The L1 class was phenomenal. I learned so much, felt like CrossFit did a great job of tying everything together, and got to meet some great new friends. Since then, I've been given the opportunity to start coaching under Darcy Giaquinto, a stellar local athlete with lots of years coaching and competing.
Coaching has opened my eyes to new things: individual need, motivation, nutrition, technique, and physical differences. The one thing I'd like to focus on, though, is the power of fellowship.
Darcy's gym is very well established in Rincon, GA with over a hundred members. From what I've heard, her beginner classes are bursting at the seams with a waiting list - so this is an exciting opportunity for me to step in and begin coaching, teaching, and mentoring starter athletes. However, those who have been around a while have formed a great bond - people of different backgrounds, abilities, ages, and fitness levels all seem to come together all the time and cheer one another on. Sure, I've seen this in other gyms, but not to the extent in this one. This gym has the small-town feel mixed with a taste of competitiveness, support, and pride.
But the true beauty of it is that these athletes have one another's backs. During the open, goals were set, with some people leaving the gym enraged, and others encouraged. Regardless, the goal board was up there with athletes figuring out what they needed to work on, and their fellow gym-goers supporting them, saying "yes you can," and cheering the whole way through.
I think the greatest thing about this is that it is making coaching a breeze so far. They are trying to help me and take me in as much as I am trying to help them and learn about them. It isn't a one-way street in this gym... I can't wait to join this team.
