Sunday, December 13th – Athlete Profile: Ryan Meng
Athlete Profile: Ryan Meng
1. In general, what is your background?
I grew up in Virginia but have also lived in Maryland, Southern and Northern California in addition to South Carolina. I’ve been in Charleston for almost 5yrs but have also spent a few months in Columbia and 1 1/2 years in Greenville. I graduated from Virginia Tech in ’02 with a BS in Building Construction. I am 1 of 6 children. I enjoy living in Charleston and love the area. As much as I’ve lived in the mountains and enjoy winter sports like snowboarding, I have come to love the beach and the boating that Charleston has to offer. I also enjoy traveling whether it be to different cities in the country to see the sites, Italy to drink some wine, or The Brittish Virgin Islands to do some sailing in beautifully clear waters. Working hard and working out harder make my downtime as relaxing as possible. My weekends and evenings are you usually spent relaxing with a cold beverage, my girlfriend Jennifer and/or a great group of friends.
2. Age, Occupation?
31, Construction & Warranty Manager for a national home builder for the last 6yrs. I’ve been doing construction my whole life. Labor work, management, maintenance, etc. I also have spent many years in the Service Industry cooking and waiting tables.
3. How did you get to know about CrossFit and why did you start?
I have been a globo gym member for the last 14 years or so (latest membership will be up next month! SWEET!) and have always been active with sports in and out of school (Lacrosse, Football, Baseball, Soccer, Tennis, Wrestling). Michael Anderson(CrossFit Integrity Member) told me about it this past summer. I looked at some CF workouts online, but wasn’t quite sold on it yet. Finally one scorching hot day in June Michael talked me into going. Needless to say I was blown away and intimidated all at the same time. This was the push I didn’t know I was looking for. The thing to take me to the next level. Why did I start and join? Why the hell not!?
4. How has CrossFit changed your life, lifestyle, level of fitness?
I approach every workout differently now then when I was at the globo gym. I am excited and nervous about each and every WOD as opposed to looking forward to being done with the weight room. I consciously think about my day-to-day actions and how they relate to workouts and movements that we have done. I pay more attention to my diet. I think about the foods I eat and how they affect my workouts. What I eat, when I eat, how much I eat. I would love to try out a diet like the Paleo thing, but just don’t think I have the dicipline. I’m sorry, but I do LOVE fast food and beer! However, I have cut down on my fast food and soda consumption in an effort to be more healthy and get more out of our workouts. I feel I am at a higher level of fitness now than I have been before. An overall fitness level. I have been stronger at times. I could run faster and longer at times. But putting everything together, I am the best I’ve ever been.
5. Name one goal and/or personal record you would like to accomplish through CrossFit?
Muscle ups. I can do one or two here and there, but I have yet to do multiple ones in a row. I really haven’t worked on them that much lately, but think its about time. I haven’t set many goals for myself, but to improve every day in strength, endurance, and form. I do see gains in myself everyday…and love it! I would like to complete in the Garage Games in a few months and really put myself up against others outside our gym…and who knows, maybe even Crossfit Games in July.
6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?
7/16/09 - finished my first WOD with kipping pull-ups.
7. What do you like most about Crossfit Integrity?
The competition, the community, the people, the drive. I have always been a solo kind of person at the gym. Put my headphones on and tune the world out. I’ve never really enjoyed workout partners or trainers, but here I have both now and everyone at CrossFit Integrity has pushed me to where I am now and are directly responsible for my gains and achievements.
8. Favorite WOD?
“The Chief” - Great all-around workout.
9. Least favorite WOD?
I don’t have a least favorite, but some that I definitely didn’t enjoy were Eva, Badger, DT and Karen.
10. Favorite movement?
I used to love cleans, but they’e been giving my elbows some trouble lately…so let’s go with Handstand Pushups and/or Holds.
11. Least favorite movement?
Heavy DB squat cleans. Awkward and Painfull! Thanks Lumberjack 20! Curtis P’s are a close second.
12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?
Poe’s Tavern on Sullivan’s Island. Tell Tale Heart. Cheese Burger topped with a fried egg bcaon and cheddar! Can’t beat it! And shoe string fries…just drooled a little…
