From Coach Pete: Our newest spotlight is one of our long time members who got started with Roaster Barbell way back at the original location. Eric and his wife Lauren came to me in 2018 to train. Fast forward nearly 8 years later and I still have the pleasure of working with both of them. Recently, Eric has caught my attention with his desire to compete in a world that few people even know exists, the world of ultramarathons. Most people have heard of a marathon, but there’s a group of athletes that have decided that 26.2 miles is just not enough. Next week on Monday March 9th, Eric will be starting the Viper 300 which is a 300 mile race. Yes, you read that correctly, 300 miles, which is just shy of 12 back to back marathons. The level of dedication required to even prepare for an event like this is difficult to grasp. We wish Eric good health and happiness as he competes down in Tennessee next week. Eric, thank you for being you. Your presence in our community has been inspiring and I cant wait to hear about your experience. Good luck, sir!
1 – What is your why? What gets you out of bed in the morning?
I just like to challenge myself by doing hard things to see what I am capable of in this life.
2 – What is your definition of success?
A successful person is someone who is a good human and treats others with kindness and respect. They also work hard to accomplish their goals, no matter how big or small they are.
3 – If you could give your younger self advice, what would be?
Life isn’t fair, but you can make the most of it with the right attitude.
4 – What is your biggest goal right now? Could be life or fitness or anything.
I am currently training for an ultramarathon called the Viper 300, which is a 300 mile trail race in March in Tennessee. It will be only the second 300 mile ultra ever held, so just finishing and being one of the few people in the world who have ever completed a 300 mile ultra would be a huge accomplishment and is my main focus right now.
5 – If you could have lunch with anyone ever, who would it be and why?
My mom. She passed away 25 years ago and never got to see me grow up. I would like her to see the person that I have become and also to meet Lauren. I think she would be proud.
6 – What is your favorite part of training?
Getting better at a skill through hard work and consistency.
7 – What is your least favorite part of training?
Trying to walk down the stairs for the next 2-3 days after a wod with lots of walking lunges.
8 – What has been your biggest obstacle on your fitness journey?
I love training, but unfortunately, I think I love food even more. Consistently making healthy food choices is my biggest weakness.
9 – What would your ideal day consist of?
No work. No stress. Going for a run in the morning, and to the gym in the afternoon. Then, eating something good and hanging out with Lauren and the cats and watching a good show.
10 – What is something that no one knows about you?
When I was a kid my parents took me and my brother to see a movie called The NeverEnding Story. I threw a tantrum at the theater because I thought that the movie was literally never going to end and I’d be stuck in the movie theater for the rest of my life.
11 – Who is your biggest inspiration?
Tom Delonge (musician, entrepreneur, UFO enthusiast)
12 – What brought you to Roaster Barbell?
I started doing CrossFit in 2014, but when we moved to Strongsville in 2018 it was time to find a new gym. After meeting Pete, I could tell that he genuinely cared about each member and was passionate about helping them reach their goals. The growth of Roaster Barbell, from that small space on Pelret to the current gym now, is a testament to Pete’s tireless work to earn the trust of each member and build the Roaster community into what it is today.
13 – How has the gym influenced your life outside of the gym?
It has made me mentally tougher, which helps keep me going when I am running through the woods in the middle of the night and all I can think about is how nice it would be to be home sleeping in my bed.
14 – What advice would you give someone who is on the fence about CrossFit and Roaster Barbell?
Just do it….now. You don’t need to get “in shape” or anything before starting. All you have to do is show up. Roaster Barbell has great coaches and the other athletes are more than willing to help you if you don’t understand something.
15 – If you could go anywhere in the world for a day where would you go and why?
Probably NYC. I’d walk around and get a slice of pizza from every slice shop I can find.
16 – You have 1 guaranteed wish, what would it be?
A long, healthy life free of disease and still having all my marbles.
17 – What is one important lesson you learned the hard way?
Always carry wipes or toilet paper with you during a long race.
18 – What makes you the most happy?
Traveling and exploring other countries and cities with Lauren.
19 – You can have anything, what is your ideal meal?
Having recently visited Ireland, I could have eaten fish & chips and a Guinness for every meal and been happy.
20 – Is there anything else you would like to add?
Here we go Steelers!
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Thank you for taking the time to get to know Eric! If you would like to learn how you could become our next success story, just email Coach Pete at coachpetetaylor@outlook.com and lets begin talking about how Roaster Barbell can help you reach your goals!