by Jake Thompson

Why I Compete: Brandon Berry

To push myself. To keep going when my brain is saying to stop. To...
Why I Compete: Brandon Berry

To push myself. To keep going when my brain is saying to stop. To push others to do the same. Every. Damn. Day.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve only been in the “fitness” world for about two years.  I was an athlete growing up in East Texas and all the way through high school, mainly playing baseball, basketball, and track.  Shortly after high school I went into the Army, serving with the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantryman. I was fortunate to serve alongside some amazing individuals and we traveled the world trying to make it a better place.

I got out of the military in 2004, went to college, and stumbled into the oilfield.  I’ve been there ever since and currently work as a Reliability Engineer.  CrossFit came into my life in December of 2014.  I was hooked from day 1.  Hooked so much, I decided I wanted to be a coach and I received my CFL1 this past summer.  I’m currently working at Black Iron CrossFit, in Frisco, coaching some really awesome people. 

2. What’s a typical day look like for you?

 

A typical day for me starts out around 4:45am.  I get up, take the little terrorist (my puppy Sam) outside, and start making breakfast.  It includes bacon every day (you guys might need a bracelet for that one).  Why every day?  Because it’s BACON!  I spend the next 8-ish hours cooped up in a room staring at Frac jobs all across the globe wishing that I was outside doing something other than sitting in a chair.  Once that bell rings and it’s time to go home, I haul a** to get home and either workout in the garage or get to the box (Black Iron CrossFit) and squeeze in a WOD before I have to coach.  I usually leave the box around 8-9 and then head home to rinse/wash/repeat.

3. What’s one life goal you’re currently pursuing outside of fitness?

Become more organized!  With my schedule being so full most days, I’m trying to get a little better organized so I’m not running around like a chicken with my head cut off. 

4. What does it mean to you to Compete Every Day?

To push myself. To keep going when my brain is saying to stop. To push others to do the same. Every. Damn. Day.

5. What is one obstacle you’re proud you’ve overcome?

I spent some time in the military and was wounded during my last deployment.  I quit caring about fitness for almost 12 years due to my injuries.  I never thought I would be able to get my strength back without having to have MORE surgeries, or without having to take endless pain meds to numb the pain.  CrossFit changed my life.  Literally.  It gave me purpose, direction, and most of all, it gave me strength to stop taking the pain meds and stop blaming my lack of fitness on my injuries.  For me, that was the biggest obstacle I’ve ever had to take down and I’ll never look back. 

6. What/who do you compete for?

I Compete for me and I Compete for my friends that I’ll never get to see again.

Connect with Brandon: Instagram

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