If we gave out membership numbers, Sam’s would be 001. So it’s great to welcome this CrossFit Tameside Original Gangsta to our Athlete of the Month slot.
Name:
Sam Harber
Age:
41 ½
Occupation:
Computer Support Monkey
What is your fitness background?
Varied. As a kid nothing beyond spending all day cycling around, playing in the woods and getting concussed. As a teenager very little apart from playing Dungeons & Dragons, but seeing as I was a fussy eater, it’s not as though I put on weight. After that, I went through a long martial arts phase (21 through to 35ish) doing nearly everything under the sun at one point or another. Also throw in some competitive fencing (foil and epee) and archery, and there’s a perfect recipe for utterly knackered joints.
Weight-wise, I was a skinny 9st at 18, went up to a reasonable 12st in my twenties, then went up to 15st after I left University at 28 and started sitting on my arse all day. I took up running, rock climbing and caving in the last 5 years to try and get a bit fitter.
How did you find out about CrossFit/CrossFit Tameside?
Through a friend, Ian Sturrock, who’d extolled the virtues of Crossfit for some time, and he gave me a heads up on the gym opening up.
How long have you been CrossFitting?
Since May 1st 2010 if memory serves
Favourite WOD/movement:
Deadlift
Least favourite WOD/movement:
I hate pushups. Wallballs come a close second.
Favourite workout tunes:
Musically I’m a mixed bag, as happily WODding to ABBA as I am to AC/DC. I like to think of my musical taste as eclectic. A friend says I’m just musically confused.
How has CrossFit impacted your life/what changes have you seen in yourself since starting?
I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been before. My knees are largely recovered and I’ve shaved 10 minutes off my 10k run time (I do the Manchester Great Run every year), and I recently took part in my first Triathlon. I haven’t lost any weight, but people constantly say I’m looking slimmer, so I’m obviously doing something right
What are some of your goals that you have for yourself in the next year?
I’m signed up for another triathlon and a 5k obstacle course run this summer, with many more on the horizon next year.
Tell us something we don’t know about you?
I used to work as a roadie and sound engineer in my disreputable youth, starting off with a big hair rock band called Dirty Tryx in the late 80’s, with highlights including a tour of north west bingo halls with Hermans Hermits. Truly I’ve lived the rock’n’roll lifestyle.
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