Name: Kevin C.
Current City: Wayland, MA
Originally from: Belmont, MA
Age: 68
Occupation: Safety Consultant; Daybreak CrossFit Ambassador

What got you started with CrossFit?

I learned that I had rheumatoid arthritis in December of 2013. The pain was excruciating. It was so bad at times that I couldn’t perform the simple task of removing the cap from a water bottle. It had a very negative impact on my life, so much so, I thought I was going to quit my job and surrender my driver’s license. On December 17, 2013 I took my first injection of Enbrel and two days later I was able to put together a TV stand for my sister-in-law.

In February 2014 my daughter Sarah introduced me to Mel who told me that she would scale my workouts to help me get back into a physical fitness program. Following her guidance I was able to start a physical fitness routine that I’ve continued to this day. I now look forward to 8 PM every evening to find out what the workout is for the following day.

Tell us a little bit about your first class. What was your first WOD?

I remember it well. It was wall balls, cleans, and sit ups. My muscles were so sore two days later I never wanted to look at a medicine ball again, but the following day I was ready to have at it again.

What is your favorite and least favorite CrossFit movement or workout?

Without a doubt burpees are my least favorite. I thoroughly enjoy Olympic lifting, even though I wish could use more weight than I’m currently lifting now.

What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment in the box?

I can’t remember the specific WOD, but I did RX my first WOD two months ago. I surprised myself so much that I completely forgot to ring the PR

[personal record] bell. I also still can’t believe that I was able to do my first handstand! And to think — it only took me 67 years to accomplish!

What has been the impact of CrossFit on your life outside the box?

It has made me stronger and far more physically fit. I now take the stairs, two at a time, instead of the elevator to help keep in shape. During the last Paleo (Nutrition) Challenge back in June 2014 I lost 17 pounds and still feel great. As a result of that challenge I completely changed my eating habits.

Give us one fun fact about yourself. (Something not everyone knows)

I flew helicopters for the US Army for 36 years. Two of those years were spent in Viet Nam as a Cobra, Huey, and Light Observation helicopter pilot, followed by 27 years in the Massachusetts Army National Guard flying out of Otis Air Force Base. While I was in the guard, I actually once needed to make an emergency landing in Sudbury on the girls’ softball field on Raymond Road. There was quite a crowd of onlookers while a maintenance crew worked on the aircraft and I was famous for about four hours. A few years later, I landed a Huey at the Peter Noyes Elementary School in Sudbury for my daughters 5th grade “show and tell” class, and she says she was famous for at least four days!

What motivates you when you hit a rough spot in a WOD?

During the workouts I can see everyone else around me working hard, which always motivates me to do more. I’m so naturally competitive that I want to do my best every time I’m there.

What advice would you give someone new to CrossFit or Daybreak?

I’d tell them to just give it a shot it at first and try to continue to with the program that Mel has established. If I can do it, so can everyone else!