Name: Russ S.
Current City: Sudbury, MA
Originally from: Norwich, VT
Age: 49
Occupation: Chief Financial Officer

What got you started with CrossFit?  

My good friends, Bill and Sara B, knew I would love it! They brought me to my first class and the rest is history.

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

I don’t recall my first WOD. But I do remember the “pre-WOD nervous feeling” that I got in my stomach. For the first 6-9 months I would get a nervous feeling in my stomach like I might not be able to finish, but when I did finish, it really heightened that sense of accomplishment.

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

Favorite Movement: Deadlifts, box jumps and sit-ups. These are really comfortable movements for me.

Least Favorite Movement: Overhead Squats!!! My lack of mobility and an old lacrosse injury in my shoulder make this a more difficult movement for me. I’m gradually getting better at OHS, but it’s certainly humbling getting there.

What is your proudest CrossFit accomplishment in the box?  

I won’t name names….but I finally “won” a WOD at 5:30 am (after 18 months of trying)!

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

I have to be careful not to talk too much about it. People need to come to CrossFit when they are ready. I have lost 35 pounds and feel great skiing, golfing, or just hanging out. My energy level is way up and I am sleeping better. This has been a great place for me.

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

I whistle a certain song every day when I walk into the house after work. My dog Copper goes nuts and pulls all of his stuffed animals out of a box and tries to kill them.

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

The 5:30 am crew. They are incredible. Also, the owners and coaches: Mel, Rap, Michele, Sarah, Andrew. The time and real effort our coaches put into every class still blows me away.

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

Listen to the coaches….and give yourself 1 full year before you really start pushing expectations. My first goal is to not get injured, because I don’t want to miss an extended period of time. I feel safe here and I figure if I stay consistent over a long period of time I will attain a fantastic level of fitness.