As someone who has been doing CrossFit for five years, Jason brings great experience and humility to our classes. As someone who can dig deep in a workout, but also have a good laugh while warming up, Jason is a great example of our “learn, work hard, have fun” mantra. As you’ll see below, he is also a great example of continued progress. He recently deadlifted 405# (a 30# increase!) His selection as our May Member of the Month shouldn’t surprise anyone that knows him – he’s just a great guy and positive role model. Congrats, Jason!
Name
Jason Irey
Occupation
Clinical Trial Manager (Oncology) at Janssen R&D
When did you start CF?
2013
What are your favorite numbers and why?
22 & 18. Numbers I wore growing up playing baseball and soccer.
What CF movements do you like?
Power clean, pull ups, muscle ups
What CF movements do you dislike?
Thrusters, burpees, squat cleans
What sports or fitness things did you do before CF?
Globo gym and mountain biking after my baseball and soccer careers were over
How did you find CF? What was your first workout?
It took a friend several years to convince me to try CF. I don’t recall my very first WOD, but I do recall completing the baseline base camp workout and feeling awful afterwards.
What’s your favorite thing about CF? (either CF in general or about Kanna or both)
There are multiple things about CF that I love. To name a few, I like the fact that I no longer have to create my own workout or decide what body part to work on. That’s already been decided for by the coach. I also like the fact that it fits perfectly into my schedule. As a father, I no longer have 2-3 hrs to spend at a globo gym thinking about what body part to work on and having to wait for equipment, not to mention not even getting a good workout…..and last but not least the great people you get to workout with.
What are your hobbies?
Skiing, mountain biking, hunting, anything having to do with the outdoors
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I like musicals. I went to see Phantom of the Opera at the Forest Theater when I was 13. The production blew me away.
What PRs or accomplishments are you most proud of? (e.g. PR on a deadlift, getting a muscle-up, participation in the Open, etc)
Recently it would be my 405 lb deadlift PR or 21 muscle ups in 10 minutes.
What’s on your CF bucket list?
I don’t really have a CF bucket list. I’m just thankful to have the opportunity to workout with great people and hopefully continue increase my fitness level.
What’s on your general bucket list?
Heli skiing. Mountain biking out west
What advice do you have for new (or experienced!) CrossFitters?
Be fearless and have some patience. When I first began crossfitting I was terrified of cleans, snatches, thrusters, front squats etc. These are all movements I had very little if any experience with even though I played a Division 1 sport in college. I also had extremely limited mobility which caused addition frustration, but with repetition and time eventually these movements begin to “click”.
***Kanna members: Stay tuned for Lisa’s custom WOD date!***
How does one become Member of the Month? By embodying the mission of CrossFit Kanna of Learning, Working Hard, and Having Fun. By contributing to the community and supporting others in and out of the workout. By being open to coaching and improving oneself for the sake of being better, not to “win” the workout. By just generally being a good person and having a positive attitude. And a lot more, but you get the idea!