December Featured Athlete- Rob Shepherd
Where are you from?
Newfield, New York
How long have you been in Ithaca?
Born here moved away to Albany and then returned in 2000
What is your education in?
Sociology
What do you currently do for work?
Lieutenant for the Ithaca Fire Department
How long have you been a firefighter?
10 years
You are married, what is your spouse's name and how did you meet?
My wife’s name is Carlee, we met at a bonfire in Newfield. No it wasn’t work related, I was still high school age and no I didn’t start it.
You are expecting your first child, CONGRATS, what are you most excited about and most anxious about?
Most excited about the automatic DAD strength I will receive and most anxious about making sure that he isn’t a picky eater!
What brought you to Pallas?
Kevin Koehler
How long have you been a member at Pallas?
2 years in January
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
2.5 years, we had programming from Pallas at the station that I did before joining.
What keeps you motivated to keep coming to the gym?
Bunch of my friends come here which helps a lot, it's different everyday, and there is always a plan. I can make a plan or show-up, but I can't do both, so I show up and let you guys plan it for me. It’s also really fun!
What’s your favorite and least favorite CrossFit movement(s)?
Favorite, any kind of pull-up variation
Least favorite is thrusters and wall balls
What would your ideal WOD consist of?
Pull-ups
Box Jump Overs
Rowing
Above WOD playlist/5 song max?
All the Way Up (feat. Infrared) by Fat Joe, Remy Ma, French Montana, Infrared
Can’t tell me Nothing by Kanye West
Can’t you Hear me Knocking by the Rolling Stones
Levitating by Dua Lipa
What’s your go to comfort food?
Any sub from Gorgers
What is your go to outside the gym activity for self care?
Hiking or walking in the woods
What is your favorite part of your job and least favorite?
Favorite, how different it is everyday
Least, being up in the middle of the night
Do you have any pets? If so, type and name?
2 dogs, Pepper & Nellie, Coon Hounds
Where is the coolest place you’ve visited?
Budapest, it's so cool!
What book would you recommend to a stranger?
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the RISE and FALL of the COMANCHES by S.C. Gwyne
If you could live anywhere and money wasn't an issue, where would you choose?
Hawaii, Maui is pretty cool
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise most people?
I was homeschooled all the way through school until I went to TC3.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to start at Pallas?
Just do it! I was afraid I wasn't in good enough shape to start, but that was just an excuse to keep putting it off. Just walk in the door. It's crazy how good of shape I am in compared to anything else I have ever done exercise wise!
Favorite thing about Pallas?
The COACHES!