Tell us about how you started Ruck and Sandbag training or events:
I started SB and ruck training somewhere around 5-6 years ago. I’ve had a home gym for a while and was mostly doing a blend of training styles. Crossfit style metcons, insanity, running, etc. Sandbag training just seemed to open another doorway to a different style of training. Once I started, I found various training groups and stayed hooked.
Most Memorable Event or Fitness achievement?:
I would say my most memorable fitness achievement was the Bragg HTB last year. It had been in the works for a long time. First Bragg H the prior year at the 10th Anniversary was pretty special though.
What are you training for?:
Currently training for the 9/11 HTB, a pair of half marathons, the 2025 custom HH, and anything that happens in between. (At the time of this being put up on the site Clay and Company are mere days away from tackling that 9/11 HTB. Go get it!)
Tell us about why you train with The Bakery?:
I train with The Bakery for a handful of reasons. A big reason is Joe. He has the numbers to back up his programming, so you know if you put in the work and follow the plan, your chance of success is very likely. Another HUGE reason is the groups on Polo. You build friendships with a lot of active people in those chats. You know they are putting in the work, same as you. So you start to recognize people you can count on at big events. Eventually a lot of those people are friends you look forward to catching up with and sharing laughs with during the crazy times. For someone that lives a long way from anywhere most events are held, it means a lot to be able to show up and “know” a lot of people at events, not just the couple people i travel with. Instantly more comfortable seeing people from the Bakery groups.
What drives you in your fitness journey?:
I’ve been fortunate enough to surround myself with some of the best people the world has to offer. A huge driving factor for me is to strive to put myself physically and mentally on those people’s level. Where I know I can 100% rely on them for anything, I owe it to them to be the best version of myself. The caliber of the people around me is what pushes me.
If you could set one fitness-related world record, what would it be?
One fitness related world record? Lol. I’m the quintessential guy that just does the work and tries to fly under the radar and have some fun. No world records please
If you could train with any athlete (past or present), who would it be and why?:
For the most part i actually get to train with the athletes that work the best for me. Some of them are faster, some of them are stronger, some of them are both. All of them push me. Outside of that, if i could do a wod with one person I always looked up to it’s 100% Jason Khalipa. From early crossfit days. I always wanted to see what it would be like to dig in with a dude that has the strength and engine he has.
What’s the best piece of fitness advice you’ve ever received?:
Best fitness advice is hands down “there are physical days and there are mental days”. Some days you go to the gym with total intention. Those are gonna be the physical days. Some days you go sore, tired, distracted. Those are the mental days. No days are wasted. Some days your muscles get worked. Some days your brain, heart and will power get worked. It’s all forward progress. Keep after it.
