Sunday, April 18, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Rob Vickers

Athlete Profile:  Rob Vickers

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was born and raised in Huntington, West Virginia where I also attended Marshall University. After graduating from Marshall in 2002 I moved to Morgantown, WV for medical school at WVU. I was lucky enough to get a residency spot here in Charleston and moved here in 2006. I am the oldest of two brothers and grew up in a rural community where most of my free time was spent working on my family’s farm, deer hunting and playing football. Before starting residency(literally, 2 days before) I married my wife, Jean, who is currently finishing her nephrology fellowship at MUSC. We are the proud parents of a rescued basset hound, Sophie. Shortly after moving to Charleston I developed an addiction that trumps even my strong affinity for Crossfit…saltwater fishing. Consequently, I have most of the elements that comprise a Lowcountry Allstar (Sperry boat shoes, Costa del Mar sunglasses with Croakies, and several pastel colored Columbia shirts).  Please point and laugh if you ever spot me wearing any of these items when I am not fishing.

2.  Age, Occupation?

30, ophthalmology resident at MUSC.

3.  How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?

While I thought I was working out at globo gym during the summer of 2008, I ran into a friend from college that is a personal trainer and CrossFit level 1 certified. He told me about CrossFit and after politely declining his offers to go through a workout for a few months, I finally caved. Precisely five minutes and thirteen seconds after beginning my first CF wod I had my first taste of the now familiar post workout nausea. My idea of fitness changed immediately(err, in 5:13).  I was hooked and have been coming back daily since October 20, 2008.

4.  How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?

Like all who have drank the CrossFit KoolAid, I am in the best shape of my life and stay excited about the next challenge to be posted on the website. People at work have finally stopped speculating that I’m sick after my initial 30# weight loss but frequently ask if I’m still doing P90X. I respectfully remind them that my lack of both a spray-on tan and botoxed forehead make it unlikely that I do P90X.

5.  Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?

I want to still be going strong at this in 20 years.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

My first kipping pullup and first muscle-up (which happened 13 months apart) were both pretty exciting.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

The outstanding facility, coaches, and athletes (in no particular order) combine to make an atmosphere that is more conducive to maximizing one’s potential than I thought possible.

8.  Favorite WOD?

Any hero wod.  Going all out to honor one of our fallen warriors gets me fired up.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

Like many others I get frustrated with any wod that I can’t complete as prescribed.

10. Favorite movement?

Squat Cleans

11. Least favorite movement?

I still struggle with double unders.

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

Before getting in touch with my inner caveman, I enjoyed Sunflower Cafe for brunch and Genarro’s for dinner.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC