By Coach Mike
But I am taking a break from coaching. Nine years ago next month, after years of trying to get my fitness in order on my own, I walked into this small box to introduce myself and see how to get started with CrossFit. This shockingly short woman was soooo enthusiastic about helping me get started and confident she could help, it was hard to say “No” to Coach Rachel. One of the many things I love about Rachel is that she doesn’t just care about you as a member, but you as a person. We got to know each other more and more outside of classes as I’d occasionally drop in to work out outside of class hours or get there early/stay late before/after a class. She wanted to know about my work life, family, and even dreams and aspirations.
What I’ve shared with many in the past is that my initial goal coming out of college was to be a teacher and coach for a high school. Life got me started on a different path and one thing led to another and now I’ve been in financial services for over 16 years. But I always had that itch to still coach. And Rachel knew it.
That gym closed and eventually CrossFit Achieve opened up. Shortly after, Rachel continued to talk with me about potentially coaching. After COVID, life had significantly slowed down to the point where I felt it would be manageable to get started. I got my Level I certification and started shadowing Rachel right away. Thankfully, she felt confident enough in me to put me on the floor soon thereafter even though I was terrified coaching my peers.
Over time, I got more and more comfortable and Rachel continued coaching me on how I could improve. I prepared more and eventually got my Level II certification alongside Coach Aimee. (By the way, if you’re ever wondering what a L2 certification entails, just be prepared to have everything you say and do torn apart…for good reasons!) After some coaching changes, I started taking over two mornings a week consistently as we hired on some additional help and really felt I was able to start connecting more with the 5:15/6:15 classes and the occasional Saturday fun day workout.
But, as happens with all of us, life began to change. I started a new job, kids started getting older and more involved in extracurricular activities. As many of you know, for about the past year, I’ve been traveling multiple times each month for a few days a week while also helping coach my son’s baseball team. That, along with Millie’s rock climbing practices, Lucy’s endless array of activities (that I’m trying to get her to narrow down), has led to less and less time, energy, and ability to focus on different priorities in life. Leading to me taking a break from coaching.
What I hope you take away from this, though, is that this is a break. I’ll be helping out here and there, but not consistently having a class I coach. Maybe at some point in the future I’ll feel like I have more space to dedicate to this. But here’s another thing I want to emphasize: I’ve never had more confidence in our group of coaches on the floor. This is a great, knowledgeable group that really cares about you all. It makes it much easier to step back for a time.
And, I’ll still be a member. Just like you all, I struggle with time management at times and will work to be more consistent as I’m able. Nowadays, evening classes are more of a challenge, so come join me bright and early one morning! And listen to me complain to the coaches about everything that we have to do. I can’t walk away from this place where I’ve built so many friendships, memories, and connections. You all mean too much to me.
I love you all and hope to see you in class, just as a member, soon.
Athlete Mike
