Name: Jonathan Fischer
Age: 38 - I’m a Gemini… take that for what you will
Member Since: August 2020
Where are you from or where do you live around here?
When people ask me this, I always like to answer, “how much time do you have?” I’ve been a lot of places and seen a lot of things. Whether it be through my own travels, or because of the Navy (Go Navy!), or the various jobs I’ve had throughout my lifetime. I was born in Hawaii, but have lived in: New Mexico, Germany (High School exchange program), … needless to say, its 7 states and 4 countries. But I live about a mile south of Eastern Mennonite University, off of Chicago Avenue. You’ll usually see me running around there on the weekends.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a man of many places, as stated above. But wherever I go, I do what I can to make the most of where I’m at. I consider Harrisonburg, VA, as my home. I’ve felt welcomed by this community and want to give back wherever I can. I have a degree in Chemical Engineering. I’m also a former Naval Officer, and proud of the time that I was able to serve. I was in the Civil Engineering Corps, and I like to joke with people – “I was such a good Sailor, I was never sent to a ship.”
What got you started at Rocktown CrossFit?
I was looking for a new challenge. Every year, I like to set a new goal. Last year, 2019, I wanted to run a 50K. So, I started training for one, and in Jan 2020, I did it. So I was looking for a new goal. I had lost my job around March 2020 and started “working” in Harrisonburg as a Project Manager. I put it that way, as I was remote, as was everyone else. Starting a new job, on a project I’ve never seen, with people I’ve never met. Needless to say, it was a rough transition. Once I was able to come up here, I started looking around. I think it was one night, going down the YouTube rabbit trail (I know, dangerous), that I came across the CrossFit Games 2016 Murph. So, I told myself – “why not.” Around July 2020, I saw that Rocktown was one of the two main CrossFit gyms in town. I read through a lot of the ‘Athlete Spotlight’ write ups, and it looked like a good place to be. I didn’t even try to look anywhere else. I did a drop-in class and was welcomed by the coach. I can’t remember who it was, as the whole experience at the time was overwhelming, and frankly, I was a bit intimidated. I thought to myself “why would a bunch of CrossFit members, accept some runner dude?”. They did. I distinctly remember a “Welcome. You’ll like it here. We’re a family.” I was hooked. I was all in.
When or what was your “CrossFit Moment” - the moment that you really felt pushed or felt like you really accomplished something?
I think it was during one of the weighted vest workouts. For some reason, those are my jam. If it’s “vestable”, I’ll make sure I do what I can do be there. It was:
3 Rounds
800m Run
30 Push Ups
50 Air Squats
My “rabbit” was Jack. I don’t think he knew I was chasing him, but I know how strong and good he is. So, I set the bar, to what I thought was too high, and went for it. I was first, and I don’t think I was ever prouder of a workout – not before, or since. It was excellent prep for the Murph, set a few months later. I think the moment that really solidified it for me was the Murph. The bringing together of so many, for one purpose. The pain didn’t matter; it was all for a bigger cause, and larger movement.
What are your goals for CrossFit? Why do you do CrossFit?
String together some Double Unders… ha ha ha! I am not exactly the most coordinated person out there, and I have “two left feet”. I think that’s what I really like about this sport – you don’t have to be some talented sportsman to be a solid athlete. This really is for anyone that’s willing to put in the work. What keeps me coming back? I’d say the camaraderie as well as the community. It’s great to grind with people, and really work out stress, get stronger, get faster…whatever your goals are. We’re all in it together.
What do you think is special about Rocktown CrossFit?
We’re a family, we really are. We come from all different places – some local, some not. We all have different beliefs, different personalities, different perspectives. The one thing that unites us, is the willingness to grind, and get the work in. Whether it be the motivated 5:30AM crew or the “work hate and discontent” crew of 5:30PM (my people) – the end feeling is the same: accomplishment. As stated above, I was coming in from a more running centered background. Sure, I did some strength stuff, but that was more focused on leg stability and core strength. I was in a very dark place not all that long ago. I thought that I could literally run away from my problems. I enjoy running, don’t get me wrong, and still do quite a bit of it. I thought at the time – “if I ran more, faster, harder, things will be ok”. Sure, I got a bunch of Personal Bests doing that, but I was still a broken man. COVID ripped the mask off of anything I may have proverbially paper over. I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, I needed a change. I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Enter into Rocktown CrossFit. Something about being integral to the success of a community of like-minded people, makes a lot of things a lot more manageable. This then allows you to transform your current state, into something a lot more positive and productive. This place literally changed me. I realized that I could face major obstacles, and blow through them. Doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but together, it’s doable.
What are your favorite movements to do in a workout? What are your least favorite? Why?
Favorite – vestable. Any workout that I can wear a vest, … I don’t know what it is, I guess with my Military background, it’s like a switch is activated and its go time. But as far as a movement, Power Clean. Something about standing up with that weight shoulder height and staring straight forward. It’s just awesomesause. And of course, running, as that’s usually my “catch up” part of the workout.
Least Favorite – Muscle Ups. And that’s because I can’t do them, ha ha ha! But movement I can actually execute, sorta: Snatch. Doesn’t matter if its Power Snatch or Squat Snatch – it sucks. A whole bucket of suck.
Free write - whatever you feel like you want to share.
If you’re ever in a class with me, you’ll know it. Something about that timer going off, hits a switch in my brain, and its go time. “C’mon 5:30!” is what you’ll hear me cry. I have a ton of energy, and I’m more than happy to spread it around. I’ve been called many things – Energizer Bunny, Hypeman, and #1 Assistant Coach, to name just a few. I am purpose driven, and want to create a culture of joy wherever I go. I feel that we all have a place at the table, and a purpose to keep moving forward.
And to revisit my 100 Class Patch write-up: “This place will change you, if you let it”
Those are the words that greet you when you walk in. No truer words can be spoken about this place. For me, one of the accomplishments I am most proud of is signing up. Seriously. Taking that leap of faith, and getting out of my comfort zone. Coming from a running focused background (from 5K to 50K), this was different for
me. “I want to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” All I have to say about that, is be careful what you wish for. One of the main things that keep me coming back is my designated partner. Find you someone that pushes you, and stick to them like glue. If there is anything that I could tell a new member is – get ready to be transformed. Don’t give up. Don’t quit. You’ll be glad you stuck with it.
