June Featured Athlete - Erik Braun
1. Where are you from?
Born and raised in Rochester, NY
2. If you aren’t from here, what brought you to Ithaca?
Lindsey and I were living in Washington, DC and were looking to relocate to a smaller community where we could buy a home and start a family. I was offered a job at Ithaca College and we moved here in February of 2018.
3. What do you do for a living?
I'm a Director of Engagement at Bonterra - formerly GiveGab - a local tech startup founded by two Cornell MBA Graduates that specializes in online fundraising events: Giving Is Gorges, Cornell Giving Day and Ithaca College Giving Day. I help Community Foundations, United Ways and Nonprofits find the right suite of online fundraising tools for their communities.
4. Where did you and Lindsey meet?
Lindsey and I worked together at a New York City political consulting firm. She flew under my radar for a few months until we had a work happy hour that included karaoke. After I heard her incredible rendition of 'Alive' by Pearl Jam, I knew that there was a lot more there than her shy and quiet office demeanor suggested.
5. How has fatherhood changed you?
I'm pretty type A, so fatherhood has been teaching me some patience and helped me realize that I am not entirely in control of my own time. I love being a Father, but am disappointed my Dad Strength™️ hasn’t kicked in by now. Alas, I guess I'll have to stick with women's RX for now.
6. What’s your athletic background?
I grew up skiing, playing soccer and lacrosse. My soccer career ended senior year when I broke my fibula and tibia. I continued to ski and play lacrosse off and on in college. Since then my athletic pursuits have varied quite a bit and included crossfit, road cycling, bike touring, running, trail running, hiking, rock climbing and (for one brief summer) triathlon.
7. What brought you into CF?
After I ran my first marathon in November of 2011, I had a shin splint and was looking for a different way to stay active. I joined a crossfit affiliate and after four months was in the best shape of my life. Then work and life led me away from CrossFit. I flirted with it a few times over the next 10 years until I finally decided to commit and joined Pallas in October of 2021.
8. What are some goals you’ve crossed off your CF list?
My first full year back I really wanted to just consistently attend class four times a week, lift more weight than Lindsey (which doesn't always happen) and not hurt myself. Along the way, I have surprised myself with Bar Muscle Ups, Ring Muscle Ups, and Hand Stand Walks.
9. What are some future goals you’re working towards?
The last two years I've done Murph 'Cindy style' and cut my time from 46:35 to 39:23. Next year my goal is to do it 'Games style' and eventually RX. But first, I need to learn how to do butterfly pull-ups! Oh, and also be stronger and faster than Lindsey.
10. What’s your favorite CF movement?
Toes To Bar.
11. What’s your least favorite?
Overhead Squats. (I have horrible shoulder mobility)
12. If you could write a workout, what would it look like?
There would be plenty of gymnastics and cardio with absolutely no barbell. Something like:
3 Rounds For Time
12 Toes-to-Bar
20' Hand Stand Walk
24 Pistols
400M Run
13. What’s your favorite Ithaca restaurant?
I'm a sucker for a good cheeseburger - give me the Perfect Burger from the Ithaca Ale House please and thank you.
14. What’s your go to home cooked meal?Lindsey is the cook in our family and spoils me with home cooked meals every night. We don't have a go-to meal but anything and everything she makes is amazing. (Don't worry I am permanently on dish duty.)
15. Do you have a favorite dessert?We're a big desert family. Ice cream. Ice cream sundaes. Brownies. Cookies.
Donuts. I mostly come to the gym so I can eat as much dessert as I want.
16. Do you have a favorite author?After spending most of my adult life only reading nonfiction books, I read all eight of Allen Eskens mystery / thriller / suspense novels last year.
17. What’s your favorite show that you can always watch?The Office is our comfort show. If the TV is on and the Bills aren't playing, the Office is likely on.
18. If someone was hesitant to start CF, what would you tell them?
Exercise is more fun with friends! Come try a class and see if you like it. There's absolutely no better way to get a great workout and have a ton of fun in 60 minutes than CrossFit. Then you can go home and eat all the desserts.