Sunday, January 9, 2011 – Athlete Profile: Pat Mulhern

Athlete Profile: Pat Mulhern

1. In general, what is your background?

Iwas born in Philadelphia and Moved to Charelston twenty years ago, when I was four. I call myself a local due to the fact that I have likely been here longer than you and have gotten the full extent of a true South Carolina education throughout all my years. Although, in fits of anger you will here the yankee twang come out it is simply how I learned to speak. I attended The Citadel for three years and graduated from The College of Charleston in 2009 with a degree in Business and Hospitality Management. Also, I am the proud father of  a 16 month old Monster. His name is Hatch, many of you have seen me chasing him around the gym. He is my pride and joy.

2. Age, Occupation?

24. Father, Home renovator and Firefighter in Training.

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

I got to hear about CrossFit through a friend of mine that has never stepped foot in a box. He had heard about it from someone else and showed me some Youtube clips of something called “Cross Fit”. If you’ve ever typed the two words in separately on Youtube, you will come up with a pretty weak video of some skinny guys doing thrusters, wallballs and airsquats. I wasn’t too impressed. Several months past and one rainy Sunday afternoon I was driving home and seen a small sign on the side of 61 attached to this plain warehouse that claimed to be a CrossFit Gym. I decided to stop in and see what it was about in person. I walked into Alaina and Amanda just screwing around and was taken through 10 minutes of Cindy on the spot. I didn’t Puke or have some moment of enlightenment, but I did know that I had been wasting my life working out the way I had been and that this was the place for me.

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

That’s Quite the Loaded Question. CrossFit has changed my life in every aspect imaginable. Fitness to me before CrossFit Comprised of struggling through 3 mile runs and spending six hours a week in a globo gym trying to figure out how the hell the Athletes I admired could get there bodies to look like they did.  I stuck to sports like surfing, mountain biking and rock climbing throughout my youth and had never even stepped under a squat rack before coming into Integrity. I didn’t have the first clue about how to develop muscles the way they should be, I was interested in fitness, but really didn’t have any idea what fitness really was. Two months into CrossFit I changed my diet, rather I should say my lifestyle to Paleo. Immediately I had more energy in aspect of my life and I saw my WOD times quickly dropping.I can honestly say that I am one of the healthiest people I know and that friends and family look to me as a somewhat knowledgeable person on the subject of dieting and physical fitness. I began CrossFitting in an attempt to develop physically into what I wanted to be. However, as time has gone on CrossFit has become more of a hobby that I love doing instead of a means to an end. The physical apperance aspect now comes second to my desire of reaching Virtuosity in the ten elements of Fitness. CrossFit has changed my life to the point at which my desire to catch a buzz comes more from yelling “time” laid out on the floor and hanging out with my family then from substances. When I picture myself forty years from now I don’t see myself drifting away from CrossFit, It think the challenges it provides are a key part to leading a successful, healthy and happy life.

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

I want to make the Strength board more then anything. I’ve watched my speed and Cardio blow up, but Strength is something that I focus most of my individual workouts on. My size is something that inhibits this goal, but I do have it in me it just takes time and persistence. I don’t care if its fifth place on the Overhead squat block or not. I’m coming for you Grothe.

6. Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

I have a lot of memorable CrossFit moments, really I have one ever time I surpass what I thought I could do before. But my Favorite moment by far is a toss up between beating Chris Pace on the 9-11 WOD and Recently Back Squatting 275# after beginning CrossFit with a PR of 150#

7. What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

What I like most about CrossFit Integrity is the people, the coach and the constant struggle of everyone to improve all the time, No matter what. I get bored in life without challenging myself and I think CrossFit is a new challenge everyday

8. Favorite WOD?

I love every WOD, however my favorite so far is Linda.  There are plenty that I have not done and will make a more informed decision when I have accomplished all that HQ has to offer

9. Least favorite WOD?

My least favorite WOD happened just the other day. I believe it was:
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 KBS, Wallballs, Hip extensions

My lower back has never felt so much misery for days on end even with the help of a personal yoga/stretch coach. And also anything I’m not strong enough to Rx.

10. Favorite movement?

Cleans. Squat, power or split I don’t care. These are something I was really shitty at for a while, but have recently gotten pretty proficient at. I also find a well-executed heavy squat snatch very sexy

11. Least favorite movement?

Sumo Deadlift High Pull. I’m not sure why, but I really just don’t enjoy doing them

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

I cook 95% of all of my meals, so I tend to think that my house is the best place to eat in the tricounty area. However I do cheat for one meal a week on Sundays and have been to nearly every restaurant in this town throughout my years. Hands down Old Village Post House in Mount Pleasant’s old village, Local ingredients, 13 tables, and the best service and ambiance in Charleston.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC