WEDNESDAY

Willie

Here’s another athlete profile!  Willie Drake has been with me since day 1 when I was renting a very small space out of an existing gym around the block.  I met Willie while I was a CrossFit coach at CrossFit Old Bethpage (the first CrossFit Gym to open on Long Island.)  I had also been doing in-home private personal training sessions as well as teaching boot camp classes in three gyms.   That’s where I met Willie at one of these gyms. 

At the time I was looking for space to start my own place, and he waited patiently and when I finally did, he followed me there.   Thank you for your friendship and loyalty Willie.  Many of you know him because he trains early morning some days and late nights on others depending on his work schedule….

WHERE DO YOU LIVE?

I live in the same town I grew up in, Blue Point.  After I got married and lived in a couple of apartments I got a great offer to buy a house in my hometown, so I jumped at the chance.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO CrossFit FUSION?

 I was in another gym doing whatever classes they offered (boot camp, spin and weights or whatever.)  Then they offered a “CrossFit ” Class.  Nobody knew exactly what CrossFit was.  Then in walked Patty.  Even with the limited resources she had in that gym she explained the fundamentals of CrossFit.  I was hooked or as they say “I drank the Kool Aid.”  Patty finally opened her own place, got all of the equipment she needed, so I joined and never looked back.

WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS?  HAVE YOU ACHIEVED THEM?

My goals were very simple before CrossFit.  I just wanted to stay healthy, get in shape, lose weight (the usual.)  Now with CrossFit my goals have changed.  I want to be fit and stay competitive.  The funny thing about CrossFit is that it has many levels in which to stay competitive and as long as you know where and how to start (that is where trainers come in) all goals can be reached.  To say I reached my goals, I don’t think so.  I still consider myself a work in progress, but joining this gym with these trainers and fellow CrossFitters I am on my way to a happy, healthy life.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT IN THE GYM?

I am usually at work.  I work for a company called Calpine Corp.  We are an electric producing company with power plants all over the country.  I work in the Stony Brook facility for the past 16 years. I belong to the Local 30 Union of operating engineers.  Any other spare time I like spending with my family, friends, traveling and riding my boat.

WHAT CrossFit EXERCISES OR LIFTS ARE YOUR FAVORITE AND LEAST FAVORITE?

I have to admit that I have  love/hate relationship with just about all the wods.  I do not consider myself particularly  good at any lift or exercise and that’s what I hate, but I am still able to do most exercises, although scaled down for some, and I love that.

ANY OTHER TID BIT OF INFO?

I am one of 12 children in a family of six girls and six boys.  I have been married for 25 years and have two daughters.  I have had many operations that has limited me but not stopped me on my knees, shoulder, leg … you name it.  I have been told by doctors that maybe I should just take it easy and call it quits because of the injuries and my age.  That’s not in my nature.  Because of CrossFit I have been able to strengthen my weak areas and become competitive again. It’s the best physical therapy I know.  So it comes down to a big thank you to Patty for believing I could do it.  I would also like to thank the other trainers Chris, Elizabeth, Sean, Damien, Joe and Chris H. for giving me the tools to improve my workouts and last but not least my fellow CFF members who never cease to amaze me in their encouragement and dedication.  Thank you!!!

STRENGTH:

power clean  from hang position 3 x 3

power cleans from the floor 3 x 3

full clean 3 x 3

CrossFit WOD:

“The Chief”

 Max rounds in 3 minutes:

3 power clean 135#/95#

6 push ups

9 air squats

Rest 1 minute.  Repeat for 5 cycles .  Post rounds completed for each cycle.