September 2017 Member of the Month

Bret Wiski

Preferred Name 
Bret 

Age 
47

Where did you grow up? 
Born in Duluth, grew up in White Bear Lake (Go Bears)

When did you become a member of Mi5 Fitness? 
April 2016

What do you do when you are not at Mi5? (occupation, hobbies, etc.) 
IT Manager for Hennepin County Community Corrections and Rehabilitation.  Current hobbies revolve around raising my two boys MacLane (6) and Finnegan (2) with my wife Angie.  I love to scuba dive, but it may have to do with the tropics.  Former competitive cross-country skier, rower (Macalester College and Mpls Rowing Club), and mountain biker.  Played adult recreational soccer, softball, and broomball until I had kids.  Love to cook (former career in restaurants) and drink wine.

How did you find out about Mi5? 
Brother-in-Law Pat Sewald brought me to bring-a-buddy day.

When/How did you realize CrossFit/Mi5 was the right fit for you? 
First class provided all-muscle group (good) pain.  Second class put me in an ambulance (yup, I forgot I grew old and out of shape and needed to ease into it).  Thanks to Andrew, Kristin, and Chris for helping me through.  Their attention and assistance gave me a good feeling about the care of the staff.

What is your favorite WOD/movement? 
I feel pretty comfortable Rowing.

What is your least favorite WOD/movement? 
Assault Bike

What would your perfect WOD look like? 
Anything that includes an obstacle course or the May 4, 2017 WOD (thanks to my partner Kegger):

In Teams of 2
100 Cal Row
75 Box Jump Overs 24/20
100 Deadlift 155/105
75 Wall Ball 20/14
100 Burpee
75 Wall Ball 20/14
100 Deadlift 155/105
75 Box Jump Overs 24/20
100 Cal Row
 
What is one thing you have been able to accomplish since starting at Mi5 that you never thought you'd be able to do? 
More than one handstand pushup.

What motivates you to stay fit? 
My family and memories of my competitive days (can I ever get back to those days).

What is something about you that Mi5 members do not yet know? 
I have a pair of  K2 skis signed by Phil Mahre (my childhood hero) from when I had breakfast with him at my uncle's house in Duluth in the early 1980's. 

What advice would you give to someone just getting started at Mi5? 
​Perseverance...stick with it and you will see results.  It took a 6-8 weeks to see improvements and then the results start to come faster.  The variety of movements and classes keep things fresh.  Try each of the classes at least once and figure out what feels right for you.  My favorite quote I learned from Tommy.  "Today I will do what others won't so tomorrow I can do what others can't!"