Mike Lyden (he/him) - Owner & Head CrossFit Coach

Hometown: Bellingham, Massachusetts

Athletic History: I grew up playing soccer, hockey and baseball but none past the high school and club level. After trying (and failing) to walk-on to the soccer team at Notre Dame I shifted my attention post college to endurance events (marathons, trail ultras, iron man training) but was clearly, well, not great at any of them. I spent way too much time in my 20s drinking and being ridiculous, and desperately needed an athletic outlet. In 2007 I stumbled across a small CrossFit gym in Boston and have been a part of the CrossFit community ever since. CrossFit has allowed me to keep doing the things I love outside the gym, like skiing with friends, mountain biking with my niece and nephews, and hiking around the Pacific Northwest with my partner Joe and our 2 dogs.

Coaching Background: I've been coaching CrossFit since 2015, all in the Seattle area. I would like to think my coaching style is practical and welcoming, but also detail oriented. I try to focus on how CrossFit can improve your quality of life outside of the gym, rather than how good you can be at CrossFit.

Favorite Athletic Activities: Anything in the mountains. Skiing, hiking, backpacking etc.

Favorite Non-Fitness Activities: Traveling. Taking 3-hour naps. Experimenting with cocktail recipes.

What I Wish I Knew When I Started CrossFit: I wish I knew how important mobility was to my future health-span. Hitting a PR is great and all, but have you tried putting your socks on without back pain?! So much cooler.