Tell us about yourself outside of Daybreak Crossfit North. What’s new, how’s life, any upcoming plans??? Wink Wink WEDDING!!!

My life outside of CrossFit consists of my beautiful fiance’, Jenna, who goes to Daybreak as well. I also work 9-5 at a non-profit research lab – the lab is very unique as we help couples from all around the world prepare for IVF who wouldn’t necessarily get help from anywhere else. We also conduct stem cell research and are very close to developing a universal HIV-resistant stem cell line that would be available to everybody.

I am very much into most things nerd: Star Wars, Marvel, Video Games, science – bio/chem, computers, magic cards, D&D, millennial things, board games… the list goes on and on and on… I’ve most recently learned that I’m into lawn care too. Who would’ve thunk it!

Life is good! The biggest and most exciting news in my life is that I am getting married this year in September!!! Just so everyone knows, she DID say yes to marrying me! The planning really hasn’t been that stressful seeing as I don’t do much of the planning haha (Jenna is the true miracle worker here) but I try to help out and partake as much as possible. It’s going to be at a farm in NH, we’re renting out the entire property for 4 days and it’s going to be awesome.

Tell us about your crossfit journey so far, what have you learned about yourself, and what keeps you coming back? Do you have a most memorable moment?

I started CrossFit in March of 2017, so I’m going on two+ years now. I was a Planet Fitness person for about 15 years before being introduced to CrossFit and I regret not starting CrossFit sooner – mainly because of the coaching and guidance. As some people know, my shoulder mobility is non-existent (but improving now!) which may be the result of countless seated rows and bench presses. And in case you were wondering…  yes, I skipped some leg days.

I have two memorable moments… 1) The very first workout I did… no, the first workout I ATTEMPTED… was Barbara which consists of: 5 rounds – 20 Pull-ups, 30 Push-ups, 40 Sit-ups and 50 Air-squats. There was supposed to be a 3 minute rest between rounds but I did not do that. It took me about an hour of nausea and exhaustion before I recovered from the 3+ rounds I completed. 2) was at Daybreak! I was really struggling with a legless rope climb workout and was about to pack it in when a fellow Daybreaker, Jamal, jumped up on the rope and did the last 2 or 3 climbs with me. That was so cool and totally sums up what I think CrossFit is all about. Community and support for one another.

Tell us something that would surprise us to hear you’ve done.

I once took part in a short film/documentary about overcoming addiction. Last July, 8th marked ten years of sobriety for me. I returned to the hospital that took me in at a very low point in my life (my mom is a board member there now supporting other families!) and agreed to tell my story and share it through a short film to be shown at a charity fundraiser. David O. Russell was there and he gave me a fist bump BOOM name drop!

What are you most likely to be doing outside of work and Daybreak?

You will most likely find me doing one of these things: playing video games, working around the yard, watching a Netflix/Amazon series, Erickson’s Ice Cream or eating delicious food!

Thank you again for letting me rant about my life and CrossFit experience! So lucky to be a part of this community 🙂