Name: Rich Taylor
Birthday: November 8
Hometown: Born and raised in Dayton, OH. Now live in Arlington, VA
What is your athletic background? Did you play any sports growing up?
“I played almost everything that was around, particularly baseball, basketball and soccer.”
When did you attend your first workout with Arlington Sports Conditioning, and how did you first learn about the group?
“Hmm. I honestly don’t know. I think it was 2015.”
What is your proudest athletic accomplishment, and why?
“I assume you mean prior to being named Athlete of the Week – because what is going to top that?
Several years ago, I was inducted into my high school’s athletic Hall of Fame which was both super cool and super humbling. And no, it wasn’t because I helped James Naismith hang the first peach baskets. I was out sick that day (hey – I’m not that old!) But , I can forever legit call myself a Hall of Famer (maybe omitting that it was just for my school and not like Cooperstown).”
What is your favorite exercise(s)?
“Sprinting, hoops or pretty much anything that is competitive. Currently I particularly enjoy tennis which I only recently started playing. Not sure why it took me so long to really try but fun to do something new and try to improve at it.”
What is your favorite workout song or musical artist?
“Fave artists are The Beatles, The Clash, Queen and Prince”
What is your favorite sports team?
“Being an Ohio kid, I love all things Ohio State Buckeyes. (Even close friends assume I went there, which I didn’t). Other faves are Cincy Reds for baseball, Cincy Bengals (WhoDey!) for football, Caps for hockey, and Golden State Warriors for basketball (until Steph and/or Kerr retire).”
Who is your favorite athlete?
“Jackie Robinson, Ken Griffey Jr., Alexander Ovechkin, Joe Burrow“
Other than working out, how else do you like to spend your free time?
“Any time when my whole fam is together is the best time. I also enjoy writing (mostly humor…check out @RTinDC on Medium…follow me 🙂 ), playing guitar (come see my dumb band Manther on the rare moments we actually get our act together and play live), doing stand-up, reading, sipping homemade cocktails and hanging with my giant doggie Archie.”
What do you like best about Arlington Sports Conditioning? What are the biggest benefits that you have experienced as a member?
“I appreciate the unique community Pete has created. It can be a spirit-lifter when needed and is always a motivator. As for benefits – ASC just makes me want to work out more than if left to my own devices.
Back to the spirit-lifting thing – in 2021 I had a pretty spooky health scare (cancer) and just two days after my surgery, a delegation from ASC showed up on my front lawn post-workout just because. I was beyond touched, immediately felt less in pain and I will never, ever forget the gesture. That is what I mean by a special community.”
What advice would you offer to new or prospective members of Arlington Sports Conditioning?
“Just give it a try. Bring a friend if extra nervous but even if you come solo, someone will make sure you feel welcome right away. Before you know it, your health will have improved and you will have made some unexpected new friends.”