BTSCF Newsletter - November 2021
It is officially the holiday season and the time of year that seems to speed up. Schedules are full of events and there is so much to be done. Let’s get right into this month at BTSCF.
Our holiday schedule has been announced. Here are the important dates to pay attention to this season!
12/24 - Christmas Eve
Regular morning schedule, No PM classes
12/24 - Christmas Day
Closed, all classes cancelled
12/31 - New Year’s Eve
Regular morning schedule, Special 3pm class. No other PM classes.
1/1 - New Year’s Day
Regular class schedule.
BTSCF Holiday Party
Speaking of the holiday schedule, our Holiday Party will be on Saturday, December 18th at 5pm. Come hang out, relax and have some food and drinks. We will put a sheet out in the lobby so you can sign up with a dish you plan to bring.
We will also have a White Elephant Gift Exchange during the party. If you’d like to participate, bring in a wrapped gift valued between $15-$25. Then we will see what sort of fun chaos ensues!
In case you missed it…
We launched our annual food drive to benefit the Holy Trinity Food Pantry. Once again our coaches will put in the work based on your donations. This year we’ll multiply your donations by 30 to get the rep count. Each rep will be equal to one meter and then in teams of three, our coaches will race on the rower to see which team is fastest! Our goal is to collect over 600 items….that would mean 18,000 meters for each team! Donations are being collected until December 11th.
The RPM 10K Challenge is open for registration and will take place in January 2022. We asked Jon Heyer all about his experience doing the 10K Challenge and why you should consider signing up.
BTSCF Athletes Podium at the PJ Stone Challenge 3
On November 14th we closed the gym so we could help support the PJ Stone Challenge. This was the third time this event was put on. There are a few events within the event: two races and three tests of strength which take place on the trails in Port Jervis, NY to support the Outdoor Club. We were thrilled to see so many of our athletes and their families on the mountain participating. Congrats to all! A special congratulations goes out to some of our athletes who took home medals.
The Races
Kayla S. - Heaviest Stone and Overall Winner in the Women’s Division of “The Challenge”
Joe B. - Heaviest Stone and Overall Winner in the Men’s Division of “The Challenge”
Bonnie H. - Heaviest Stone, Fastest Race, and Overall Winner in the Women’s Division of “The Provocation”
The Test of Strength
Kayla S. - Winner in the Women’s Division of “Throw”
Emma S. - Winner in the Kids’ Division of “Throw”
Jon T. - Winner in the Men’s Division of “Throw”
Joe B. - Winner in the Men’s Division of “Lift”
Congratulations to all of the winners and we cannot wait to see everyone on the mountain for the PJ Stone Challenge 4 next year!
BTSCF Feature Athlete
Meet Jack Higgins
When did you start CrossFitting?
March 2021, The stone challenge workout.
What brought you to CrossFit?
A lot of inspiration came from people I work with who had positive experiences and changes in their life as a result of CrossFit. That coupled with a sincere desire to stay fit and healthy in order to be here for my family for the long haul.
What have you learned from doing CrossFit?
I’ve learned that a lot can change with consistent effort over a short and long period of time. What I can do now as opposed to when I first walked through the door.
I’ve learned that the voice in my head that tells me I can’t possibly keep going is wrong to the point of distrust. I have learned to be mentally comfortable with the challenge of physical discomfort.
I’ve learned that the feeling of accomplishment and relief that comes from grinding through a workout before the sun rises is the best way to start the day.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about starting CrossFit?
I would say just go. Bring the body and the mind will follow. The biggest challenge for me was getting to my first workout. Which for me, was the stone challenge 2 workout. After my first workout, I was sold.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I would use the term free very loosely but I enjoy woodworking, furniture building and various types of home improvement projects. (When my kids are napping.)
What do you do for work and how has CrossFit impacted how you do your job?
I work as a high school technology teacher, although it’s better known as wood shop class. I would say the biggest impact is having more energy throughout the day. I wouldn’t go so far as to say my job is physical but I am on my feet most of the day and there is an element of psychological endurance required to work with young people especially in recent times. The most noticeable and invaluable improvement has been having energy for my own family after work.
We put Jack through the lightning round, here’s what he had to say…
Q: What super power would you give yourself?
A: Flight
Q: What's your favorite healthy food?
A: Spinach
Q: What's your favorite not so healthy food?
A: Kit Kat
Q: What TV Sitcom family or group would you be a member of?
A: The Simpsons
Q: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
A: Millennial hipster doofus YouTuber.
Q: If you could write your own fortune cookie fortune, what would it say?
A: Buy more Bitcoin.
Q: If you were a professional wrestler, what would you finishing move be called?
A: The flapjack
Q: Who do you look up to for inspiration at BTSCF?
A: The 5:15 gang!
Q: What is your favorite and least favorite movement?
A: Favorite, kipping pull-ups. Least, The bike.
Q: What is the one thing you've done at BTSCF that your old self wouldn't ever believe?
A: The Murph.
Q: Anything else you want to share?
A: Thank you to everyone at BTSCF!