BCF: January 2021

Teen Athlete of the Month- Kate Hailey

Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.

I’m a senior at Banks High School, and right now it’s more than a full time job staying motivated and positive about the lack of school, social interaction and the loss of my 3 senior sports seasons. (I was a 3-year letterman in basketball, soccer and track). CrossFit has been a huge help with that, as a large part of how I de-stress and working
off bad emotion is by working out. I also work part time at the Banks Veterinary Clinic in town, and spend a bit too much time with my 4 siblings and amazing parents.

How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?

My parents started CrossFit about a year before I did, but with constant sports seasons I never needed the added physical activity. With no more seasons, I desperately needed a way to keep myself sane, so I gave it a try. Best decision ever.

What motivates you to come to the box week after week?

Working out is where I go when I’m stressed. When I feel unmotivated it motivates me and when I’m lackadaisical it energizes me. It clears my head, and is my outlet for bad emotion, as well as good. CrossFit surprised me by how fun it is and I've never done much lifting before, and it’s now its my go-to.

What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?

As of now, college is my main focus. I’ve put in the work and I’m hoping for a “congratulations” from Stanford Un. (my dream school) come April. I’m planning on doing ROTC and graduating as an Officer, and attending medical school in order to become a military medic.

What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?

I’m basic I guess, because I probably like back squats the best, and The Death Bike the worst. I like all the WODs except AMRAPs:)

What is your proudest CF moment?

Every time I leave the Box in a better mood than I entered it. (Which is every time)

What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit?

Focus on getting the movements down REALLY WELL before pushing yourself in weight. You’ll seriously thank yourself later.

Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?

I feel stronger than I ever have, and always look forward to the daily serotonin boost from both the people and the workout.

Free write: (anything else you want to mention or say)

Big thank you to the coaches. You guys are always so positive, approachable, and fun!

February Athlete of the Month- Michael Hailey

Tell us a little about yourself and family- Hobbies, interests, where you grew up, occupation, etc.

I grew up on a farm in Eastern Washington, north of Spokane, and am the second of eight kids. I went to college in California, where I met my wife-to-be, Jodi, studied Mechanical Engineering and played a lot of basketball and flag football. Luckily, Jodi was from the PNW as well and we dreamed about settling down on a farm together here. But we took some detours first, spending a year in Portland (first go-round at Nike), then a couple of years in Seattle (more Mechanical Engineering, focusing on the Product Development process), then England for 4.5 years (working for Nokia, two girls born there), then 5 years in the Bay Area (working at Apple, two boys born there) then finally back to Portland (Nike again, one girl born here). We live on a hazelnut and grass-seed farm between Banks and Forest Grove.

How did you hear about BCF and what made you want to join?

I was exposed to CrossFit through my work at Nike and was intrigued - and quite frankly, rather intimidated. About two and a half years ago, I accepted that my sedentary lifestyle was unhealthy and Jodi helped me find a local Box. I was immediately welcomed into the BCF community, but it took a while to get un-intimidated.

What motivates you to come to the box week after week?

The workouts are a great way to get away from life’s stresses and it feels good to be taking steps towards being more functional, fitter and healthier. The people are great, too, and I really enjoy the constant variety of workouts (and not having to think about what to do myself).

What are your goals? Personal, professional, and/or athletic?

My primary goal is to be the best person/husband/father I can be - and I have seen how being healthy and de-stressed is an integral part of that. I still like to play basketball and throw the football around, but my main athletic goals are around staying fit and avoiding injury as I rapidly turn into an old man.

What is your favorite lift, movement or WOD? Least Favorite?

I never did any weightlifting before CrossFit, so it’s been fun to learn the skills and techniques of Olympic lifting. My least favorite is anything involving the Assault Bike (aka The Devil’s Machine).

What is your proudest CF moment?

The first time I was able to legitimately say “Rx” after my score.

What is one tip you would give someone who is interested in CrossFit or new to CrossFit?

Be sure to find a Box whose philosophy or approach matches what you want to get out of your experience. BCF is much more open to athletes of all skills and abilities and goals and mindsets than other places I’ve seen, which is really commendable.

Biggest impact CrossFit has made in your life?

I’ve added cool new lingo to my lexicon…Seriously, though, I feel much more physically fit, stronger and able to move more functionally than prior to taking up CrossFit. This helps me have energy to play and keep up with my kids and the workouts give me an outlet for getting rid of stress.

Free write: (anything else you want to mention or say)

I’m continually impressed with the level of care and coaching that is exhibited by the BCF Coaches. Thank you and keep it up. We wouldn’t meet our goals or improve without your great guidance and encouragement.