Congratulations, Keith!

Keith is PUSH511's November Member of the Month! Keith is a regular in PUSH511's group CrossFit classes! Outside of PUSH, Keith is a competitive member of the Spartan Race community. Keith has run in 10 Spartan races this year with 8 of those being competitive races. Keith has placed in the top 10 finishers in 6 of those races! His most recent Spartan Races have included:

• Citizens Bank Park Stadium 5K in Philadelphia - Didn't fail any obstacles!
• Beast 21K in Vernon, NJ - Finished top 10.
• Super 10K in Vernon - Finished top 10. Also did the Sprint 5K with my best friend.
• Super 10K in Arrington, VA - Finished top 10.
• Sprint 5K - Finished 15th.

One of PUSH's coaches appropriately nicknamed Keith "The blur of a human I vaguely see lapping me in every workout."

Now, let's get to know PUSH's November Member of the Month!

When did you start CrossFit? I started Crossfit about 4 years ago now. I started in PA and continued at PUSH when I moved to Baltimore.

What's your fitness background? I've played sports my entire life, but only team sports. I played soccer for like 8 years, football for 5, and baseball for 10. I've continued to play team sports, but now I love obstacle course racing in addition to CrossFit.

What's your favorite CrossFit movement? Either dumbbell snatches or box jumps. I'd say running, but I don't think that qualifies.

What's your least favorite movement? Double-unders (I don't think anyone will be surprised by this answer.)

What do you do for work? I work for BGE as a GIS Technician (I update maps)

Tell us a little about yourself and your family. I'm 35 years old and have lived in Baltimore for about 3.5 years now. I love sports, movies, traveling, video games, and music. My family is just my parents, my brother, and me. We were all born in NYC though they've all been in NJ since 1992. My parents are both retired and regularly travel the world.

Tell us something we don't know about you! I'm a giant nerd. I absolutely love sci-fi, fantasy, and play more video games than I should.

How has CrossFit affected your life outside of the gym? CrossFit has made me a more confident and better person. When I started CrossFit, I said that I wanted to jump higher, run faster, and throw farther. I can now do all 3. It's made me so much better at sports.

What do you enjoy most about PUSH? The community! I was welcomed with open arms when I moved to Baltimore and everyone has been there to support me when I need it. I consider everyone at PUSH as more than friends. I consider them family. (Cue Vin Diesel)

What tips would you offer someone who is just getting started with working out? Start slow, don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't compare yourself to others. Everything takes time and trying to compete with others will only lead to frustration and injury.

What's your favorite song to work out to? I really don't have a favorite per se, but I'll go with Unstoppable by Sia.

What's your favorite restaurant? I love food and there are so many good restaurants! Locally, I'll say Chasseur. I think I've been there the most.

Who's your hero (real or fictional)? My grandfather. He passed away in 2009, but he was an amazing man who served in WWII and always found time to play catch with me even though he was 70 when I was born.

What does your frequently used emoji tab look like?

Words to live by or favorite quote? Don't be afraid to fail. We all fail and make mistakes, but how we respond and learn make us who we are.

What's your favorite travel spot? I like to see new things when I travel and don't really go to places more than once. If I had to choose one location, I'd say where I grew up in NJ. It's always great to see my family and old friends.

If you could win an Olympic gold medal for any sport, real or fake, what would it be? I'm going to go with the 100m sprint. If I only got myself into shape earlier.

What's your hidden talent? The ability to get injured randomly.

What are your top five favorite movies? I definitely needed some time to think about this one. In no certain order:

• Gladiator
• Space Balls
• Lord of the Rings: Return of the King
• Major League
• The Dark Knight