June 2018 Members of the Month

Mike & Karen Keller

Mike

Preferred Name: Mike, though I like it when we arrive and we are greeted as “The Kellers”

Age:  51 

Where did you grow up? 
Half of my childhood was in Detroit, MI and the other half in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
July 2017

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I am a letter carrier in Highland Park in St. Paul. I have worked at the post office in St. Paul for 28 years.  Movies, books, comics, and anything related to pop culture are some of my favorite things. Eating whatever Karen cooks.

How did you find out about Mi5? 
Karen said “Look into this for me.”

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
Because of work schedules, we didn’t attend classes the month of December, and I really missed it!
 
What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
Whichever one we just finished!

What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 
Whichever one is coming up next!

What would your perfect WOD look like? 
Not certain, but I enjoy body weight movements like the Murph.

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
So many things! When I first started, I couldn’t string together three reps of jump rope. It was great being able to rope climb a dozen times in one WOD recently.

What motivates you to stay fit? 
Karen. I once said the only reason I was attending was for my wife. I think the coach pushed me a little harder that day, hahaha.

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
This is probably the hardest question. I see myself as a fairly open book. Having said that, I did convert our sitting room into a library, and I have 10,000 comic books in the basement. I love running and ran the TC Marathon a few years back.

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
Listen to the coaches, don’t be shy to ask questions, and be patient with yourself.
 
 

Karen

Preferred Name:  Karen

Age:  53 

Where did you grow up? 
Cincinnati, OH

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
10 or 11 months ago. 

What do you do when you are not at Mi5?
I’m the Postmaster at the Jordan Post Office.  I’ve worked for the post office in various positions for 26 years. I enjoy cooking, studying the Bible, caring for our three dogs, and playing with our grandchildren.

How did you find out about Mi5? 
I saw an advertisement years ago that piqued my interest, and I drive past it every day. 

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
I attended a boot camp class at a CrossFit affiliate with my daughter-in-law in North Carolina and really enjoyed it! I was super excited to get back home and visit Mi5. Everyone at Mi5 was friendly and helpful from the first day. The coaches were attentive and understanding.

What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
The Cindy work out, back squats, dead lifts, jump roping, sit-ups, chin-ups, and rowing. More than I realized!

What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
The assault bike!  It’s the devil’s machine!

What would your perfect WOD look like? 
Chin-ups, sit-ups, and back squats.

What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do?
The 5K for sure! I was worried that someone would have to collect me off of the road! 

What motivates you to stay fit? 
​The ability to be able to keep up with the grandchildren and my husband. To remain free of medications and chronic illnesses that plague many. I’m blessed.

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
I served five years in the Army  and loved it. I was a BMX state champion for my age group in 2000, and we foster homeless dogs for a golden retriever rescue (RAGOM).

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
Everyone is a beginner at some point, so don’t be intimidated. Don’t feel embarrassed if you can’t do some of the movements. I couldn’t do a single proper sit-up when I started. Work hard, show up consistently, and bring a can-do attitude.  ​