Favorite Movement: Every workout that starts with a run: Standing at the garage door with the 6:30 gang, listening to the countdown from 10, the sun is coming up and Ken is talking trash. Magical.
Favorite CF Memory: Watching the waterworks whenever Lee and Brielle talk about PCF. It is immediately clear how much this place and these people mean to them.
When or what was your "CrossFit Moment": the moment that you really felt pushed or felt like you really accomplished something? Discovering that I could be stronger in my 40's than I was in my 20's and 30's. Retest days always make me nervous, but I try to pick a number a little beyond the number that scares me. Sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't, but those are my moments. Pushing through the anxiety and letting the hard work speak for itself.
What are your goals for CrossFit? Why do you do CrossFit? I have a little orange field notebook that I write every workout into and my goal is to continue improving on my previous numbers, without hurting myself, for as long as I can. I don't like to be competitive, but I show up as often as I can and work as hard as my body will let me that day. Without hurting myself.
What do you think is special about Pennington CrossFit? It's too tough to pick between the coaches and the members, so I will just say the Community. PCF is such a positive and supportive environment and I am very proud to be a part of it.
Fun Facts about you: I am a bridge engineer: I've done design work on many of the regional big bridges (GWB, Brooklyn, Pulaski, Raritan River Lift, and Shark and Brielle Draw). My company (H&H) was founded in 1887 and we're the oldest engineering firm in the US. I have zero fear of heights, but I am claustrophobic. I only grow hot peppers in my garden and I make my own hot sauces.
What coaches say about : Such a competitor, great person, and partner!
Although Phil is an all around powerhouse, his commitment and eagerness to grow as an athlete truly sets him apart. Phil shines every time he steps into the gym because he wants to compete against himself above all others. When I coach or work out with Phil, he reminds me why we CrossFit - to become an all around athlete that can lift more, get faster, and develop a range of athletic skills. And to do all that with integrity for movements, respect for the coaches and the gym, and camaraderie with other athletes: that's what makes him the AOTM.
Not only is Phil an amazing athlete, but he’s also a great community member. He’ll often be one of the first people to greet a new member and make them feel comfortable. When it comes to working out, he’s very analytical and writes everything down (must be an engineer thing!). The strategy has paid off! Over the years Phil has gotten super fit and continues to improve as a result of his hard work. Yet he remains humble and down to earth, embodying the PCF values of fitness, strength and community!
Phil’s dedication to challenging himself and becoming better and stronger is impressive!
