Friday 120113
Jon W
After recently overcoming a serious health problem that had been getting progressively worse, I felt motivated to submit an athlete profile. January 2012 marks five years since I was first diagnosed with stage 4 non-hodgkin’s lymphoma and while I initially went into full remission in 2008 after several rounds of immunotherapy and a round of chemotherapy, the remission was short-lived and my last few scans showed the cancer had returned, was growing, and needed to be addressed soon. Subsequently this past September, I decided to go a slightly different route and went through radiation treatment at Johns Hopkins, which fortunately put me back in full remission for the second time. At this point, I’m still recovering from the side effects of the radiation treatment, which really hit my endurance hard, but I am now cancer-free for the first time since starting with PCF.
As a result, being strong and fit is not just a vague long term goal for me; it is an immediate personal health priority in case I need to go back into treatment. Using this as motivation, I push myself during a WOD to not only fulfill a basic desire to do my best, but also to prove to myself that I can continue to beat my cancer each and every day. For me, every completed WOD, especially at RXD, is a personal victory that I savor until the next day’s WOD.
Hometown: St. Louis, MO, although Arlington is definitely home.
PCF: When did you start with PCF?
March 2010
PCF: Favorite WOD
Eva, Cindy, Angie, and other WODs that require sustained effort over longer periods of time.
PCF: Least Favorite WOD
Any WOD with overhead squats or squat snatch. The combination of squats with weight overhead is awful for me.
PCF: What is your prior fitness background? What was your exposure to CF before coming to PCF?
I’ve always been very physically active across a wide range of individual and team sports, including soccer, track, snow/water skiing, golf, and racquetball. Even after college, I played several competitive organized sports at any one time, although the frequency and intensity of my athletic activities had definitely been in slow decline prior to starting PCF. Not surprisingly, I also ran and weightlifted to stay in shape over this entire period. Thanks to a friend of mine who is also an active crossfitter herself, she recommended that I look into crossfit, which is when I discovered PCF in 2010.
PCF: Talk to us about your thoughts after completing your first WOD.
I clearly remember my first WOD at Potomac in the free class. We started with warming-up in the back parking lot by playing a PCF version of tag where you had to do push-ups and air squats every time you were tagged before you could start playing again. After the warm-up, we went inside and did some combination of bodyweight exercises… it was brutal and I immediately realized crossfit was a perfect fit for me.
PCF: Tell us a little about then vs. now with regard to your performances on a couple of the benchmark WODs. Favorite WOD?
Over the last 1-1/2+ years, and despite my personal health situation during this period, I’ve seen dramatic improvements in my strength and flexibility, as well as in my performance during the benchmark WODs. While double-unders continue to be a source of frustration for me, kipping pull-ups and HSPUs came somewhat naturally for me.
Angie
29:48 rxd – July 2010
21:52 rxd – December 2011
Fran
5:49 w/ 75# and no-band pull-ups – August 2010
5:21 rxd – December 2011
PCF: Favorite CF/PCF moments you’d like to share?
While there have been many great moments at PCF, I actually most enjoy the overall camaraderie of the entire PCF/crossfit experience. The daily crossfit workouts may be about individual results, but the entire crossfit experience is definitely a “team sport” where the coaches and other athletes really support and motivate you to perform your best. Whether they are helping you with your form, stepping up to help you put away your weights, or cheering you on during a particularly tough workout, the PCF/crossfit community is very supportive and really helped me get through a very challenging time.
PCF: Any advice for our newbies?
Stick with it, listen to the coaches, connect with the other athletes, and try your hardest every time – you will see results. Everyone starts crossfit with different strengths and weaknesses, and while it may not always be obvious to the casual observer, we all struggle on any given day, week, or even month.
PCF: And finally (and most importantly), who is the best looking and most fabulous PCF coach around?
Without question, Erika is the most fantastic of all the PCF coaches (despite her HSPUs). Her support during my recent radiation treatment went well beyond the call of duty, privately working with me to stay as active as possible as I recovered enough to workout with everyone again. That said, all the PCF coaches have been outstanding and I look forward to many more years of challenging and definitely exhausting workouts in the future.
5-5-5
Handstand Push-up (Hardest Variation You Can Do)
5 Rounds
5 Front Squat (185/125)
10 Chest to bar Pull-ups
15 DB Push-press (45/30)
Post variation and time to comments.
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Photos
January 12th, 2012 on 8:07 pm
I am SO thrilled that Jon finally let me put up this profile – I’d been bugging him for months, but for (now) obvious reasons, he declined.
I remember when Jon first told me what he was dealing with I couldn’t believe that one of my most smart-assed and cheerful peeps was going through something like this and none of us had any idea. Just proves you never know what is going on behind the scenes.
I can’t tell you how amazed and impressed I’ve been with Jon over the past several months — even at the height of his treatment, he came in almost every day, always with a smile on his face, even if just to work on a skill and keep moving. He was determined not to let this thing beat him, and to keep up his health and fitness as best he could. He truly was, and is, an inspiration to me.
Jon, thanks for sharing your story. I couldn’t be happier that you’ve got a clean bill of health.
January 12th, 2012 on 8:19 pm
Wow, what an inspiring profile. Thanks for sharing Jon. I had no idea you were dealing with that. Yet, you still have such a positive attitude anytime I see you. Congrats on your impressive gains.
January 12th, 2012 on 8:21 pm
Best. Profile. Ever.
January 12th, 2012 on 8:28 pm
Jon what an amazing and unexpected story. I have told you before, but I’ll tell you again, you’re always smiling. It’s virtually impossible to be angry or sad around you. I love the days when you come to the WOD because I know, no matter how grumppy I am, you’ll always make me laugh. To be going through such a horrible thing and still come in with pep in your step, laughter in your heart, and give us all something to work towards is an amazing thing. Life definitely has challenges, but it also has purpose. You have purpose. You bring inspiration and joy to those of us that are fortunate to workout with you. Thank goodness for a clean bill of health and thank you for occasionally doing squats in front of me
January 12th, 2012 on 8:46 pm
Jon – I never would have guessed you were going through something so difficult. Your positive attitude is an inspiration and a big part of what makes the PCF community great. I’m looking forward to seeing more of you when we’re all over at Patriot in February. Great profile, thanks for sharing!
January 12th, 2012 on 9:04 pm
Jon,
Now I’m even more impressed. Congrats on the clean bill of health! Great profile.
January 12th, 2012 on 9:25 pm
You truly are an inspiration Jon! Thanks for sharing your story. Congratulations on a clean bill of health.
January 12th, 2012 on 9:26 pm
Jon W – officially my favorite PCF Athlete (except for my wife) ever. Now I’m definitely joining the 0600 class. I am literally floored by Jon’s grit and positive attitude. Amazing.
January 12th, 2012 on 9:27 pm
Jon, you are amazing! Congratulations on your prognosis. We are in your corner if you need ANYthing.
January 12th, 2012 on 9:34 pm
Jon,
You are a fucking stud!
Congrats!
Excited to wod with you soonest.
Semper,
Greg
January 12th, 2012 on 9:38 pm
Jon,
You are one badass mutha.
When you told me about a month ago about having serious health problems, I remember thinking to myself how could this guy have any health problems? (I was thinking something like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I know I’m an @**hole).
For a guy whose high physical output during a WoD is only matched by his gregarious affable personality, it’s hard for me to fathom that the entire time I’ve known you; you’ve been dealing with such a serious health issue, yet never once given an indication that something was wrong, to me that embodies class and courage.
It takes a lot of grit to reveal such an intimate part of your life to everyone, take pride in the fact that members of the PCF community who you have never met or spoken to will read your profile and draw inspiration from it. How could they not?
It makes most of our health concerns seem insignificant.
As I think about some of the Metcons we’ve done in the last 60 days, I really am in awe of your determination and ability to push yourself during times that I’m sure your body didn’t want to, if you can find a way to put it into 6th gear following radiation, I think I can find the mojo to get 1 more rep, or 1 more round regardless of how I feel.
Thanks for being one of the people who made my early WoD’s more approachable, and for being a source of inspiration. Also thanks for being a smart ass, it makes a 6 AM WoD far more palatable.
Louis
PS You can squat in front of anytime too.
January 12th, 2012 on 9:39 pm
Jon, I echo the comments from
the folks above. Calling you an “inspiration” does not begin to do justice to all that you are. Thank you for sharing your story. Brian, I was behind on your comment from yesterday but I did google it—touché. Tes, as always thanks for the kind words!
January 12th, 2012 on 10:22 pm
Jon, thanks for letting us in on this part of your life. You’ve definitely been a PCF ambassador for me, always in a positive mood and ready to bring newbies into a friendly conversation. Congratulations on being cancer-free!
January 12th, 2012 on 11:16 pm
You are an inspiration!!
January 13th, 2012 on 2:46 am
Jon W. – You are a straight up animal. Keep tearing it up.
January 13th, 2012 on 6:08 am
Jon – Congratulations you have the best attitude and you are a pleasure to be around always! And an amazing inspiration…
January 13th, 2012 on 6:10 am
I remember doing a WOD with you and trying fight you off on the run and you stay within striking distance the whole time. Man I hope you can stay strong each day physically as you are mentally. Keep up the strong fight, you have a lot of supporters on your side.
January 13th, 2012 on 6:18 am
Wow Jon, that is some amazing stuff! Thank you for trusting us with this piece of you. We are in your corner! Congrats on the C-free milestone!! What an awesome way to ring in 2012.
January 13th, 2012 on 6:56 am
Handstand holds
Metcon: 11:07, 75# FS, banded pullups and 20# DBPP
January 13th, 2012 on 7:35 am
hey jon – thanks for sharing your story – i can only echo everyone else’s comments – you are truly inspiring
January 13th, 2012 on 7:47 am
Wow Jon W – you rock! Echo what everyone had said. I thought about your story as I was struggling to get out of bed this morning (just bc it was early). Stay string and keep smiling
Metcon: 12:12 @ pack reps, 4-8-12
85# FS, 25# DBs
January 13th, 2012 on 8:09 am
Handstand negatives.
9:10 at 95# front squat, 25# push press, 8 kipping pullups per round with no band.
Jon – amazing profile. Congrats on the good news! Looking forward to seeing you more at Patriot in February.
January 13th, 2012 on 8:20 am
Jon,
I am so much more impressed now that I know your story. I see how hard you work. Anytime you feel like beating me at parallel bar dips you’re welcome to it. Your profile inspired me to just show up today when I was contemplating nursing my road rash instead–which is so far removed from cancer.
5-5-5 Seated DB press at 30# and 1 HS hold (walking up if my hands don’t get too close the wall is manageable)
MC: 9:55 with 5 front squat at 40# DB, 10 pullups, 15 DB push press at 25#
January 13th, 2012 on 8:40 am
Jon — wow. I echo everyone’s comments. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope to see you more when the PCFs merge next month.
And I promise not to wimper pre-WOD…
January 13th, 2012 on 8:49 am
Jon- Thank you for sharing, and as everyone has said, you are an inspiration. It is a great reminder that having a positive attitude is something we can choose to do every day. Thanks
January 13th, 2012 on 8:52 am
Jon – you were one of my loudest cheerleaders during the Open last year. For that I am eternally grateful.
I was sad when you abandoned us for Patriot. You are one of the folks I am most looking forward to seeing again when we merge.
I am so happy you are healthy again.
Can’t wait to see you in February!
January 13th, 2012 on 8:53 am
Such an amazing profile Jon. I agree with all the above comments that you are always the one in the morning greeting everyone with a smile!!! You are such a wonderful person and I’m so happy for your clean bill of health!!
You are a rockstar!
January 13th, 2012 on 8:59 am
Way to kick that cancer’s butt, Jon!
January 13th, 2012 on 9:31 am
Jon, great to hear you are returning to full strength, and thanks for sharing your story. The line that really struck me is “As a result, being strong and fit is not just a vague long term goal for me; it is an immediate personal health priority in case I need to go back into treatment.” I think we can all learn from that attitude, and be inspired to be prepared for whatever challenges come our way.
HSPU: One legit rep.(small victories) Then sets of two negatives.
Metcon: 11:27 w/ five rounds of 5 FS (115#), 10 regular PU, and 15 Db PP (30# dbs).
January 13th, 2012 on 9:50 am
Jon, Thanks so much for sharing. Made me realize that me getting to WOD should be a given.
January 13th, 2012 on 10:04 am
Reminder: Last brunch WOD (aka 1200) today at Potomac. Next week we go 0930 and 1200 (with child care!) at Patriot only. Morning and Evening classes at Potomac stay the same.
January 13th, 2012 on 10:06 am
Jon – in Marine Corps patois, you would be considered, a “Good Fucker”. Way to keep fighting.
January 13th, 2012 on 10:14 am
Jon – great story! Thanks for the inspiration and sharing with us! Its amazing what you have done through all of this!
HSPU – 3 X 5 (Did negatives and then used my legs to help power me up.)
Metcon: 11:45
135lbs Front Squats
Pullups with band(s)
35lbs DB Press
January 13th, 2012 on 10:23 am
Jon- Amazing profile. You are awesome.
January 13th, 2012 on 10:26 am
Jon – thanks for sharing your story! I can only echo everyone’s comments – you’re a rockstar and an inspiration to all! Congrats on the clean bill of health! Cheers to many many more years of health and happiness.
January 13th, 2012 on 11:16 am
Thank you all for the incredibly kind and, in several cases, humorous words of support, as well as the warm welcome this morning at PatCf 0600. It really was a tough decision to reveal my health situation to the PCF community, but you all have (unknowingly) given me so much during such a challenging time that I really felt compelled to share this with you. Erika is right – you really don’t know what’s going on with people behind the scenes, but even if you aren’t aware, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a significant impact on them. And you all, rest assured, have kept me moving forward when I felt terrible and wouldn’t have worked out under any other circumstance. Hopefully, my profile will now provide the same motivation and inspiration to others in the PCF community.
I look forward to seeing you all in future workouts, especially over the next few months when we all get to WOD together again.
—–
HSPUs – 5 strict HSPUs and then helped other athletes on their kipping HSPUs.
Metcon – 14:51 rxd. Glad and somewhat surprised to have finished it as RXD given the weight and volume. Internally, I held the possibility of scaling/decreasing the number of rounds, but then kept on pushing for one more rep, one more round…
January 13th, 2012 on 11:26 am
Congrats on the remission Jon. You’re amazing.
January 13th, 2012 on 11:56 am
Jon, so awesome. Blessings have been counted today.
January 13th, 2012 on 1:59 pm
Jon, I am so impressed. It is people like you who make this world an inspiring and positive place. Thanks for sharing your story. =)
Today’s metcon: 5 FS @55lbs,10 pullups,15 DB Press @15lbs
January 13th, 2012 on 2:05 pm
Who fights cancer? And wins? Jon W. (and Chuck Norris) You rock!!! Congratulations.
January 13th, 2012 on 2:09 pm
Jon rules. End of story.
8:11 Pack at (sadly) the last Friday 1200 WOD at Potomac.
January 13th, 2012 on 2:16 pm
Jon- now especially excited to get together for the 0630 at patriot in the coming weeks- amazing profile and really great picture too by the way!
January 13th, 2012 on 2:19 pm
Jon W = The Man. It’s a scientific FACT!
Infinite respect for your tenacity and perseverance in the face of adversity…and for doing it with a smile. Just awesome.
January 13th, 2012 on 2:47 pm
Jon W – Great profile! Thanks for sharing your story and congrats on the remission.
HSPU negs with one mat
MC: 4-8-12 reps with 115lb fs and 25lb db pp
January 13th, 2012 on 4:43 pm
Inspiring story, Jon. Your courage and positivity are impressive. Good work!
January 13th, 2012 on 5:12 pm
Thank you Jon!
January 13th, 2012 on 7:44 pm
11:26 rx
This was the worst wod I’ve done in a long time.
January 13th, 2012 on 9:27 pm
14:10 and I agree with Greg. Had to drop weight on the front squat.
Jon – All I can say is you are an inspiration!
January 14th, 2012 on 4:18 am
14:30
All reps done rxd, but messed up order.