Q3 2017 Athlete of the Quarter is….

Q3 2017 Athlete of the Quarter is….

Dave Levey!!

Please join me in congratulating Dave in being selected as Athlete of the Quarter.  Read about him to learn more and check out the video!

1. What is your athletic background?
I’ve been an athlete my whole life, but as I got older, I took exercise as seriously as everyone else…work our a little bit here, work out a little bit there.  A personal event happened in my life in 2007 and I stood at the Y in the road.  I could either get in shape or drink myself to death.  I chose to get in shape.  I started with riding my road bike once a week to every day.  I then signed up for a sprint triathlon to challenge myself.
Before long, I went from top 50% to top 10%.  It was at that point, I really needed to challenge myself and to teach my son there is nothing in this world you can’t accomplish, so in 2010, I signed up to do the Arizona Ironman.  I trained for an entire year to get ready, but 4 weeks before the race, I had a wreck on my road bike that almost cost me my life.  After a week in intensive care and collarbone surgery 10 weeks later, my goal was to get better and complete the Ironman.  In 2014, and thanks to CrossFit Endurance, I completed the Ironman in 13 hours 25 minutes.
2. What made you try CrossFit?
I needed a better way to train.  I used to train my myself because none of my friends wanted to swim, bike or run with me.  I needed individuals around me that were willing to push themselves to the next level.  Those who didn’t have the word “can’t” in their vocabulary.  CrossFit858 athletes have that special ingredient.
3. What do you like most about CrossFit 858?
For starters, the atmosphere.  From the first time I walked through the door 4 1/2 years ago, it felt like something special.  Something I knew I needed to be a part of.  858 has a community that is so welcoming to anybody that walks through their doors.  The philosophy starts with the owner, Mark Lin, and bleeds down not only to the coaches, but to the athletes as well.  I’ve done numerous drop-ins at local boxes as well as when I travel for work and there is no community like we have here at 858.  Other gyms can try, but nothing comes close to the family that we have here.
4. What are some of your goals with CrossFit?
1. To have fun!  I’ve never had so much fun challenging myself while feeling like I am going to pass out.
2. To grow the gym and our community by helping the current athletes and those interested in CrossFit
3. To not consider myself old…ever!
5. How has CrossFit 858 changed you?
It has made me more confident professionally as well as personally.  I’ve met some of the most amazing people through this gym.  Many that have come and gone and some that are still here.  This is a family I never knew I had.  People I know that if I ever needed anything (and this year has been filled with challenges), I could count on.  Mark Lin is truly someone that I will always consider a friend and family.  Best of all, 858 is where I’ve met the most amazing woman in the world.  Michele is the best gift I have ever received from 858.
6. What would you say to anyone who is scared to try CrossFit?
We were all scared when we came here, but we overcame the fear.  The feeling of completing a WOD and knowing you gave it your best is addicting.  The support system here cannot be duplicated in a 24 Hour Fitness or YMCA.  If you want to make a change in your life, this is a great place to start.