Kevin is an inspiration to many of us around the gym.  He has been a fixture in the afternoon classes at Bombers CrossFit for over two years.  Kevin has a great attitude, and continually encourages so many others around him.  If you haven’t met Kevin, take a few minutes and say hello next time you are in the gym – you’ll be glad you did. 

I would like to thank all the coaches for this opportunity to be in the spotlight.  The coaches and members are a very special part of my life. Thanks for all the help, guidance and encouragement.

How did you hear about CrossFit and what was your first experience?

My daughter Rachel came to visit us for the Christmas Holidays in 2015 and she was going to Centerville CrossFit where she had originally started doing workouts about two years before. I asked if I could tag along.  I really had no idea what to expect. My first workout was the 12 Days of Christmas with Rachel as my partner. Obviously, I could not master all the skills, but the scaled things and it was a humbling experience to watch how much more fit my daughter was than me.  We went again the day after Christmas and again the workout was intense, but I was able to finish with Rachel’s help.  Afterwards she said maybe you should see if there is a gym near you. 

When did you first come to Bombers CrossFit?

I started coming to Bombers the first Monday of 2016.  I remember feeling nervous and overwhelmed.  I almost wanted to leave before it started.  Andy was coaching, and I can’t remember much of the workout except that Mandy helped me through the entire workout.  I believe she had come to workout herself, but when she saw how overwhelmed I was she helped me.  I remember at the end somebody asked me if I would ever come back.  I wondered that also.  Everyone has been very helpful and encouraging to me, more like family.

How many days do you CrossFit?

In the beginning I came three time a week.  After awhile it became four times a week. Currently I come as often as I can.  I probably average around five days a week.

What classes do you normally take?

I typically go to the 4:30 class regardless of what workout has been listed on wodify which I check every night. Typical OCD behavior I check at eight in the evening then I must go the next day.

What motivates you/keeps you coming back to Bombers CrossFit?

I think that I keep motivated by the almost daily conversations I have with my daughter about what we did that day at our respective gyms. Also, as I have been progressing I want to do better each workout.  The 4:30 workout buddies are always motivating and challenge me and themselves to do the best we can.

What is your favorite thing about the Dayton area?

My favorite thing about the Dayton area is spring, fall and summer.  I tolerate winter.  I like to take my dogs on long walks in the many parks and nature preserves in our area. The seasons make them constantly different and amazing.  I like the trees.  I missed them when I lived in Utah.

What accomplishment are you the proudest of (inside and outside of the gym)?

I think one of my favorite days was when I did my first Murph with my daughter.  Andy let us come in an hour early and we did it by ourselves; me heavily scaled, my daughter not so much.  It is amazing to me to get to workout with her.  Outside of CrossFit my proudest accomplishment is my family.  We are close and loving. 

After a hard workout, what is your favorite meal?

My protein shake is the first thing I consume after a workout.  Pork, chicken, or steak with vegetables and sweet potatoes are favorite after workout foods.

What are some of your interests outside of CrossFit?

Outside of CrossFit I love to ride my Harley with my wife and our friends.  A group of us are going to Sturgis this summer to ride.  We are going before the actual bike event, so it won’t be so crowded.   I also hike with the dogs as often as I can.  

What is one goal within the gym that you’re working on?

I am working on pullups as a main goal and to start doing occasional double unders.  Which means I need to work on my core.  This is for Amy, I should learn to use my hips.

What impact has CrossFit has on your life  / lifestyle / level of fitness?

CrossFit has had a major impact on my life.  I was going through a major life crisis when I found CrossFit.  My middle daughter Melissa died after years of illness and I was devastated.  She was always home when I got off work so there was a deep void in my life.  For the first few months I would go to the bar, play pool and have a drink or two.  It wasn’t terrible, but I needed a change.  CrossFit became my new addiction.  It has been far better for my mental health than my physical health. The ability to finish some of the workouts helps me when I am struggling at something I don’t want to do.  After all, if I can do a workout like Murph, I can do most anything else that I need to do.  It has truly changed my mental aspect of life.  You are all like family.

What advice would you give to a newbie?

I would tell new members to leave your ego at the door.  It was very hard to come in and watch all the ladies lift twice as much as I could.  I learned right away that I needed to scale and not to be upset by that.  I would add that you need to keep coming and eventually you will progress.  The scaling makes sure that you always get a good workout and that you can be successful.