About Myself:
My name is Mark Leavens. I am from Houston, TX. I am a high school art teacher at Sam Houston Math, Science, and Technology Center. I received my BA in Studio Art from The University of Texas at Austin with an emphasis in Painting. I keep an avid studio practice by working on paintings and ceramics when I’m not at the gym trying to work on my fitness. Other hobbies include: Guitar, Synthesizers, rock climbing, long walks on the beach, cooking with my boo thang, traveling pre-covid, and throwing a frisbee to my dog Copper.
When did I start Crossfit?
I started Crossfit the second week of January 2020. Hell Yeah!
What made you start doing Crossfit?
I was in a band with Matt Gamez and he got thicc reall quick. I was like, “Yo, I’ll have what he’s having!”
How has Crossfit made a difference in your life outside of the gym?
Looking better naked everyday. Overall energy 10/10. If I were a video game, my stat bar would be maxed out. My goals are different, I eat different, I feel different, I sleep harder, and the concept of difficulty has definitely changed dramatically.
Least favorite WOD or Movement?
Anytime I have to Jump on top of a box.
Favorite Lift:
Log Press or Stone Lifting. They call me the American Lager. (they don’t, but they should)
Least Favorite Lift:
I don’t have one. Lifting is great.
Strongman/ Crossfit goals:
Strongman Goals: Crush this weeks competition (place?)
Crossfit Goals: I don’t know what those are.. jk. I’d love to rx more, it’s super awesome when I do. Honestly most of my goals are lifting oriented. Log Press: 225, Deadlift: 500, Squat: 450, Power Clean: 275, Strict Press: 185
Best Crossfit Achievement:
I don’t think there’s one point I can say that I can recall. I’m very proud every time I complete any WOD. My progress within a year has allowed me to move really well throughout most workouts. Maybe if I were to say one moment: I’d say when I clean and jerked: 235.
Words that I live by:
I live by the sword, I die by the sword?All words are made up?
A birdy goes cluck cluck, a cow goes moo, a piggy goes oink oink, how about you?
If anything is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
Things you’d be surprised to know about me:
I was on the competitive Jump Rope Team for 5 years. We were called Razz-Ma-Tazz.
Advice to Newbies:
Start slow. Listen to your body. Trust your coaches. Tell that little person in your head that is complaining during a WOD to shut up.
Say Hi to everyone, everyone is so nice. Say Hi to me!