Simon is a fantastic example of consistency and dedication. He recently hit a PR during a Benchmark workout. Back in January he was doing ring rows but fast-forward 6 months and he crushed all the pullups! He also had a PR on his mile time by over a minute! We are so proud of all the work he’s putting in and how much he cares about his health and fitness. Keep it up Simon!
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Simon Johnson and I am almost 52 years old. My parents were English immigrants and gave birth to me in Canada on their way to their ultimate destination of southern California. Growing up in Ventura, I was a bit of a hoodlum. I quickly straightened up when I found out I was going to be a dad at age 20. Things I do when I’m not doing CrossFit are fish, ride my motorcycle, and watch sports.
What do you do for a job?
I am a pipeline construction estimator and project manager. This involves taking construction plans and specifications and come up with a game plan to install the pipelines in a way that is less expensive than my competitors. I love what I do and the company I work for.
Tell us something people might not know about you:
I am a father of four kids and 2 and ¾ grandkids (fourth one is due in September). I have two older boys at 30 and 27, and two younger girls… almost 19 and almost 16. I am very proud of them all. Being a dad has been my greatest accomplishment!
What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
Before covid, I was looking for something to supplement my weight training to strengthen my core and cardio. Thanks to covid and after three months of shelter in place, I was not proud of my appearance or level of health. A friend told me about BeachSide and that it was still open. After foundations I was sold. Also, I’m glad we aren’t flipping tires because that’s just silly.
What was your first impression? How has that changed?
My first impression was that CrossFit is HARD!! I wasn’t certain I’d ever get past the point of just surviving workouts! Now, although I am always challenged and the workouts are still hard… I look forward to the challenge.
What was your first “bright spot”?
During my first six months, I would not look at BTWB to see what the daily workout was out fear of what was coming. Now I look at the day and the week ahead to prepare and actually look forward to the hard workouts. When I first started looking forward to them, that was my “bright spot”.
What are you working on now?
To be as lean and mean as Nathan Doud. Goal set. End of story.
What’s your favorite Beachside CrossFit memory?
Friday Night Lights during the CrossFit Open and watching all the members give their all for the workouts. It was very inspiring!
