Name: Colin Cork Age: 34 From: Tupelo, Mississippi
How long have you been with CrossFit Torrent and what made you decide to start?
I have been with Crossfit Torrent since the doors opened. It is hard to believe the 2 year anniversary is in a few months.
I joined Torrent because it was a new gym and I wanted to be a part of that. When I left my original CrossFit gym, I hadn’t yet found one where I felt at home when I moved to Kalamazoo. During the Summer of 2018, I ran across several social media posts for a new gym. After contacting Coach Callie and asking a thousand questions (Sorry!), I realized Torrent sounded like a place that I would like to be. The rest is history.
What do you do when you’re not at CFT?
Currently, I am at CrossFit Right Meow receiving expert tutelage from the CF legend Oscar. He is tough but generally great, however, that is contingent on feeding him while Michelle is away 😂 .
Outside of the gym, I am either at work, enjoying time with friends, or debating whether or not I want to do any mobility work at home. 
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
After my very first WOD. I have tried numerous forms of exercise from group classes to doing solo bro-seshes. No matter what I tried, nothing ever really stuck. The same process always played out. I would do well for the first few months then I would get bored and either move on or just give up altogether. This process repeated for years after I left organized sport. The challenge and sense of accomplishment was just never there.
Then I walked into my first box and completed a WOD. That is when I knew the CrossFit methodology and sense of community had what was missing from other forms of exercise.
What were your thoughts after your first WOD?
Ouch!!! My first WOD was 12 days of Christmas. That one hurt but I was hooked.
What is your favorite or least favorite WOD/movement?
Favorite Movement: Handstand Walks (insert shocked face because it is not a barbell)
Favorite WOD: Grace
Least Favorite Movement: The Rower and Wall Balls (I’m vertically challenged. It sucks)
Least Favorite WOD: Open workout 19.1. See least favorite movements for an explanation.
What is the one thing you have done at CFT that you never thought you would do?
There are two accomplishments that come to mind.
- Making the podium at a competition. I need to be honest. I got carried. Thanks, Julie!
- Train/Run in a Ragnar Relay Race. Still working on this one, but I hope that it happens next year.
What motivates you during a tough workout?
I just keep repeating over and over “You can do anything for 30 secs” or “keep putting one foot in front of the other”. Also, I can’t forget, Coach Morgan yelling at me to get back to work. I think that is the biggest motivator 😝.
What’s your favorite thing about CrossFit?
My favorite thing would have to be the community. The community is the thing that separates CrossFit from everything else. The idea of everyone striving to achieve similar goals and supporting each other is the best part. Honestly, there are so many members that inspire me to do more and be better that it really is an amazing thing to experience every day.
What are your short term and long term goals?
Short Term: Master Double Unders. I will do this!
Long Term: To just lead a healthy and active life.
How have you seen yourself change- mentally and physically since joining Torrent? What impact has CFT had on you in and out of the gym?
I have seen a lot of changes since I started. The OGs will remember that I struggled with any form of sustained cardio. My performance has improved tremendously since joining Torrent two years ago. I think that can be attributed to being in better shape and an improved mental game thanks to the coaches. Outside of the gym, I have been pushed to try new things and push outside of my comfort zone.
Do you have any advice for people just getting started at CFT?
Give it a shot and remember the CrossFit journey is a marathon where the finish line is constantly moving. The process of seeing true change will take time and comes with peaks and valleys. The community and coaches at Torrent will give you all the tools and support needed to sustain you through everything. The greatest thing about Torrent and CrossFit is that there is always the next goal, PR, or challenge to chase.
Also, you need to remember where you started, where you currently are, and where you want to be in your health and fitness journey. You are going to have stretches where every day will seem like you are logging a new personal best. The inverse of that will be true, as well. Therefore, you need to look at the totality of your experience and keep everything in perspective, and not let the frustration get to you.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat Meal: Pizza
Favorite Musician/Band: Johnny Cash
Favorite Sports Team: Mississippi State Football/Baseball. There is nothing better in Sport than 1000s of Cowbells ringing in unison.
Favorite Tv Show/ Movie: The Goonies or a random Documentary/True Crime show on Netflix
Favorite CrossFit Athlete: Jacob Hepner
Coach’s comment:
Well, this one was a long time coming. Colin is probably the biggest supporter of Torrent. He has been here since the beginning and I still remember the questions he asked over FB messenger and knew he was a person that would stick around for a long time. He really loves the sport of CrossFit and I think Colin and Leslie should start their own podcast or become professional color commentators for the Games. The improvements Colin has made in the last two years is incredible. His row, run, and bike have made enormous amounts of progress while still continuing to crush the weight. (He hitting 250+lb cleans mid quarantine.) Colin went from complaining about running a 400 to signing up to run a Ragnar race! Morgan said, “..made it through a running WOD with minimal complaints! He never fails to ask to modify the assault bike or runs, lives for pressing overhead, and is Torrent’s FAVORITE cheerleader.” He is stuck training with me (Michelle) during the pandemic and misses his 5:30 p.m. crew. (Shout out to Joel, Josh, Bryan) I think it’s really fitting that Colin is receiving ATOM during the pandemic because his dedication and hard work has really shown during this time. Colin, we love you and appreciate you even though we occasionally tease you 😉
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