THE COLE FAMILY is BBCF’s January 2015 Athlete of the Month!
The Cole Family has been a fun addition to the Blackbird Community! From day one, they have been all in. Brian and Christina are committed each day to bring fitness and good health to their family. They set a great example and inspire others to do the same. They attend all events, they volunteer their time and resources, and they attack each workout. Brian brings integrity and hard work to each of his work outs. Christina brings an amazing energy and positive attitude to each class. And Gabi has inspired many with her determination. Each of the Coles are diligent in working on their weaknesses and aim to improve each time they are in the gym. They have their strengths too; Brian is fast and has great stamina, Christina has an amazingly strong core and a strong work ethic, and Gabi is a strong, natural lifter. And when it’s time to play, Christina is there with her double dutch ropes! We cannot say enough good things about this family and what a blessing they have been to our Blackbird Family. Meet The Cole Family…
1. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. 
Brian: My name is Brian Cole, I am 45 years young. I am the owner of Specialty Interior Construction. I have a lovely wife Christina and a beautiful daughter Gabi. I enjoy snowboarding and hiking.
Christina: My name is Christina Cole, I am 43 years old. I am a stay at home domestic goddess. I was a nanny in my past life and still love to play and create with the little ones who cross my path. I have a super hot husband named Brian and funny, creative daughter named Gabi. I enjoy running, hiking, and snowboarding.
Gabi: My name is Gabi and I’m 15 years old. I’m a sophomore at Century High School and I play volleyball and lacrosse. I also love snowboarding.
2. WHAT MADE YOUR FAMILY WANT TO START CROSSFIT? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT?
Our family was looking for the next challenge in our lives. Something that we could do together, that we would all be challenged at based on our own skill level and personal goals. We have been here at Blackbird for the past 4 months.
3. WHAT WERE YOU THOUGHTS AFTER YOUR 1st WOD?
Brian: It was fun and I want to go back. I had a good time.
Christina: What have I gotten myself into? I quickly figured out that I could do things that I would have never thought I could.
Gabi: I’m glad I brought my dad, because it looked intimidating.
4. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?
Brian: Being the Blackbird winner of “Run of the Century”.
Christina: My first Rx moment (besides running). When I first arrived at Blackbird, Rxing anything was not something I thought I’d be able to do. That moment was both exciting and motivating.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVEMENT/LIFT? LEAST FAVORITE?
Brian: I like all the lifts, some I can do better then others, which just makes them more of a challenge, and I like a good challenge.
Christina: Rope Climbing!! Apparently I belong in the monkey family, as rope climbing is my most accomplished skill. I don’t dislike to any movement, they all mark a skill I am trying to accomplish.
Gabi: I like back squats. My least favorite is everything that has to do with upper body.
6. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CROSSFIT?
Brian: I like the competitive side of CrossFit, developing new skills, and connecting with new people.
7. WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU WOULD GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR NEW TO CROSSFIT?
Gabi: CrossFit can be intimidating when you first join but don’t let that stop you, keep going, you will start to see improvements and be amazed at what you can accomplish.
8. WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOUR FAMILY IN AND OUT OF THE BOX?
Christina: CrossFit has given us a place where our family is able to go together, have fun, and encourage each other to improve our skills. We have so much fun outside of the box teasing each other about who will be the family winner of the day. We have learned to improve our eating habits and how the food we eat is fuel that will help us accomplish things though out the day. The Paleo Challenge was eye opening and changed the way we ate and thought about food. As our lives together over the years have pulled us in separate directions, CrossFit has given us the place to come back together and reconnect.
9. WE DO NOT MAKE NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS AT BLACKBIRD, WE SET GOALS. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2015?
Brian: I want to complete a muscle up and be able to do double unders.
Christina: I want to be able to string together at least 20 double unders and do kipping pull ups.
Gabi: I’d like to make improvements to all my lifting movements. Lifting is my favorite.
FREEWRITE:
First we’d like to thank Matt and Rebekah for being amazing owners, 
coaches and providing a top notch CrossFit home. We think of Blackbird as our home away from home and the friends we’ve made here part of our family. Every one of the coaches brings great skill and knowledge to the box, and is always available to provide help and advise when needed. I think what we love best about Blackbird is the community of encouragement and friendship it is built on. The people here are amazing and we have always felt welcomed since day one. We will wear our Blackbird swag proudly and brag about the amazing tribe we are part of!
Brian would like to give a special shout out to the BBCF yoga teacher Lyndsay Pyles as he can now touch his toes! (Pictured: Brian and Gabi doing a partner stretch in yoga.)