I had the privilege to contact Jacob earlier this week to let him know he would be nominated for July MVP. His response: “I am flattered that you have considered me for this recognition, but surely there are others that are more deserving. I see them every time I visit the box… there are others with more dedication, more enthusiasm, better form, do more work, cheer others more, eat cleaner, and have put in way more time than me.”
THIS is why Jacob is the July MVP at JCCF Nation! Because of humbling people like him that make our community what it is. I still remember the 9am Saturday class you and Anika showed up to watch and discuss the possibility of signing up for CrossFit. We are grateful to have you as part of our community. Even if we may not always know what is going through that engineer mind of yours. We know you are doing “WELL”.
Introducing Jacob!
Name: Jacob Careaga
Age: 41
Family: Wife – Anika, Katerina (15), Jackson (14), Nikolai (12), Aleksandr (8), Anneliese (6), Maksim (4)
How long have you been CrossFitting?: November of 2014
What time do you come to WOD normally? Noon
Favorite Lift: Front Squat
Favorite Met Con/Cardio: 2000m row for time
Favorite Gymnastic/Body weight Movement: HSPU
Favorite Shoe to WOD in: My skill is not to a level where I have found shoes to be a limiting factor.
Favorite Meal: ICE CREAM! (Yes, that’s a meal.)
Favorite Beverage: I think water is the right answer here.
Funniest memory at the box: The look on Maria’s face when I calmly told her I had just torn my bicep. “This was not funny.” ~Maria
Tell us some about your journey. Tell us some of your greatest accomplishments at the box:
I have been curious about CrossFit for awhile but I have a have a tendency of putting family and work responsibilities first. So, I really struggled with the idea of making an investment of time and money in myself because I thought I would be shirking my responsibilities. Well, my mother died a year ago at a relatively young age because she did not consistently manage her health very well. That experience combined with the unpleasantries associated with lots of responsibilities opened my heart to the loving suggestions from Anika to try JCCF.
I have thoroughly enjoyed every day at JCCF. I can honestly say I haven’t met a WOD I didn’t like because each one is full of challenge, opportunity, physiological science, passion and love. However, I have not enjoyed coming to terms with the limitations of my body. 
I have experienced some setbacks of my own doing, but with the support and encouragement of Anika and the JCCF community I haven’t quit.
I have experienced some setbacks of my own doing, but with the support and encouragement of Anika and the JCCF community I haven’t quit.I am still have a lot to learn about the mechanics of the basic movements, but before I started JCCF I never imagined I would learn how to do Olympic lifts at my age. That is a testament to the excellent coaching at JCCF.
If you could give any advice for a person new to CrossFit, what would it be?: Focus on good form for several months before working towards heavier weights. This will give your connective tissue time to catch up with your muscles and brain.
Please list two future goals.
6 months: Finish all my WODs before the time expires.
One year: Get back down to my pre-baby weight.
Favorite Quote: Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue – Steve McCroskey
Anything else you wish to share that your heart desires: Just show up and make investments in yourself. The dividends will be immeasurable.