Athlete of the Month: December 2016

Brian Ptak

Nickname: P-Tak, Birdman

Member since: 2016

Windy City: Where did this guy come from?! That was the unanimous question among the coaching staff when Brian joined Windy City this year. I can specifically remember asking Brian about his athletic background (obviously assuming he had one). We are all still amazed that CrossFit is Brian's first "sport"! Consistent, humble, and naturally athletic are a few words that describe Brian. He's been an awesome addition to the Windy City Competition team as well as the Windy City community. He generously donates his time and other "handyman" skills whenever we need some extra help. Did you know that our custom WCSC Handstand push-up boards and Peg board were either built by or installed by Brian! We're lucky to have him!

“My mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’” — Forrest Gump

Brian: How hasn’t Windy City helped me become the person I was meant to be?! I really started getting into working out about 7 years ago. I was always on and off and never really had any specific routine. Mostly, I was just getting bored. My buddy got me into CrossFit years ago and I attempted it a few times with him but gave up quickly. This was a major pattern I ran in my life.

My parents divorced when I was 14 which caused me to spiral out of control. Needless to say, it was a big impact in my life. Setting the base for me to have very low self-esteem, no confidence and spark disruptive behavior. I gave up on myself multiple times at everything I did. People I thought were my friends harassed me and persuaded me into doing wrongful things. I got shipped off to a school in Mexico for 18 months where I gathered the tools I needed to take with me in everyday life. I pulled my head out of my ass and got my sh*t together. Years went by and I ran some of the same patterns on and off. It was time for a change.

January 2016, I walked into Windy City with some low confidence. I remember the music bumping and people going crazy on some WODs. I met with Cheston who gave me the walk through and got me signed up. Best decision ever. After going through five Level 1 classes, I jumped over to the main class. I drank up the kool-aid really quick. I love the intensity, the drive that you see in the people surrounding you, the encouragement. Feeling like your about to drop and pass out on the floor!

Windy City has surrounded me with some of the greatest people I now know. Everyone pushes each other to be better and drive further. It has raised my self-esteem and my confidence. I can say I love the position it has put me in today. I am more focused with work, with my relationship with my wife, I am physically and mentally stronger than I have ever been and I can push myself to the unknown. Thank you Windy City! 

Recent Adventures

I just took place in the South Loop Games. This was my first ever competition, or in fact my first actual event I took place in since I played little league baseball when I was just a child. The day I signed up for The Games I can remember being really nervous about it. This was a big step for me. Then the day came to compete, I could barely sleep the night before. My amazing wife Ashley drove Jon Ward, Dennis The, Patick Ihl and me to the south loop. I’d say they helped ease my mind for a bit. Thanks guys! Game face on! I swear I must have looked like a ghost when this thing started. After a few warm up lifts I was ready to get on the floor and get to work. My overall experience in my first comp was so humbling. There are so many amazing athletes out there. I would definitely say you will be seeing me out on the floor of many more competitions! My greatest accomplishments are those of which I accomplish.

Future Adventures

I’m super pumped for my honeymoon coming up in February 2017. THAILAND!!!! I will be out there for 2 weeks where I will fly into Krabi, swim with sharks, hop on a boat to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. From there, I will transfer to an elephant sanctuary where I will get the chance to live amongst the elephants for a few days, bathe them and feed them. I never thought much of how these magnificent animals are so abused for someone’s joy of a circus or to ride them. Actually being around the group of people that are there to protect them will be quite wonderful. Then off for a jungle kayaking trip and up to Koh Tao. There will be one crazy night in Bangkok before it’s all said and done!

Before that though, I would like to participate in the Polar Plunge this winter. Thinking we can get a few people from Windy City to participate. LIVE BIG GUYS!

If money and time were not an object, you could find me in the marina of Cabo San Lucas on the back of my 40’ yacht running Marlin charters every day. It is such an awesome fight to get one of those bad boys in the boat. The rest of my days I’d travel the world hunting, fishing, snowboarding, hiking, camping...you name it. You only have one life to dream and live big. I do my best to make every day count!

Personal Goals

Weightlifting: 200lb. Snatch by February 1st; 270lb. Clean and Jerk by May 1st; Compete in next year’s Granite Games; and row a 10k in 35:00

Professionally: I would like to use my current job as a project manager for O’Neill Development Group to find better use for scrap material instead of it going straight to the dumpster (possibly a school in need). The construction field and working with my hands has always been my passion. I picture myself in no other job position. Eventually maybe become partner in a development group or even look to start on my own path. 

Personal: Increase my caloric intake for the day. I normally do not eat the amount I should be feeding myself. Traveling around to all the jobs during the day passes time right before my eyes. Meal prepping would be a huge benefit to helping meet this goal. Maintaining a meal plan while pushing and challenging myself during my workouts would be ideal. I also want to gain more confidence in my form and techniques. But most importantly, I want to keep surrounding myself with ones who will support me.

Words to Live By

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.” – Nora Roberts

There is a time and a place for everything. When is your time? Where is your place? My time started January 14th 2016; my place is at Windy City where I strive to feel the fire in my lungs, the sweat pouring down my face and the sound of my body smacking the floor after a grueling workout. Not once have I had regrets of walking into Windy City. The only regret I have is why I didn’t start sooner!