare myself, which were mostly circuit training, in my backyard. I didn’t have a fence at the time so it was pretty awkward doing burpees or Turkish getups with a growler full of water while my neighbor stood there letting his dog out. Eventually, the day came and I finished the course and fell off of almost all the obstacles. However, I was in much better shape than before I started and that was the goal. I kept running and started going to the YMCA and lifting weights, but I was getting bored with the routine. A little less than a year later I started a new job and my boss was an avid CrossFitter who invited me to come try it out. I was pretty nervous but I gave it a shot. I found out that first night that I wasn’t in near as good shape as I thought I was, but I had a great time. I’ve been going pretty consistently for 2 years now.
What is your favorite/least favorite thing we do in CrossFit? Squat Snatch is my favorite lift to work on but I’ve got a long way to go. There is something awesome about picking up a bunch of weight off the ground and throwing it over your head, squatting it, then freaking throwing it back on the ground. Least favorite is running or anything on the pull-up bar.
How has CrossFit H Dub positively affected you? I just started CrossFit to get in better shape. I wasn’t expecting to become part of a community and that's been one of the best parts about H Dub for me. I really look forward to seeing everyone each day. The vibe is so positive and I think that's an extension of Lacee and Trey’s attitudes.
What advice do you have for newcomers? Everybody is bad at CrossFit when they first start. Stick with it and eventually, you’ll be doing things you never thought you could. Also, wear long socks on rope climb day.
What is something no one at the gym knows about you? All the men in my family are named James because we are supposedly related to Jesse James (I doubt it), but none of us actually go by that name.
Who are 3 people you would have a meal or drink with dead or alive? Merle Haggard, Burt Reynolds, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
If you had an intro song when you walk into the gym what would it be? Also Sprach Zarathustra (Elvis’s entrance theme from the 70s)
Favorite Sport? Baseball
If you could have one superpower what would it be? Teleportation. I don’t like having to sit still for very long.
What is your favorite cheat meal?
Hard to choose just one. BBQ Brisket or Gumbo.
