We are excited to announce our athlete of the month is Mark M.
Photo: Mark doing his 2nd favourite thing- relaxing with a beer at home with his sausage dogs.
Mark is a great example to others as he understands that an individuals goals are often different- Remember your “Why” and it makes all the difference.
Mark your positive attitude, adaptability and consistency is awesome. We love having you with us at Coastal CrossFit and wanted to highlight your efforts and attitude to everyone. Your approach is a great example to others and your attitude is inspirational!!! Keep up the great work!!!!
When to take your focus off the whiteboard-
It is often easy to get fixated with the whiteboard- but understand when this is a positive or negative for you…
Mark has trained at Coastal CrossFit for over 5 years and is part of our 500 CLUB (Over 500 WOD completed).
Over the past couple of years Mark has dealt with medical issues restricting the type of movement and weights he can perform. This created much frustration for Mark earlier on as he didn’t like having to modify the WOD- as a result he stopped training CrossFit for a short period.
He soon realized, however that stopping CrossFit was creating more issues and restricted his daily life more than ever. This created a change in his mindset and hence he decided to adjust his training goals to suit his situation.
Sometimes we need to adjust our focus/goals, keep things in a positive light so that continue to move forward.
Currently Mark’s training is focused around maintaining functionality (quality of life). He consistently trains four days per week at CrossFit and includes recovery and mobility sessions in his days off. We have reduced loading, focusing on posture and position and restricting movements which cause him grief. Each day is different and we work with how his body is feeling. With the movements he is able to do freely we are working to make these his “Super strengths” – these are his days to shine on the whiteboard!!!
Despite injury, there is always something you can be working on and making positive steps forward.
Mark will receive a gift pack including a treatment from Body Mechanics Myotherapy (thanks to Aden) https://www.facebook.com/bodymechanicsmyotherapy/
a Coastal CrossFit or Maverick shirt and True product thanks to Coastal CrossFit and Maverick Strength and Conditioning Equipment.
We asked Mark a few questions- read below to get to know Mark M a little better!!!
Could you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m married to Barbara, we’ve got 2 girls (Ruby & Rose) We own an interior design company servicing Medical/Dental Practices. We’re originally from Northern Ireland, moved here 2006 after we got married. Love being outdoors, camping, fishing (not that I ever catch much) and being at the beach.
What made you start CrossFit?
After I lost my sister to Cystic Fibrosis and I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in a period of 6 months I wanted to make positive changes in my life. Barbara had been doing CrossFit and was trying to convince me to join. I used to mock her about it being a cult… I tried a few places and landed at Coastal and felt comfortable here. The rest is history.
What is your most memorable CrossFit moment/s?
Getting my first bar muscle up, first double unders etc, every first is always a great achievement, and now it’s just being able to squat better as my hip issues stop me from being able to always do the “prescribed” workout. Marie always makes sure I’m catered for.
What does Coastal CrossFit mean to you and how has it impacted you? Coastal CrossFit has helped my overall mental health and physical health also. My job can be fairly stressful and I try to make coming in for workouts as much as a priority as I can.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
When I was 18 until about 21 I used to be a resident DJ in a few of the big clubs in Northern Ireland, playing along with DJ’s from ministry of sound and cream.
A few other fun facts that have been shared with us is that Mark loves cats and used to have long hair down past his shoulders. He also fancies himself a bit of a Jamie Oliver…loves making food from scratch and is a wiz in his wood fired pizza oven
