logo-websmaller

This has been a long time coming.  Honestly, I cannot believe that it is actually happening. I went through this process of finding partners, looking at locations, thinking of affiliate names, and so on for what seems like hundreds of times.  People kept asking me, “when’s that gym going to open up?”  I kept saying, “Soon, I promise.”  Finally, I all but gave up.  I arrived at the conclusion that this thing just was not going to happen.  Olive Branch and Desoto County would have to wait on this CrossFit gym to open, and it may not ever happen.

Then my phone rang.  A guy I know was going to do this thing.  He had applied for affiliation, and had already gotten the ball rolling.  The train was leaving the station, and I knew I had to be on it.  An opportunity had presented itself, and there was no way I was not going to snatch it up.  3, 2, 1 Go!  We immediately started getting agreements worked out, logos designed, and websites built (once HQ approved us of course).  It truly is a great feeling.

I am a husband, father of 3 awesome kids, and I have worked in a Corporate environment with an IT background for a really long time.  It may seem rather strange that I would want to now open a CrossFit gym and start coaching people, but somehow it all makes sense to me.  It is one of those times in life when you know you are doing exactly what you are suppose to be doing.  It might be scary in some ways, but you know you have to do it.

Most of you have seen my story over and over in the last few years. Especially if you’ve been reading this blog.  I walked into Faction Strength and Conditioning (Home of CrossFit Memphis) 4 years ago completely out of shape with no real athletic background other than some High School sports.  I took to CrossFit immediately.  It was hard, often times it sucked, but I loved it.  CrossFit really changed everything for me.  Not only did I lose weight and start to get fit, I started doing things I was never able to do before.  Most importantly, I started running.  10K’s, Half Marathons, and then Marathons.  That was not far enough.  I wanted to go further.

I have been VERY fortunate to train under some really great coaches at Faction.  I have learned so much from that great group of coaches.  Mike Bledsoe and I have gone through a ton of endurance programming trial and error.  Testing things on me and seeing what worked and what would not work.  The mentorship that Mike has provided to me as a coach, as an athlete, and now as a gym owner  has been and will continue to be invaluable.  I was very lucky to have randomly landed in that gym and to have been able to get to know all those awesome coaches and athletes.  I was also very fortunate to have taken my CrossFit Endurance Trainer Course  with Brian Mackenzie himself!  That dude is awesome, and being able to meet him and get coaching from him was another great milestone in my career!  I can’t wait to change someone’s life like these great coaches have changed mine!  These are exciting times!

Anyway, I just wanted to give ya’ll an update on where I’ve been for the last few days.  Things have been busy, but I’m still here training hard.

-LHRL

 Update!!  – We’re open and going full force at 7300 Craft-Goodman in Olive Branch, MS  38654!  If you’re in the area, come by and train!!