Meet Drew Robertson, collegiate athlete & Tom Boardman’s grandson! Drew has been joining us for workouts in the summers when he’s home from univeristy. He is quite the runner and he uses CrossFit for his offseason training!
I. Introduction & Background
Could you introduce yourself?
Drew Robertson, senior, Math and Education major at The College of Wooster.
What sport do you play, and what events do you compete in?
I run cross country and track, competing in anything from the 800m to the 10k. Main events are the mile, 3000m indoor and 3000m steeple, 1500m outdoor.
How long have you been dabbling in CrossFit as a cross training activity?
I started trying out CrossFit my senior year of high school. I have since been doing it during breaks for 4 years.
What initially brought you to CrossFit?
My grandpa, an absolute beast was doing Cross Fit was I came to stay with him during Covid. I wasn’t playing sports so I felt a need to exercise so I went with him.
II. Experience at Anthem
What do you like most about CrossFit, in addition to your running?
I greatly value general strength training to supplement my running and CrossFit provides great strength workouts that are also cardio based. The exercises are to be done normally in a certain time frame, which often works my lungs, and also keeps me at a lighter weight which improves my strength endurance.
What are your specific fitness goals when you train here at Anthem?
My goal at CrossFit is to build strength I need for racing hills and jumping barriers, but also for general injury prevention.
Do you have a favorite piece of equipment, class, or workout? Why?
I really enjoy any of the workouts with a running or jumping aspect for obvious reasons. The best classes were the ones with my grandpa.
Can you share a favorite memory or accomplishment from CrossFit?
The best CrossFit sessions were the ones where everyone finished and could cheer each other on. I remember watching other members crushing exercises and lifting heavy, giving me goals to strive for.
III. Life as a Collegiate Athlete:
Can you describe a typical day or week for you during your competitive season? How about the off-season?
During my regular track or XC season I would do base days 3 days a week. Base runs start around 3 miles at the beginning of the season and I slowly build up to where I’m running 9 miles on base runs. The other two days involve a workout where our coach usually gives us a repetition of a distance with a time goal. Example 8x800m or 5xmile. With a warm up and cool down the distance should be similar to the base run days. The weekend involves one long run starting at 5 miles going up to 15 miles at end of season, and a rest day. I also do injury prevention and strength training lifts two times a week.
In the off season I’m only doing base runs and long runs with some core workouts to build up the mileage.
What’s the biggest challenge you face balancing academics, athletics, and your personal life (including gym time)?
I have a tendency to prioritize my athletics and physical health over my academics and social time. Choosing to run or play basketball rather than getting my work done. Exercise is important to staying sharp to get work done but I would exercise more than I needed to, to avoid finishing an assignment.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a collegiate athlete so far?
Being a collegiate athlete provides a family to belong to when starting college. I immediately had a friend group and people I could count on when I needed help. I also love getting opportunities to compete against other athletes who are all trying their hardest to win.
Can you share a favorite memory or accomplishment from your sport?
My favorite memories I’ve made with my team are the group prayers before a race and the prayer after the race with athletes from all the other competing teams. My best accomplishments are getting 2 school records, 1 course record, and 4 all region performances.
IV. Motivation, Goals & Advice
What are your athletic goals for the upcoming season or your remaining college career?
My current athletic goal is to win a conference title which I’ve been 2nd in four times, and or going to nationals for the steeple chase.
Do you have any fitness goals beyond what’s required for your sport?
I want to be able to do 20 pull ups and bench upwards of 150. I’m trying to have general upper body strength that’s not necessarily needed for racing. And I want to do a backflip one day.
What advice would you give to other gym members trying to reach their own fitness goals?
It’s the days you get up when you feel like not doing anything that are the most crucial when reaching for your goal. And sleep. Sleeping enough is how I recover.
What advice would you give to a high school athlete hoping to compete at the collegiate level?
Depending on what level you want to compete at, you need to be ready to put in the time and workload it takes to compete at that level. I joined as a walk on since d3 track is often very open to any athletes who want to join. But to run the big meets I had to work really hard and do all of the little things it takes to get better.
V. Fun/Personal Touch
What’s your go-to pre-game or post-workout meal/snack?
My pre meet meal is pasta with marinara or bolognaise, loading up on carbs. And I eat as many calories as I can after workouts or races, along with some chicken or yogurt for protein
What kind of music pumps you up during a workout?
Oddly enough I can’t lift to rap, I love working out to fun upbeat music. Anything from Disney music, Christian contemporary, to 80s and 2000’s pop music. I love Where No One Goes, Test Drive, Upside down, and Roller Coaster Ride as a few examples.
Outside of school, your sport, and the gym, what do you enjoy doing?
I have a lot of hobbies but outside of school and sports the main thing I love doing is spending time in the church. Going to Bible study, hanging out with church friends, and playing guitar. I do some light juggling, reading, gaming, and art.
Is there something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have visited 22 countries and lived 9 years in Africa, I speak French and can juggle torches.
