I was pretty good about journaling these blog posts for a while. But a lot has happened in the past few months. And I want to talk about where I’ve been:
I hired a coach!
I met my coach, Will Thompson, while he was up in Seattle in 2019. I remember seeing a big ass dude that I’d never seen in the gym before and, after seeing him rep 425 close grip, wanted to meet him. We ended up hitting it off. After getting some education in kinesiology, and seeing some of the movements he selected for himself and his clients, as well as reading some of his training philosophies, I really wanted to work with him. I’ve been training with him since March and I’ve never been stronger. He’s really changed the way I think and approach programming and coaching in the best way possible.
I got a job!
In April, I started working at Anytime Fitness as a full time personal trainer. I also quit my job at the WAC. It was a big jump leaving the security of that job. Especially to work somewhere where I had to fill my schedule. It was the first time I’ve done something like that. It made me realize that I was totally new at something. And that was really hard, and uncomfortable at first. I felt like I didn’t know what I was doing. But I’ve learned a lot, REALLY quickly about how to be a better coach and how to be more coachable.
I hosted a deadlift clinic!
At Anytime Fitness. In my third week of working there. In retrospect, I had no idea what I was doing but I was excited to take the challenge on. It was awesome. PEOPLE SHOWED UP! AND WANTED TO LISTEN TO WHAT I HAD TO SAY. AND I KNEW HOW TO ANSWER THEIR QUESTIONS. It was something I’m really proud of. I got to share something that I’ve been studying, working on and loved for the last four years of my life.
I went to Maine!
I hadn’t seen my Dad since 2019, and wanted to see him for his birthday. We went to the Museum of Cryptozoology. Worked out a lot at the best gym in Maine, DynaMaxx. I got to lift with my friend Nate and meet his wonderful partner, Hannah. I got to sit down and play guitar with Ryan. Had some amazing heart to hearts with my Dad and even got to see my Mom! It was a lot of fun.
I moved into a new place!
During Covid, my significant other and I didn’t want to try to move, or find a new place. So, we stayed in our old apartment for a second lease term. This year, we were able to find a place that served a lot more of what we needed. We moved from Bellevue to Renton, which works because it’s a more central location for both of our jobs which is definitely something we needed to do. And we finally got to close the book on 2020, that apartment had just kind of become our tomb, and I think it was affecting us on a much deeper level than either of us realized until we were out of it.
I got my driver’s license!
I moved to Seattle when I was 14, and didn’t have much need for a license. But, the time finally happened, and it was awesome. Felt like I grew up a little bit!
I signed up for a meet!
It’s at Hardcore Barbell, in Vancouver. In like, two weeks! It’s also drug tested and under the USPA, and if all goes well I’ll have a qualifying total, which would be a first for me. I’m really excited, I’ve never worked this hard or on a program this long form. I’ve been really lucky with how well my coach has programmed me and I’m really excited to not only see what I can accomplish in a few weeks, but what else I can do in the next few years!
It’s been a wild year. I’ve learned so much and feel like I’ve grown a lot as a person. It’s been amazing, challenging, exhausting and fun. I’ve helped clients achieve goals, reached some lifting and life goals, and constantly found new ways for me to keep moving the ball. I’m excited to share more and more of my growth as I continue on this path. Thanks for reading!
