Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.
I was born and raised in Mechelen, Belgium, my parents still live there and are in their late 80’s and mid 90’s. Went to school in Leuven, Belgium where I received an MS in Electro Mechanical Engineering. I moved to the US in 1981 and became a US citizen in 1994. Married in 1984 to my wife Lynda, we have two children Luc and Sam. Sam, 21, is a senior at UofO and a coach at BCF. Luc, 28, is married and working as a brewer at Ruse Brewing. I’m an engineer and spent most of my career at Tektronix, for the last 8 years I have been a career advisor at Portland State University in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
My hobbies include running (more about this later, I’m sure), gardening, brewing kombucha and baking bread. I also enjoy taking photos.
How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?
Well, first Sam, then Lynda … that’s the end of the story. For me to partake in the dinner discussions I pretty much had to join and learn the CrossFit lingo.
What motivates you to come to the box week after week?
Sorry, no secret sauce here. I understand it helps me get/stay strong and healthy, that’s about all the motivation I need.
What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?
Keep active! In the near term I aim to do a bar muscle up … still needs a bit of work, but hopefully by the end of the year.
What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?
My favorite lift is bench press, not quite benching my body weight but soon! My least favorite has to be putting up with the music, it’s a stretch sometimes. Like, there really never is anything playing I can say I like (granted my taste is different)!
What is your proudest CF moment?
The fact that I finally seem to be getting kipping pull-ups down (work in progress, it’s getting better)
What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit?
Don’t give up. Everything can be scaled. Don’t make it a competition.
Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?
Putting some meat on my ultra runner bones.
Free write: (anything else you want to mention or say)
My athletic passion is long distance running, especially trail runs (typically does not involve blaring music). Still aspire to run a 50mi race sometime (50k, 32mi is my longest to date). But I like CrossFit and the variety it offers.
