Congratulating our December Members of the Month, Jen Wrobel and Rich Grzegorczyk
Warriors, join us in congratulating our December Members of the Month, Jen Wrobel and Rich Grzegorczyk! We asked them to share a little bit about their time here at Mighty Warrior and we hope you enjoy their answers as much as we did!
What’s been your proudest moment at Mighty Warrior?
Jen: My proudest moment at Mighty Warrior was my very first competition. The team of Laura, Sara and I competed in the 911 competition at CrossFit in the D and took first place. We worked so hard. I’ll never forget it. I got one of the biggest group hugs of my life when it was all over.
Rich: My proudest moment wasn’t actually at the gym, but it was definitely made possible by the MWCF community. I hosted a partner marathon row at my house this past summer and thought it was really cool that thirty-something members showed up on a Sunday to support and fitness together for about three hours of rowing… I was proud to call everyone that attended a friend. Hopefully we can do it again next year!
What’s your favorite workout?
Jen: Karen has to be my favorite wod. Not a heavy or technical movement but involves a little strategy based on your ability and it’s a great mental grind. I also prefer a good weakness wod too. Or what I like to call “areas of opportunity”. Always makes me feel good when I worked on something that’s not in my wheel house.
Rich: Even though they’re typically not my strongest movements, I generally like anything with a barbell, especially if it’s combined with some gymnastic movements and/or running. I also enjoy longer endurance workouts like Murph and, of course, the long 45-60 minute partner workouts that Adam Phillips, Podium Rick, and I usually do on Sunday; it’s nice when Mike Rickman shows up too, but he’s usually at wrestling with Sam, softball with Gracie, or paying invoices with Jeff.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start CrossFit?
Jen: I would say, if you’re thinking about it, just try it. It’s free. If you don’t like it. No worries. I’d recommend giving it at least a month because it takes time to get to know people and get comfortable with the movements. Understand you will adjust the workouts to your ability and go at your own pace. It really is for everybody. Can be a little intimating at first but I promise you won’t regret it. I thought about trying Crossfit for 2 years before I walked in the door and now I wish I would have started earlier.
Rich: The same advice nearly every other member has given in the previous newsletters… just do it! I procrastinated for over a year and now regret all the time I wasted before joining. I’m not even a “community” type person, in fact, if I was a Sesame Street character, I would definitely be Oscar the Grouch; with that said, there’s definitely something to be said about being held accountable by your fellow members and I’ve definitely made some great friends during my time at MWCF.
What’s a fun fact about you that most Warriors might not know?
Jen: At Western Michigan University I earned a double major bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish. I also studied abroad in Mexico, Costa Rica and Spain while living with host families that didn’t speak English at all.
Rich: Contrary to popular belief, I don’t shave my entire body on a regular basis. I have an autoimmune condition called Alopecia and have had it since I was four years old. It was somewhat tough dealing with as a kid, but now I enjoy the money I save on haircuts, shampoo, and razors.
What’s the next goal you’re looking to achieve?
Jen: My New Year’s resolution will be to stop making excuses and put the work in to get bar muscle-ups in a wod.
Rich: Just to keep on the current path: stay healthy and get better every day. I started CrossFit almost five years ago and I’m still getting stronger and learning new skills on a regular basis. I turned 40 years old this year, so if I can continue these trends as I get older, I can’t ask for anything else.