A little over two years ago, Tim Cook gave CrossFit Mudtown a chance.  Since joining, Tim has supported the gym and all of its members.  At the gym, he cheers his fellow-members on.  Outside of the gym, he is the life of the party at CFM social events; he also supports CFM members in their entrepreneurial and extracurricular endeavors. Enjoy learning more about our latest featured member!

 What do you do for a living?

Compliance Program Director at PNC Bank

Where are you from originally?

Jasper, Alabama

How did you hear about CrossFit, and what was your first workout?

Erin Donohoe brought me in January 2022 so she could get a free month.  There were dumbbell snatches in my first workout, but I don’t remember anything else.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?

In a perfect world I come at 4 pm Monday-Thursday and to 9 am open gym on Saturday

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Definitely the bike

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Burpees

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? 

Looking good naked and the people.  I don’t have the motivation to workout solo, so it’s great to be at a full class.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

Too many to name – but probably any attempt at a box jump over or dropping a loaded barbell on my face after a snatch.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

Martin’s BBQ after a Thursday afternoon workout at CFM

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?

Getting my first pull-up (a burpee pull-up, to be exact) during an open workout

What is your favorite meal?

Braised short rib over a bed of cheese grits, or the catfish tacos at Martin’s BBQ

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Tennis, reading, traveling, designer bags

What is one goal that you are currently working on?

double-unders in the gym

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can name the capital of any country – quiz me the next time you see me

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.

Ric is my best friend.

We’ve got two superstars to feature this time! Michelle and Bristol Hannah both signed up for the CFM On-Ramp in May of 2021.  They have been committed and dedicated to their fitness journey.  We are so fortunate to have them as part of our community.  Enjoy getting to know more about them!

What do you do for a living?

Bristol: I’m in 8th grade at Pelham Ridge Middle School and play Volleyball

Michelle: Liquor Sales Rep for United Johnson Brothers of Alabama

Where are you from originally?

Bristol:  Alabama

Michelle:  Pittsburgh, PA

How did you hear about CrossFit, and what was your first workout?  

Bristol:  Played volleyball with Kayden [Rodgers] and heard Mrs. Jacki talk about it!

Michelle:  Saw Jacki at Volleyball tournaments and wanted arms like hers!

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?

Bristol: Try to make 2 times a week at 4 o clock class but have to coordinate around volleyball practice, school and when my mom can get me there

Michelle: Used to be religious about 3 days a week for the 8:30 class, but now try to coordinate around work and trying to get Bristol there

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?

Bristol: Back squats

Michelle: Bench Press and box jumps although I’m not very good at them [Editor’s note: False. Fiction. Michelle is perfectly proficient at bench press and box jumps]

Least favorite movement/workout?

Bristol:  Front Squats

Michelle: Burpees

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?

Bristol: The music

Michelle:  The coaches and having a written workout

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?

Bristol: Falling off the box while doing box jumps

Michelle: Watching Bristol fall off the box doing box jumps!

Favorite thing about Birmingham?

Bristol: The volleyball teams

Michelle: Being around family

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?

Bristol: Back squatting 95 pounds and my vertical getting better

Michelle:  Getting my old butt back in shape and outside of the gym, my kids are my greatest accomplishment

What is your favorite meal?

Bristol: Chicken and broccoli casserole

Michelle:  Rib Eye Steak and grilled veggies

What are some of your interests outside of the gym?

Bristol:  Volleyball (beach and court)

Michelle:  Well at this point in my life, CrossFit is what I get to do for me; the rest of the time is spent driving kids around to practices

What is one thing you’re working on?

Bristol: To front squat 65 pounds

Michelle: To start making more than 1 workout a week again

Do you have a hidden talent?

Bristol:  Cooking [How about another editor’s note? Bristol just won the Shelby County Cook Off for the Dairy category with her Turtle Cheesecake!]

Michelle: Not that I can think of

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you:

Bristol: I am really funny and would spend every waking minute on the volleyball court if I could whether in the sand or on the court!

Michelle: I worked in Intelligence for the USAF for a fighter Squadron and got to fly in a F-16

Over the course of just a handful of years, Shelby Queen has gone from the Mudtown On-Ramp program to a CrossFit veteran and Mudtown staple.

She frequents the 4pm class, but she will go to any class she can in order to fit it into her schedule! If you haven’t had the pleasure of getting to know her, we are here to help.

Most of you know our resident competitive CrossFitter Candace.  But how well do you know her?

Let’s find out…

What do you do for a living?
I’m a Hooter Girl at the Hooters in Homewood

Where are you from originally?
Malakoff, TX

How did you hear about CrossFit, and what was your first workout?
I heard about CrossFit from a gym (a non CrossFit affiliate) that I worked out at in Roanoke, VA. My first workout was Helen.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
I work out 6 days a week.   Generally, I attend the morning classes.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Clean and Jerks

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Double-Unders

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
The community for sure. I feel very fortunate to have landed in a community so welcoming on my first try. Mudtown was the first and only gym I dropped in to once I moved to Birmingham.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Literally any workout that has double-unders is embarrassing enough for me.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?
All the people I’ve met while here.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Proud cat mother to a dashing boy by the name of King Midas. I’m also just proud that I still have the courage to compete despite some hardships/setbacks I’ve endured.

What is your favorite meal?
A burger and cheese fries from Jack Brown’s (with a beer on the side)

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I’m an avid cat lover and horror movie watcher. I’m also an AMC Stubs A-List Member- I like going and seeing movies in theaters as frequently as I can.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
I’m currently challenging myself to write more.

Do you have a hidden talent?
I can do a pretty good impression of that one fish from Spongebob (iykyk).

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Sometimes I still utilize my creative abilities and write poetry.

Meet Chris! Chris joined CFM in June of this year.  He’s a staple in the 5:30am class, which means you may not know him if you don’t workout early!

What do you do for a living?
Pharmacist at UAB Infusion Clinic
Where are you from originally?
Dothan, AL
How did you hear about CrossFit, and what was your first workout?
I heard about CrossFit just through friends and family, and I think my first workout was a partner workout that consisted of burpees, CTB pull-ups, and Russian KB swings.
How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
4-5 usually. I go to the 5:30 am class 95% of the time.
Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
For some reason I enjoy box jump-overs. Can’t tell you why…
Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Tie between heavy deadlifts and overhead squats.
What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
I am a creature of habit, and having the consistency of classes helps me stay in a routine. I also enjoy constantly being pushed by other awesome athletes. That keeps me motivated.
Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Nothing is really coming to mind as far as embarrassing, but the 5:30 am group always keeps it entertaining.
Favorite thing about Birmingham?
I love all the different restaurants and the brewery scene.
What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Outside of the gym: Definitely my family. I have a beautiful wife, Lauren, and two amazing little boys, Christopher (3) and Charlie (1).

Inside the gym: Constantly seeing small improvements on gymnastics movements that I had never tried before a few months ago.
What is your favorite meal?
A big ole ribeye steak.
What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
I love to ski, hike and fly fish.
What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Double-unders……..
Do you have a hidden talent?
I don’t think so…
Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.

I am a huge Boston Bruins hockey fan.

Member since: January 2022

What do you do for a living?
Government service for the great city of Mountain Brook.

Where are you from originally?
Montgomery, Alabama

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
I was first exposed to CrossFit by seeing the Games on ESPN. I have no idea what my first workout was, but I am sure it was ugly.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
I usually attend 6 sessions a week. I go to the 5 PM class during my work week and usually the 11 AM on my weekends.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
I am a big fan of the rower

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
I am absolutely terrible with shoulder mobility so I can easily say, Overhead Squat.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
I love a good routine, so I’m going no matter what. The friendly faces are an added bonus.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
I can’t recall having an embarrassing/funny moment at the gym. However, I am known to have the ability to erase memories, so I suppose there could be a good story out there.

Favorite things about Birmingham?
The geography, the food, the people, and the light traffic (I do not frequent 280).

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Outside the gym: surrounding myself with spectacular people, primarily my wife.
Inside the gym: Steady improvement. Recently, I completed my first bar muscle up.

What is your favorite meal?
Baumhower’s Wings and Cheesy Fries.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Reading, movies, and traveling

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Trying to RX a workout as long as I can stay somewhere in the ballpark of the stimulus.

Do you have a hidden talent?
Not that I know of. I try to be an open book.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Was a teacher for a few years after college.

Members since:
May 2022

Where are you from originally?
Candice: I am from California! specifically Whittier, CA-that’s located in Los Angeles County
Gage: Whittier, CA

What do you do for a living?
Candice: I am a deli associate working in the field for over 10 years now :0!! I also bartend 🙂
Gage: Meat cutter/butcher

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
Candice: I honestly wasn’t that interested in trying CrossFit. Gage offered to pay for my classes, so that’s what was my determining factor-hahah!
Gage: I had been watching the games back when it was in Carson, CA, and I wanted to get involved. The first workout I did with the whole class I think was Amanda and it made me question joining CrossFit.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
Candice: I normally shoot for 4 days, but I will sometimes do 3 depending on my work schedule. I will go to the 11 am class if available or 4-5 pm 🙂
Gage: At least 3 a week. On a good week I like to get there 5 to 6. Just depending how my work schedule lines up. I don’t have a set class I go to. It’s kinda all over the place.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Candice: CLEANS!! I love doing any workout that involves cleans! Or DU (double unders).
Gage:  Anything involving pull-ups or body weight movements.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Candice: Not a movement necessarily but kindaaaa…. maybe? But the bike 0/10. (editor’s note: Good answer. Biking is considered a compound exercise in CrossFit)
Gage: Wallballs or the devil’s tricycle (assault/echo bike).

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
Candice: I want to be strong enough to crush the heads of my enemies with my thighs.  Gage: The community and trying to beat old WOD times. CrossFit is amazing ’cause you can actually track your growth.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Candice: When I fell off the pegboard. Only Gage saw, but I truly haven’t laughed so hard.
Gage: Nothing comes to mind except the wife falling off the pegboard last week.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?
Candice: The food! Especially in downtown;so many options.
Gage: Favorite thing in Birmingham has been the slower pace of life and actually having some seasons.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside or inside the gym)?
Candice: Moving. It took a lot to pick up where you were born and raised and move across the country away from most of your family.
Gage: I would say I’m really proud of the fact that Candice and I picked up everything and moved across the country to out here in Birmingham. I got out of a really dark place in CA. Working 70 hours a week. I was barely making it to the gym, and my diet was really suffering.

What is your favorite meal?
Candice: How could you narrow it down to one thing?? I love all the food.
Gage: Burgers. Nothing wrong with a solid burger.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Candice: I love to read! specifically thrillers and fantasy.
Gage: Well I do enjoy my work. I really do have a passion for butchery and cooking. My wife takes up a lot of time too.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Candice: Travel more. Plus, move up to assistant deli manager at work.
Gage:  Well I would like to get back down to my pre-pandemic weight. I’m always slowly working on a business plan to hopefully get my own butcher shop going.

Do you have a hidden talent?
Candice: Absolutely not. Any hidden talent I have I would immediately tell someone, and it wouldn’t be hidden anymore.
Gage: I can identify any muscle or cut just by looking at it and tell you exactly where it comes from. Ranging from beef all the way down to small game.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Candice: I am a klutz. i hurt myself so much that when I started to workout, my family truly was afraid for my well being.  I’ve had staples in my head, dislocated elbow, broken fingers, and stitches in my head from 3 different accidents. Not really fun but interesting hahah!
Gage: My up bringing was a little unorthodox. I was homeschooled all the way up to college. Actually attended college and culinary school at 16. My dad is a jewelry designer so I spent most of my younger years traveling-staying in Cali for a couple summers surfing.

Member since:
August 2019

What do you do for a living?
Richelle: I am a clinical pharmacist at St. Vincent’s
Jake: Software Engineer and CIO at JWEB Development and IT Services

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?
Richelle: I first heard about CrossFit because one of Jacob’s Facebook friends posted about a free community CrossFit workout at a gym down the road. I always enjoyed HIIT training, and I was hooked after one workout!
Jake: Same

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend?
Richelle: Before pregnancy I went to 5 classes a week. At 6.5 months pregnant, I make it to 3-4 depending on my energy levels and need for rest. I go to either the 7AM class or the 5PM class, alternating every two weeks.
Jake: Godspeed is my primary gym; I try to make it 4 times a week, which now occurs in my basement via Zoom. I also come to Mudtown with Richelle on the weekends depending on her work schedule.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Richelle: Power cleans
Jake: Burpees/running

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout?
Richelle: Snatches. My coordination just isn’t there, yet.
Jake: Wall balls. As a short man, I find the differing targets based on gender to be EXTREMELY sexist.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown?
Richelle: The people and the workouts motivate me to keep coming back. CrossFit gives me an outlet for my competitive nature, and I’ve found that exercise is the best way for me to control stress and anxiety.
Jake: Every time I come to mudtown, I get the feeling that the coach has extensively prepared to lead the WOD for the day. Mudtown has done a great job of keeping their culture amid tightened public health measures, though I do miss the community nights.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment?
Richelle: Chrissy was attempting to “motivate” me to pick my barbell back up one day, and I turned to her and yelled, “STOP IT!” I’ll probably never live that down lol.
Jake: Pretty much any time Richelle and I are on a team WOD together we end up getting mad at each other and yelling (that’s toned down now that she’s pregnant). After the WOD we’re perfectly fine. I never reveal this information to anyone until they’ve witnessed us to a team WOD together, and I find it hilarious.

Favorite thing about Birmingham?
Richelle: I grew up around Birmingham and I really like how much change and growth there has been, especially in the downtown area. There is a lot more to see and do than there was even 5 years ago.
Jake: Tech and food. Lots of talented coders in this city, and lots of talented chefs.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)?
Richelle: I think that what I’m most proud of myself for changes Almost from day to day. One thing I am proud of myself for is completing my PharmD, board exams, residency, and then passing my BPS exam. Inside of the gym, I’m just proud of myself for showing up every week and any small accomplishment that I can achieve.
Jake: I cleaned 175lbs at Mudtown a few weeks ago. Most I’d ever done before that was 145. On a personal note, I switched from a career in theology to one in software after the 2008 recession. I hadn’t written a line of code until four years ago and now help lead a small business here in Birmingham. I’ll always look back with pride on the time when I was spending twelve hours a day screaming at my computer while trying to make a circle larger on a computer screen.

What is your favorite meal?
Richelle: Anything containing queso. I have a problem.
Jake: Pho, specifically Saigon Noode House on 280.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?
Richelle: My first love was soccer. Jacob and I actually met coaching soccer! I played through college and I still enjoy playing pick-up – when not pregnant or in the middle of a pandemic.
Jake: Soccer, reading (am on a science fiction kick right now), music (relearning guitar), role playing games (both tabletop and video games). I also love observing the intersection between religion and pop culture.

What is one goal that you are currently working on?
Richelle: My current goal is to stay healthy and maintain as much fitness as I can. CrossFit is great because it is scaleable to any fitness level or physical need. After pregnancy and some healing, I’ll keep working on my previous goal of strict pull-ups!
Jake: Have lost about five pounds since July, am trying to eke out 2 or 3 more before baby comes while building some speed and explosiveness. After that I want to focus more on building strength.

Do you have a hidden talent?
Richelle: I can balance 2 soccer balls on top of each other. It’s not much of a hidden talent, but it’s something.
Jake: Some tell me I’m hard to find in a crowd.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you.
Richelle: I played clarinet for 8 years and my high school Wind Ensemble played at Carnegie Hall.
Jake: At one point I knew five languages, most of them dead ones.

Member since: June 2019

What do you do for a living?: Physical Therapy Student at Samford University

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout?: A CrossFit gym opened by my high school in 2015. I had no idea what CrossFit was, but I knew I needed direction with my workouts. 5 years later, here I am! I cannot remember what my first workout was, but I remember not being able to feel my body after.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? 4-5 days/week is my goal. I rotate between 11:15 am and 3:30 pm

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Snatches are my favorite movement because when you get it right, you feel like you got it right.

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Thrusters or Front Squats.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? After being in class almost all day, walking through Mudtown’s doors is a breath of fresh air. I can lift with some awesome people for an hour. What could be better?

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? The box I went to while I was in undergrad had a VERY high bar on their rig. It became a competition as to who could jump and touch it because everyone was below 5’5”. Me, being an ex-volleyball player, did an approach and touched the bar! I won the competition but the glory was short lived because I fell flat on my back right after.

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The sunshine and beer.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? My biggest accomplishment outside of the gym was getting into the only Physical Therapy school I applied to, in addition to not being waitlisted. My biggest accomplishment inside the gym was competing in a USAW weightlifting competition in Canton, OH. I did alright for my first time!

What is your favorite meal? A PB&J toasted like a grilled cheese sandwich.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? I love to cook!

What is one goal that you are currently working on? I want to learn how to coach Adaptive CrossFit.

Do you have a hidden talent? I can draw portraits but only with pencils, and I’ve played piano since I was 5 years old

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. I can read and speak Greek (not fluently), but I had to go to Greek School growing up (just like the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding).

Member since: June 2019

What do you do for a living? Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Country Club of Birmingham

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first workout? I first came across CrossFit from a coworker while in Charleston. Not sure of my first workout, but I’m sure I died a little bit inside. It was awesome.

How many days do you CrossFit? What classes do you normally attend? I really try to make it to 4 classes/week and I’m almost always at 5:30 pm.

Favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Movement: Deadlift. Workout: Anything not involving gymnastics HA

Least favorite CrossFit movement/workout? Movement: Muscle Up. Workout: Diane

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to CrossFit Mudtown? Having recently moved here in May 2019, my first mission was to find a gym. Luckily, Crossfit Mudtown was in a very convenient location AND turns out the community is pretty OK as well. Just kidding, I’ve made some incredible friends so far since moving here and everyone’s willingness to include myself and my wife Anna in hangouts, events, etc has been nothing short of amazing.

Most embarrassing/funniest gym moment? Well most recently, I was asked to demo low-bar back squat and the wonderful Coach Mel proceeded to roast me on my form. I enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks Coach Mel!*

*Editor’s note: I (Coach Mel) specifically said, “I don’t want this to feel like I’m roasting William during this demonstration, but he is reminding me of a couple common faults that I would like to point out.” You were a great sport William 😜

Favorite thing about Birmingham? The beer and food scene for sure. Coming from Charleston, SC that was something that was big for Anna and I so that made for an awesome transition.

What accomplishment are you most proud of (outside and inside of the gym)? Outside of the Gym: Being selected as one of the top 50 assistant superintendents in the country to attend a leadership conference in October 2019. Inside of the Gym: I have been able to PR on just about every movement since moving here. Must be that incredible programming…

What is your favorite meal? El Barrio, end of story.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit? Golf, Hiking, Clemson Football, Craft Beer, Food, hanging with my wife and our yellow lab Sadie.

What is one goal that you are currently working on? Currently in my second week of the nutrition sprint. I’m trying to get down to between 210-215 lbs, which would be the lowest I’ve weighed since birth.

Do you have a hidden talent? I have an innate ability to multi-task (particularly while cooking) and failing miserably. Which normally involves a huge mess or burning whatever is being cooked.

Tell us a fun/interesting fact not many people know about you. Some people already know this, but in South Carolina and the Myrtle Beach area, my family is famously known for starting Hooters of America, which often involved me working there from the time I was 7 up until about 15. Oh, I’m also extremely terrified of clowns (not afraid to hit someone in the face though, bet).