Workout of the Day:
Single-Leg Barbell Deadlift
5-5-5 (each leg)
and then,
For time:
10 Kettlebell Swings (32/24 kg)
1 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Up
9 Kettlebell Swings
2 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
8 Kettlebell Swings
3 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
. . .
1 Kettlebell Swing
10 Chest-to-Bar Pull-Ups
Fair Winds to Army Jon
Written by George Economou
Writing this athlete profile has been bittersweet for me. On the one hand, Jon is a great athlete, an even better friend, and an all-around good dude; on the other hand, Jon is leaving us this week. Yes, Army Jon will join the ranks of Manimal, Kenny G, and Tim J…ditching us so they can “execute orders as directed…” blah blah blah.
I had the chance to sit down with Jon last week and discuss the gym, goals, and awkward moments.
Nickname: Army Jon
Hometown: California/Hawaii
Occupation: American Badass
Favorite Workout: “Cindy”
Jon, we usually end the interview with this question, but what would you like to share with the other athletes at Invictus?
Continue what you’re doing because it’s a great community. Everyone has the same motivation, and similar goals and drives. The energy levels in the gym can’t get any better.
Army Jon, you come from a military background. What would you say about the camaraderie here at Invictus? How does it compare with what you’ve seen in the armed forces?
The camaraderie here is the real deal. It’s kind of hard to compare totally because we’re only in the gym for an hour a day, but if we were here for 24 hours we would be controlling the whole city.
At 144lbs, you’re not the biggest dude, but you consistently put up top numbers on the board. What is your sporting background?
I played baseball, football, and basketball growing up. I also did a lot of surfing in Kaneohe Bay. This gym reminds me of when I was surfing in Hawaii in K-Bay; you see the same crew every day, out there to catch waves and enjoy each other’s company.
That’s very cool. So you’ll probably be gone for the next two years, with a few visits back to San Diego. What else is on the horizon for you and your athletic goals?
Well, I have this crazy idea to run a 100 mile race…like Badwater or something. I want to push myself to a point I’ve never been before; maybe receive some enlightenment or euphoria or something. When I was 15 years old, I ran my first marathon because I called out my dad. It was the worst experience of my life. Hitting the wall at 13 miles was horrible, and the second 13 miles were even worse. But when I was done…amazing. That’s what I want again.
Again, very cool Jon. Any lasting memories you’re going to take with you?
Memories…there are more good memories than bad. I do have a funny memory. Wink (Wayne) and I were deadlifting and while I was pulling I farted. Wayne just looked at me and started laughing. Maybe you had to be there.
No, that’s very funny! In fact, I had a similar experience with Wink recently, but it involved some partner stretching. Thanks for sitting down with me Jon. You’ll be missed! Fair winds and following seas.
Also, for anyone that wasn’t at 6am this morning (like me), and would like one last chance to see the Manimal before he departs, rumor has it he’ll be at the Paleo Potluck this Saturday. The nutrition talk has been cancelled, but we’re still eating and judging costumes at 6pm. Sign up on the board with whatever items you’d like to bring to the potluck (ideally serving 6-8 people).
-George
Bye to Army Jon (for now anyway…you’ll be back before you know it!) Stay safe and remember to have fun.
Mark, thanks so much for all of your coaching this past year. I appreciate your knowledge and willingness to pass it on. Take care and study hard. Oh yeah, you remember to have some fun, too!
Can you ask for accelerated classes so you can come back here sooner?
SLDL 3x5L/5R 60kg, 70kg, 60kg
metcon:
10, 1.. ..1, 10 Ladder of
32kg Russian Swings
CTB pullups
9:06
Jon, you’re a stellar athlete and all around great guy. We will miss you at 6 am, but we will be comforted by the fact that you are out there living your dream and working to keep us safe back home.
That was a funny moment at 6am, but proves that you were using proper form and bracing before picking up that monster weight.
Best of luck with training, and stay safe buddy.
Wink
Best of luck to you Jon!!
Jon,
Dude, I miss hitting the 0600 with you and the rest of the crew. I have not seen too many athletes that can crank out kipping pull ups like you! Take care and all the best to you brother!
On another note, I am scheduled to graduate on December 4th. I was driving out of the gates last Saturday and noticed a CrossFit West Sac sign. I followed it and met the owners. Good dudes, but it made me miss Invictus really bad. I couldn’t tell you the last time I lifted any weights and I usually eat peanut butter and jelly for most of my meals. I sure can do a lot of push ups and leg lifts though! Booooo!!!
I will be assigned to the West Valley office near Calabasas. Simon and Karis are funnier than ever. As soon as I am able, we are making a trip to SD for a Saturday WOD and
some creamsicle dip!!! Miss you all a bunch. I am not even there and I’m sad that Manimal is leaving!!!
BC
Keep up the good work Chris. I want to Thank the 6am crew for being such good peeps and to the rest of the Invictus crew. You guys are awesome.