September Featured Athlete - Blair Eckensen
1. Where are you from?
I grew up just outside Charlottesville, Virginia. I went to university in Richmond, Virginia. Then my wife and I lived in San Francisco for five years, then Philadelphia for two years, and have been in Ithaca since 2016.
2. What do you do for a living?
For the past few years I have been back in school, in Addictions Studies, to become a Licensed Addictions Counselor. I’ve also homeschooled my seven year old daughter and homestead our bit of land (bees, chickens, gardens, etc.).
3. If you aren’t from Ithaca, what brought you here?
After I had our daughter my wife and I decided we wanted to raise her in a place quieter than SF, we wanted to be closer to family we have here in NY state, we wanted to own land and build a home. Ithaca felt like the perfect fit, and it still does.
4. What brought you into CFP?
I came to CFP last August - my wife had recently been diagnosed with cancer, there was that global pandemic - I felt like there were many things out of my control. I chose to add something to my life just for me that I could feel empowered over. Fitness and wellness and sport were already a big part of my life, but I did it largely on my own. I wanted to share that with people.
5. What keeps you coming to CFP?
I keep coming to CFP because I learn and am motivated there. CFP is full of people who inspire me, who help me feel proud of myself, and many who I have found connection with. It is a place where I show up for me - I follow through and I work hard and that places me in integrity with myself. Coming to CFP is a practice that helps me to continue growing into a better version of myself. It adds value to my life.
6. What are some CrossFit goals you’ve crossed off of your list?
Maintaining a kip on kipping pull-ups, pistols, strict ring-dips (with weight!), a body weight equivalent power clean, stepping outside my comfort zone to participate in my first team competition this month.. From starting one year ago to now I can do every movement and workout much faster, heavier, longer, and with more confidence - it’s a wonderful thing!
7. What are some future goals you have here at Pallas?
Double-unders (for goodness sakes!), freestanding handstands, and muscle-ups one day.
8. What’s your favorite movement?
Box jump overs, burpee’s, deadlifts, push press, rowing.. I can’t pick just one!
9. What’s your least favorite movement?
Wall walks
10. Chipper, couplet, strength, burner, all/none?
Chippers and burners
11. Where was your favorite vacation spot?
Paris in summertime
12. Where’s your favorite place to eat in Ithaca?
My porch. I have a really nice porch/view. And I love to cook.
13. What’s your favorite dish to cook at home?
Grilled shrimp or smoked salmon on a salad of vegetables picked straight out of my garden.
14. Winter/spring/summer or fall?
Summer
15. Do you have a favorite book or author?
This is a very hard question.. Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg is the book that affected me most. Lit by Mary Karr is the book that I found at the exact right time I needed it. Just Kids by Patti Smith is a book I could read over and over.
16. What would you tell someone hesitant about starting CrossFit?
The same thing I’d say about most anything in life - Why are you hesitant? Fear? Skepticism? Probably one or the other or both. That’s human. Why not believe yourself to be wildly capable and to still have so much learning and potential left. The new experience might be nothing as you expect or it might be exactly as you expect - but you won’t regret choosing to invest in yourself, in your health, in your well being, in your growth. You deserve that and you owe it to yourself. I’ve found enrichment down many a path I was at first hesitant to travel - CrossFit being one of them. You might too! As for Pallas in particular - it’s a community of folks from all walks of life who are supportive, knowledgeable, tough as nails yet tender hearted all at once, and are committed to the common value of personal-development. Just come as you are!