EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Mike Rawlinson of Crossfit Leeds

IN THE KNOW WITH COACH RAWLY


Mike Rawlinson is the proud owner and head coach of Crossfit Leeds which opened in September last year. In such a short period of time, his box has achieved great things with 4th place in the European Regionals and 2nd at the Velocity Games. The prospect and potential of Crossfit Leeds is unbelievable, with many wondering what things they can accomplish in the next 12months with the upcoming UK:SPS N Meet and 2012 Crossfit Games. Here is an exclusive interview with the man behind it all.... 




Q.
Coach Rawly, you've achieved so much since you opened your box, Crossfit Leeds, in September 2010. Did you honestly think that it would have turned out so well?
A.
Thanks! To be honest, when I was setting up I didn’t think too much about how it was going to turn out. I knew that setting up a box and coaching was what I wanted to do and I was confident I could make a success of it. The achievements and success that have come on the back of that are mostly down to our members. They’re the ones training hard 4-5 times a week. The second place finish at Velocity Games in October and fourth place at Regionals are special but it’s the progressions and achievements that happen every day in our box that I’m most proud of. It’s amazing to see how far our athletes have come in such a short space of time.

Q.
As the owner of Crossfit Leeds and the achievements by you and your team at Regionals I couldn't imagine how you felt about that weekend..could you tell us your experience of the Regionals in Bolton?
A.
It was one of the best weekends of my life. I felt good and pretty relaxed going into the events. I think it helped that we finished eighth in the Open so there was no real pressure on us as a team. I always believed we had a good shot at qualification with such a strong and well balanced group of athletes.
After being in the top 3 all weekend right up until the last event obviously it was hugely disappointing to miss out on a trip to California but I know everyone gave their heart and soul in all the events and a fourth placed finish against the best in Europe is a brilliant achiement for such a young affiliate.

Q.
To be ranked 4th in Europe and 1st in the UK is an amazing achievement, but I'm sure there will be no rest. Whats the plan for the next year? Training plans? Box plans? Any inside exclusive info you could share? 
A.
I took a full weeks rest after Regionals and then completed my first triathlon at the end of the week which went really well. I’m back on my new training plan now and feeling hugely motivated after seeing many amazing athletes in Bolton. I’m looking forward to competing at the next big event, the Central Manchester Games at the end of July.With regards the box everything is going well. I can reveal we are looking for new, improved premises that we hope to be in before winter!

Q.
To become an owner of a gym, do you think it affects your own personal training and development as a Crossfit athlete?
A. 
Opening CrossFit Leeds has affected my training in various ways. I found it really difficult to get any training in at first as the set up and day to day running of the gym took up so much time. My progress noticeable dipped across the first few months of opening but now its the complete opposite.. As the business side of things has become more efficient I am finding plenty of time to get training in. The fact that you have to prove yourself in front of all your members in events like the CrossFit Open also adds some necessary pressure to help keep focussed on your training.

Q.
Nutrition-wise do you have any specific tips for fellow athletes? 
A.
My best piece of advice would firstly be for people to realise how important their nutrition is and how it affects so many aspects of life - training, recovery, stress and sleep are all important factors that can be influenced by diet.
I don't believe there's one perfect diet that suits everyone so I'd really recommend people educate themselves and try different approaches and see how it works for them as an individual.

Q.
Now a bit of fun, who do you think is the best dressed athlete at Crossfit Leeds?
A.
That's a tough one. Finding a dressed athlete at CrossFit Leeds after a WOD is a rarity these days. I'd have to go for Leni - always immaculately presented!

Q.
If you could choose any Female Crossfit Athlete in the world, who would it be and why? 
A.
Choose them for what! If it was to be on my team it would have to be Sam Briggs. Amazing athlete, great coach and always smiling. It's amazing to have her training with us regularly. I do have a soft spot for Miranda Oldroyd though.


Q.
What motivates you to wake up each morning? 
A.
Sounds a bit cliched but my job and my training are really what keeps me going. The fun and enthusiasm with which our members turn up to the gym every day makes coaching an absolute pleasure. And seeing the continual progress of our athletes makes it easy to stay motivated. Right now, on the back of the Regionals, my motivation to improve myself as a CrossFit athlete is sky high.

Q.
There is a lot of divide in research regarding whether sweet potato is legit for the Paleo Diet! Coach Rawly..Sweet Potato or No Sweet Potato?
A.
Definitely sweet potato. I'd say i get through about 5 a week. I think people can get too bogged down with what is paleo and what isn't. Our caveman ancestors may not have eaten it but its nutritious and delicious so what's the problem!



Q.
Finally, if you weren't a superstar European Crossfit Athlete and the Owner of the Best UK Crossfit Box? What would you like to be?
A.
Not sure I'm the first bit (I'll take it though!) but if I wasn't doing the CrossFit thing I think I'd like to do something fun that allowed me to travel a lot.....world famous DJ Spikey perhaps?


Thanks Mike for taking the time to answer my questions and I can't wait to get back to Crossfit Leeds and hit the WODs hard with you and everyone else down there.  Good luck for the future Coach and lets hope the next 12 months will be as successful as the last 9months have been.
Although I'm still not sure why I'm not the best dressed rocking the TOMS but I'll let it go this time.

Athlete Profile

Mike Rawlinson

DOB: 07/11/79

Place of Birth: Burnley, Lancashire

Height: 1.76m

Weight: 75kg

Sports played other than Crossfit: 

Used to regularly play competitive football and tennis. Now I irregularly play football and tennis. Just getting into triathlons too, but CrossFit is my main sport.

Favourite Food: Thai Green Curry

Favourite Band: Vampire Weekend

Fran Time: 4.42, soon to be sub 4!

Find Crossfit Leeds via....
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Website (www.crossfitleeds.com)