February Athlete of the Month: Mike Kelly

State your Name and/or Nickname please.

Michael Patrick Kelly, better known as “Mike”

Occupation?

Mission Control Consultant for the Seton Family of Hospitals (actual title – hard to believe). Although our office aspires to send people to the moon, we’re the internal business consultants for the 9 hospitals in our system.

Words to live by?

“Take the time to warm up, cool down and stretch… you’re body will thank you.” – don’t know who said this, but it’s so true.

What is your fitness background?

Swimming and water polo in high school and then got lazy in college. Wasn’t active again until I found CrossFit.

How long have you been CrossFitting?

Started with my friends at CrossFit San Antonio back in the summer of 2007, so a little over 3 1/2 years.

What’s your favorite part of CrossFit?

It’s definitely the community. It’s a second family with it’s own unique language, culture and values. I’ve been to many different boxes while on business trips and felt the same sense of community all over the country. CrossFit Austin has amazing coaches and clients – a combination that keeps me coming back for more!

What are your training goals?

I’ve wanted to do a muscle up for a long time… that would be awesome. A walking handstand would also make my day.

Favorite sport or activity?

Besides CrossFit, it depends on the season. In the summer, I enjoy swimming with my kids at the Landa Park aquatic complex in our new hometown of New Braunfels. In the winter, running in half and full marathons has been my activity of choice.

Recent adventure you’re planning?

New Zealand – I’ve wanted to go explore both islands and take a real vacation ever since I got out of college. Still a dream, but hopefully in the works in the next year or two.

Tell us something we don’t know about you?

I watch almost any show on TV about Alaska – and there are many.

Longhorns or Aggies?

Not really a football guy, but would probably pick Longhorns.

So all of our 5:30 AMers are well aware of your powerful beard that gives you ridiculous pull-up numbers, and super human hip mobility.What other accomplishments would you attribute to the power beard?

Beards are the secret behind waking up to workout at 5:30 AM, RX-ing on all WODs and deadlifting small cars on the weekends. Honestly, I have to admit that growing the beard has been awesome. It saves time on shaving, keeps my face warm and gives me the undeserved appearance of being wise beyond my years. My advice is grow facial hair and live the life you’ve always dreamed of!

Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words?

I’d like to thank Wes sticking out his neck by offering the 5:30 AM class and Tristy for faithfully waking up to coach us and keep it fun in the morning. It was hard to believe anyone would actually show up in the beginning, but it’s happening! 5:30 AM and 6:30 AM classes rock!