Somewhere, someone is working and failing, working and learning, working and trying again. He is the eternal student, no matter how accomplished he becomes.
Learn from the student. His mindset and effort form the cornerstone of his success.
I came across this quote a few weeks ago and immediately thought of one person: Mike Minneti.
Sure, he’s strong and fast, and without a doubt, one of the best athletes in the gym…but that’s not his most admirable quality. His dedication, his perseverance, and his persistence to make himself better each and every day, is why I chose Mike Minneti for our next athlete spotlight.
Meet Mike:
How long have you been a member of 626 and what brought you in?
1. 19 months, October 2012
2. I had to make a change to unhealthy habits and the research I did on CrossFit made it seem like the right fit for me. On the occasional bike commute I’d see Erwin hanging around the light post as the athletes went about their business of getting stronger. The website is how I made the decision to go with 626.
What did you do prior to CrossFit?
We moved to LA in 2010. The first 3 months here were spent discovering outstanding single track on the mountain bike, amazing ribbons of county roads on the road bike, getting the hike on with Lara [wife] and Zoe [canine daughter], and occasionally lifting at Equinox. Since my first job as a 14yo I’ve never had that much time off. Crazy how easy it is to fill up the day when you don’t have to work.
Reality caught up to me then as the HR paperwork was finally approved. I spent the next year or so engrossed in work. I found myself at McDonald’s every morning ordering the #2 and not doing anything more than work, eat, sleep, and spending little bits of time with Lara.
What is your current training routine (frequency/rest days, etc)?
1. I attend the 6:30am classes Monday through Friday and double up on strength and technique work on Mondays, Thursdays, and some Fridays in the afternoon. If my numbers suck I’ll take the next day off (new goal).
2. Saturday I complete the O-lift class, spend 2 hours at open gym working on weaknesses, then finish with the 12pm wod.
3. Sunday I rest; do chores, sit on the couch, hike, surf, scuba, or Diablo III on X-box.
What’s your mental strategy during a tough wod?
Be fearless, stay positive. Fear/Negativity is the mind-killer; it is the little-death that brings total obliteration…
What 3 changes have you benefited from this lifestyle?
1. I have more energy than I can remember ever having before in my life, but I’m old so I can only really remember so far back.
2. Outlook. Not only in CrossFit, but also the people I have formed relationships with at 626 have changed my opinion of how to interact with people. Look for the positive, don’t put anyone [including yourself] down. I work on this daily.
3. My body agrees with CrossFit and my mostly paleo diet. I not only look good naked, but my blood work supports my new habits.
How else has your training affected other facets of your life?
1. My relationship with Lara continues to mature as I develop more self-confidence.
2. I’m in bed by 9pm on most days and wake up excited about lifting weights.
3. I abused myself pretty regularly with alcohol for a good number of years. That’s over for health’s sake.
Favorite /Least favorite part of training?
I found out what it meant to have courage whilst racing bikes back in Minnesota. To get out in front or even not be left behind you have to dig deep, suffer, and stay focused. I’m beginning to get to that point now with my CrossFit training. When the weight gets heavy you have to have the courage to step up the bar and execute.
Favorite: Progress. Programming identifies weakness; I love that with time and courage I can change weaknesses into strengths.
Least favorite: Missing lifts/movements because I don’t have the courage to execute.
Advice for new/potential members?
1. Go as hard as you can, then push a little harder
2. When you can’t go hard, take the next day off [rest day!]
3. Mobilize stuff
4. Read the quote on the Anne Thorisdottir poster in the GHD room every day.
WOD: GM / GHR ; Row Sprint / Plank