Sunday, June 6, 2010 – Athlete Profile: Mike Harkins

Athlete Profile: Mike Harkins

1.  In general, what is your background?

I was raised in Summerville, SC, originally from Columbia. I went into the Marine Corps straight after high school, where I was an Aviation Electronics Technician for 6 years (fixed stuff on airplanes). While on active duty, I finished a BS in IT, traveled around the globe, and deployed in support of the war in Iraq. Since getting out in 2004, and prior to what I do now, I have been a Mount Pleasant cop, a software tester/integrator, and a Network Engineer. I have now been married for 9 years to my beautiful wife, Kim. We have a 4 year old son, Ryan, and a 9  month old daughter, Caroline. You can find us most weekends out on the boat. When I’m not working or hanging out with the family, I’m finishing my MA in IT Management.

2.  Age, Occupation?

31 years old. I work for the federal government (Department of the Navy) and am what they call a Project Engineer for Space and Naval Warfare (most people have heard it called  “SPAWAR”) here in Charleston, SC. I am currently attached to the Combat C2 Engineering branch of SPAWAR, where we design, engineer, and prototype military vehicles and IT products that get issued out to the Navy and Marine Corps for use in Iraq and Afghanistan. What I like most about it is that our work directly supports the troops. I also like that I work and travel with the Marines, but I don’t have to wear my uniform anymore.

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

I was searching for a challenge and a place to work out in Charleston.  Like everyone else, I was tired of “contract” gyms and had lost my individual motivation. I also lifted a lot of weights in the Marine Corps, and while putting on size and strength, my flexibility wasn’t that great and I experienced a lot of injuries and tendonitis. About a year ago I started Googling the Charleston area for boot-camp style gyms, and even tried out a few. Although they were better than NOT working out, I didn’t get hooked on any of them. I then found a number for Lowcountry CrossFit West Ashley (now CrossFit Integrity) and had my first Saturday Cindy with Coach Kevin. I think I did about 7 rounds and had to visit the PUKE bucket. He laughed because I had eaten pizza the night before. I knew when I went home that day, that this was the type of workout I not only was looking for, but needed. I figured if I was going to show up, I wanted to feel like I left it all there in the gym, no half-assing.

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

CrossFit has changed my life on probably every level:

Marriage – Kim thinks I’m part of a cult, but is still very intrigued, to the point that we are discussing her joining us. I think she wants to learn the secret language.

Work – I strut my stuff around the coffee room, no longer embarrassed that I don’t have any current “fitness” talk. It entertains me to no end to go back and forth with some of the self proclaimed weight lifters at work about how having big guns is the best thing ever. Then I ask them to come hang with us a few rounds and the topic usually changes.

Fitness – I have seen major changes in my fitness level through CrossFit. I look thinner and in better shape, and I haven’t gotten nauseous since my time with Coach Kevin and my Cindy rounds have tripled. Most recently, along with Paleo, I lost 11 lbs I didn’t know I had to lose. I’ve definitely felt the progressiveness of sticking out the daily WODs, and also feel the regression when I miss a week or two due to business travel. When you see personal changes like that in your fitness level, and you know the reasons why, it’s almost like tuning a car, and your diet is the fuel that is runs on. I know, I’m weird.

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

There are actually a couple. I would like to complete a double under WOD nonstop and without doing singles to break them up. Who ever knew that jump-roping was so freakin’ difficult? Oh, did I tell you, I was Alston Middle School’s Double-Dutch Champion, circa 1989? I would also like to Rx a WOD with muscle ups.

6.  Favorite CrossFit moment so far?

Doing a muscle up was pretty exhilarating, although I do them a little sloppy. But I was most pleased when I recently shaved 6:34 from my Angie time.  October 2009 it was 23:29, April 2010 it was 16:55. That alone shows me that CrossFit works and that my fitness level is progressive when I’m consistent.

7.  What do you like most about CrossFit Integrity?

I like the fact that I’m not having to work out by myself. I did that for years and went through many stages where I lost complete motivation and interest. If you work out alone and it sucks, you just stop. When you’re in a group and have a coach, you’re not going to just quit. CrossFit has been the most consistent workout plan I have ever done. I also like the camaraderie, and the fact that you’re supposed to introduce yourself to new people. I’m sure I’m not the first one to say that there is a TEAM atmosphere, a certain esprit de corps and common belief in the institution of CrossFit. But, the best thing about CrossFit is that usually everyone is too tired to make fun of you even if they wanted
to.

8.  Favorite WOD?

April Fools WOD, I know, I’m sick. But I felt a HUGE sense of accomplishment after that WOD. It’s funny how it started out as a joke. But it was only a matter of time before we were like “Hey, I bet we could actually DO that WOD”. I can see it becoming an annual thing.

9.  Least favorite WOD?

April Fools WOD, because it still sucked. I hope it only becomes an annual thing.

10. Favorite movement?

Pullups have always been my forte, and I can make up a lot of time doing them. Although I really enjoy any WOD with weights and upper body movements. I see the most variation in endurance with repetitive back squats, front squats, or thrusters. These exercises usually let you know how well you’ve been keeping your body “tuned up”.

11. Least favorite movement?

I absolutely HATE overhead squats, more than any other movement, ever. Jeff McKinney and I have discussed this at great length. Our theory is that I suck at them due to my lack
of flexibility based on years of repetitive dead hang pullups. It may be crazy talk. Did I mention I HATE them?

12. Favorite place to eat in Charleston?

My mother’s house! Besides that, let me caveat this by saying I’m not in the “scene” anymore, and I’m constantly seeing restaurants I’ve never seen before. My son LOVES California Dreaming, he calls it “the place with the boats”. He really likes going there, and I really like seeing him happy, so I’ll usually just get a steak or salad there, and we discuss the boats and dolphins.

CrossFit Integrity, Charleston, SC