"Success is having a flair for the thing that you are doing, knowing that is not enough, that you have got to have hard work and a sense of purpose"
Margaret Thatcher
Hello all,
This post has been over 6 weeks in the making. For some, the information contained herein won't be much of a surprise, to others, it might be extremely enlightening and to a few, a giant wake up call. Are any of those things my goal in writing this post? No. Let me be clear, I'm hear to straighten out some things that have been misleading, and to simply present them to you, so you can be the judge. That's it. Why? Because at some point, all the dancing around the truth, all the passive-aggressive bullshit needs to come to an end. And now is that time.
From June 1, 2014 to January 31, 2016, I was a coach at INTENT Strength and Multisport. I was the head strength and conditioning coach, programmed the workouts for all the classes I taught, and saved those workouts in the INTENT library, where they remain today. I was also the coach of the Elite Triathlon team, creating weekly workout plans to meet the individual needs of the athletes and help them reach their respective goals. Those workouts also remain in the library of INTENT. I did not want to leave INTENT, quite the opposite. Let me explain.
This isn't the place to go over all the details of what happened. Its to clarify what I am doing now. The prevailing thought is that myself and the owners of INTENT had come to an agreement to part ways, and that we have maintained a friendship through today. That's 100% incorrect. There is no friendship, we don't meet for lunch or coffee or communicate with each other in any way. They have a coaching system and company, I have a coaching system, and I remain a very, very active Endurance coach, as well as a very active strength and conditioning coach. I was, in the opinion of one of its principals, a "non-traditional coach". Interestingly enough, my "non-traditional methods" brought INTENT athletes and members quite a bit of success. Don't take my word for it, the results speak for themselves.
My skill set is now being put to its proper use at the place I call home - CrossFit Iron Flag, in Westmont, IL. I'm extremely fortunate to be a part of their coaching team, and even more grateful for the warm response and welcoming I've received from all its members. I've been there for 5 weeks, and can't say enough good things about it. Regardless of your opinion with respect to CrossFit, the community aspect is something that I have not seen replicated at any other gym, or in any other sport, or area of fitness. Not to mention, the level of comprehensiveness of the training methodology - a holistic approach to exercise, nutrition, hydration and sleep, which provides much more than just a "workout" for clients, is something that I truly appreciate. All of the work I have done studying, researching and experimenting is not only appreciated, but respected and sought after. Communication, sharing of ideas and training principles is at the core of what we do at Iron Flag. And its what keeps the members coming back.
Somehow, the fact that I work at a CrossFit gym has had people believing that I have stopped, or suddenly forgot how to coach endurance athletes. Nothing could be further from the truth. I maintain a stable of endurance athletes, functional fitness athletes, and personal training clients. I utilize principles from Crossfit Endurance, as well as my own experimentation with training to provide a truly comprehensive training program, looking at all areas - nutrition, rest, hydration, stress levels, and health markers. Making someone do an FTP test every 6 weeks on a kickr doesn't tell the whole story of how much stronger you are getting on the bike. Same with a 5k run test. Tests that occur in a vacuum don't give the real data. Its like playing basketball with 1 hand tied behind your back. You can only get so far before you get the ball stripped or knocked on your ass by a defender.
If it isn't clear, the only relationship that I have with INTENT, is as a competitor. This is no different than any other coaching system out there. I wish no ill will to them, this is a business. But the reality of the situation needs to be known because its very confusing to people when it comes to what I am doing, who I coach, what type of athletes I want to coach, that I am seeking to coach. Its also frustrating when I am put in the uncomfortable situation of having to answer questions regarding INTENT and my relationship with them. There isn't one. Its that simple. Aside from the company, I discovered that many of the "friendships" were primarily based on what I could give people while I was there. Disappointing, but not surprising. Its like the old saying goes - you know who your true friends are when times are tough. But that kind of cleansing removed unnecessary drama and has allowed me to train, race and coach with significant better clarity.
I want it to be known that I do not disrespect what INTENT or any other coaching system does, or how they conduct business. People do what they need to do, they create systems they feel work best. It can't be overstated that there are a million different ways to get to the top of the mountain. People want options when it comes to coaching. I'm a big believer in the system I use, in the people who have always been by my side, that being, the team of coaches at Crossfit Endurance and Athletes Cell. I've never had to doubt their loyalty or faith in me. That feeling is like a warm blanket when you come in from the cold. Never questioned it once, and don't have to. I'm very lucky and blessed to have that.
My point is, if you want to know what happened, whether its the situation I discussed, or anything in life, have the balls to speak to the person. I know, if its on the interwebs, it must be true, right? Be better than that. Actually have a conversation with someone. Ask the uncomfortable questions. Its the only way to clear the air, and to move forward. Because that's the only way I know. And I haven't stopped moving forward. You shouldn't either.
Stay strong,
Guy
