It’s a little late, but here’s our October Athlete of the Month profile– introducing Jason Morris!!!
What were you doing to stay in shape before you started with us?
I was a generalist with my exercise prior to Grassroots. I would run, bike and hike semi-regularly but never as regularly as I knew I should be.
How has working out at Grassroots impacted your life outside of the gym?
In SO many ways. Most importantly, I feel better. And feeling better has led to more smiling, brighter interactions with my family, friends, and colleagues, and a happier, healthier me. CrossFit has moved beyond something that I “do” to become a part of who I am, and I’m a better person, in part, because of what CrossFit has added to my life. I’m proud to be part of the 5:30am community, which extends beyond the gym too.
What encouragement or advice would you give to new people coming in?
Go BIG. And by big, I don’t mean heavier and faster. I mean go big in your mind and give it a full three months – at least – and get over the real painful soreness. Then, you can best judge whether it’s the right fit. Find a time and groove that works for you and Go BIG!
Do you have a favorite exercise or movement?
There’s something about box jumping and Power Cleans that I really like.
Least favorite?
Double unders.
Do you have a favorite benchmark WOD?
Murph.
What’s your most recent PR?
255 deadlift
Do you have a power song? What gets you pumped up?
Dance Yrself Clean – LCD Soundsystem and/or Ocean – John Butler Trio
Where are you from?
I grew up on a farm in the foothills outside of Fort Collins, Colorado.
What do you do for work?
I lead the environmental education program at the Pisces Foundation in San Francisco. The Pisces Foundation is an environmental philanthropy that, through grant making, supports innovators who know what it takes and are doing what’s necessary to have clean and abundant water, a safe climate, and kids with the environmental know-how to create a sustainable world.
Any fun facts about yourself that your gym-mates don’t know about you?
I played the tuba and have chickens in my backyard.
What outside-the-gym activities you like to participate in?
Spending quality time with my wife and daughter. Live music, hiking, backpacking, fly-fishing, and so on … these all fill my tank!
If you could describe Grassroots in five words, what would they be?
Community, early, awesome, health, and happiness.
