BTSCF Newsletter - November 2020
There’s only one question to be asked in November….what are you thankful for? Here’s what is happening at BTSCF this month.
Give Us Your Calories!
We want you to donate shelf stable foods to support our food drive which benefits the Holy Trinity Food Pantry in Dingman’s Ferry. We want those donations so bad, we are willing to bike for them! For every item donated, each of your coaches will bike 1 calorie.
Last year you made us do over 400 burpees. Let’s see you beat that! Can you get us to 500 bike calories for 500 items?
Donations can be left in the lobby during any class time. Coaches will be riding the bikes on 12/20.
The 12 Days of Christmas
Since we cannot have our annual holiday party the same way we used to, let’s get together in the next best way! Grab the ugliest Christmas sweater you can find and come do the 12 Days of Christmas WOD with us on Tuesday, 12/22.
CrossFit Skills Classes
Our skills classes continue to be a great opportunity to learn and improve upon skills that you’ll encounter during our WODs. Here’s a look of our upcoming skills classes:
12/6: Hit the C2 Rowers with Jon and work on putting the most power into your rowing.
12/13: Join Lindsay as she takes you through the Clean & Jerk.
12/20: One of the most valuable ways to improve your skills is to improve your mobility. Mike will take you through a session to help you become more mobile.
12/27: No skills class this week. Happy Holidays!
Coach’s Picks
This month, let’s take a look at Jon T’s picks for board games. Here’s what his podium looks like.
Spirit of the Games: For me, Sorry would have to fill this spot. There isn’t much strategy to it and the game is straight forward. It’s easy to play, kids can join in, and it’s always fun to see the look on someone’s face when you bump them back to start.
Dark Horse: I’m going with Chess here. The complexity and the strategy is the draw here, but it also keeps this one from being in the top 3 consistently. Sometimes a game of chess can be fun and engaging and that’s when it could pop onto the podium, but other times it can be a bit much. It all depends on my mood.
Podium Picks
3rd: Monopoly is a classic that has now been remade with almost every theme imaginable. There are so many ways you can play this one. You can be shrewd and put up houses and hotels everywhere. You can be the spoiler that always seems to have that one property the “shrewd” player needs to complete their empire. The rules are simple and it’s always fun…at least until someone lands on Boardwalk with 3 houses and flips the board. Also, no money goes under free parking. It’s free parking, and only free parking.
2nd: Scrabble is another classic and while spelling counts, strategy is the difference maker. I love that anyone can play this game because it’s not the quality of the words you play, but how and where you place them. The feeling you get when you pick up a double triple word score by simply putting down the letter X is unlike any other. Sure, I’m geeking out a bit there, but if you know, then you know.
1st: I’m not sure if Mexican Train Dominoes counts as a board game, but I’m going with it. I grew up playing this game with my grandparents and the memories are always great. The rules are easy to follow and the game is accessible to all ages. This one may not be the best game, but it’s provided me with the best memories so it takes the top of the podium for me.
BTSCF Feature Athlete
Meet Jayson Pope
When did you start CrossFitting?
I started CrossfFitting when I joined BTS in January of 2019.
What brought you to CrossFit?
Part of it was seeing how much my neighbor, Coach Paulie, was enjoying it. Part of it was driving past BTS to and from work each day and finally deciding that I was ready to make some changes.
What have you learned from doing CrossFit?
CrossFit is the most humbling thing I’ve done in my life. It’s also important not to get too caught up in the highs and lows. Just when you think you’ve started to figure it all out, a WOD filled with overhead squats and pull-ups knocks you back down.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
Just because we wear matching sweatshirts, continuously add to the number of tattoos on our bodies and spend an inordinate amount of time making sure our workout attire is somewhat coordinated, doesn’t mean we’re in a cult. Wait...Honestly, just show up with the anticipation of becoming uncomfortable but also recognize that DJ Scaled’s playlist applies to all movements.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Besides CrossFit, most of my free time nowadays revolves around being a dad.
What do you do for work and how has CrossFit impacted how you do your job?
I’m a school administrator at Delaware Valley. CrossFit has definitely brought a calming presence to other aspects of my life. I’m more effective at my job because of the outlet CrossFit has afforded me.
We hit Jayson with some lightning round questions, here’s what he had to say:
Q: What super power would you give yourself?
A: Time travel.
Q: What's your favorite healthy food?
A: Granny Smith apples.
Q: What's your favorite not so healthy food?
A: A large extra cheese and pepperoni pizza from Pasquale’s in Buffalo.
Q: What TV Sitcom family or group would you be a member of?
A: Family Matters, but only if Regi gets to play Carl Winslow.
Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A: Presidential speech writer.
Q: If you could write your own fortune cookie fortune, what would it say?
A: Figure it out.
Q: If you were a professional wrestler, what would you finishing move be called?
A: I’d definitely be a heel. My finisher would likely involve picking up an Assault Bike and smashing my opponent over the head with it when the referee’s back is turned. No name required.
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at BTSCF?
A: I appreciate all of the coaches and members at BTS. That’s what everyone says, and while true, I’ll name names: Paul Blazeski, Larry Chiocchi, Kristine Goin.
Q: What is your favorite and least favorite movement?
A: My favorite are kettlebell swings and my least favorite are overhead squats.
Q: What is the one thing you've done at BTSCF that your old self wouldn't ever believe?
A: It’s somewhat satisfying to put a gash in one’s shin after face planting a box jump.