NOVEMBER : MIKE AND NANCY RAY

Our Athletes of the Month are a CrossFitting couple! 63 year-old Mike and 64 year-old Nancy are from Whitehouse TX and have been Crossfitting a little over 4 years.

They joined CFT in May, bringing with them some serious dedication. They average over 200 WODs a year!

​And their favorite thing about CrossFit? You bet ... it's racking up those PRs, doing and feeling better every day than they did the day before!

Read on to learn more about Mike & Nancy!​

Favorite WOD: 

​We don't think in terms of favorite or least favorite. We'll do our best at whatever is programed. That being said, we tend to do better at intense cardio and body weight type workouts.

Least Favorite WOD: 

We do our best at whatever is programmed, but workouts with overhead squats, muscle-ups, and/or handstand push-ups are not our thing.

How/Why did you start CrossFit?

We had gone to a regular gym and self-programmed for five years with only modest results. A coach starting a brand new CrossFit box encouraged us to give it a try. We were the first members at CrossFit Hays in Buda, TX. We liked the diverse programming, coaching from a people who knew our strengths and weaknesses, and the community among fellow CrossFitters.

Take us back to your first WOD... what was it, and how did it feel?

It was probably three rounds of push presses, box jumps, pull-ups and sit-ups. It was exhausting but we also felt a sense of accomplishment upon completion.

What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness since starting CrossFit (before/after)?  

We've become stronger, better conditioned and leaner over time. Our doctors tell us they rarely see people our age in such great condition. We look fit and feel great.

What sort of changes in your life have you experienced from taking on CrossFit that were totally unexpected?  

We were amazed how important a proper diet is for gaining muscle, losing fat, and improving performance as well as overall health. It takes eating properly in addition to the exercise to look and perform our best.

There are days for everyone when you just don’t want to work out. How do you handle those?

​If we are home we are going to CrossFit Tyler Monday through Friday unless we are badly hurt or very sick. It's part of our daily life and we look forward to going no matter what. We typically do WODs over 200 days each year.

Please share with us your favorite CrossFit / CFT moments. 

Completing an RX WOD or making a new PR are favorite moments. It's also fun to watch others reach new heights as well. Since joining CFT in May, Mike reached a new Overhead Squat PR as well as PRs running the 1600 M and 3200 M. He also does more Toes to Bars than ever before. 

Any advice for people just getting started? 

Whatever condition you are in and whatever age you are, CrossFit can be scaled to your ability. Have confidence in yourself and give it your best. It's all about developing a better YOU. It's a long-term journey so be in it for the long haul. Invest in yourself.​

What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?

Nancy is an excellent seamstress and can make or fix about anything. Her custom drape-making skills are particularly impressive. She is also an excellent cook and good gardener.

​Mike loves to fish and cook meats in my ceramic lump charcoal cooker. We both enjoy hiking and being outdoors in general.

What are your superpowers? 

Staying cool-headed in difficult times. Being tenacious, loyal and dedicated.