man...i look back at when we started this thing in my basement of my house years ago..how Leighanne and I had to basically scrounge to find money to fulfill my dream of coaching under my own rules in my own spot....12 months later and then OPT phase 2 here on Aspen Dr.
when i think about the mornings of gruelling workouts, the conversations that i have had at my desk, the ideas and emotions that have been shared within these walls makes me emotional.
i am SO fortunate to be surrounded by people who have enjoyed what i have built...to see others benefit from it is truly inspiring...
sometimes its hard to put into words how much this place and this haven i have built means to me...
those who are close know...we are currently at a crossroads at OPT...our design, make up, and you see above, our face may change, but the love we share for progression of fitness will not, we will continue to share that to the masses to teach what is right...
my favorite moment(s) at OPT:
the many, many, many 4 am workouts, just me and the iron, unforgettable teachings
share yours to comments of your best times/memories...
My favorite moments are a bunch of firsts:
ReplyDeleteSetting foot & training at OPT
First OPT competition
Meeting new friends
Meeting my idol James
Getting to train with him
Now having his guidence as a coach and a friend.
Thank you buddy your the best!
James,
ReplyDeleteYou've been one of my prime CF influences. I've been a dedicated "WOD" freak for over 4 years now. I think we started e-mailing about 2 years ago (before the first CF games). Since then, your encouragement and training suggestions have taken my game to another level. I look forward to working with you and exchanging training and business ideas (and more shirts...did you get them yet?) in the future.
With utmost respect,
Jeremy
I'm extremely thankful that I get to aid James in his mission and have managed to learn alot along the way. We have great people coming in and out all the time. The one's that stay have really become OPT family. When I have a day off from work, I can hardly wait to get back which is probably why I haven't booked any holidays...I wouldn't know what to do. Eternally grateful Trevor
ReplyDeleteRubber floors!! Sweet!
ReplyDeleteMany good times:
ReplyDelete- fainting during my initial assessment
- woofing my cookies after Barbara
- 5 people encouraging me to push through "Filthy Fifties" just to get on the board
- The one on one's with Coach
- Watching a fellow crossfitter smash Angie to smithereens!!
Thanks to the OPT family....
Your passion for life is contagious...
Been a proud supporter, fan and client of OPT for over 7 years. Love the transformations. I continue to look forward to the meetings with James. The sessions are never the same but always have the same underlying ideals that never change. That is a true indicator of what drives this man and his dreams. I am looking forward to moving to the NW and being closer to the epicenter of the action. Still will have the gym at home but the energy flowing from OPT will be sensed even in Edgemont. Here's to all the years gone by and the exciting ones yet to come!
ReplyDelete(oh, sorry for tearing the carpet and you having to replace it with something more Sifton resilient)
It's hard to choose just one memory, but the one that stands out the most is my first CrossFit class at OPT, when I was doing jumping pull ups and wanted so badly to quit and throw up, but I had about 10 people (or more I couldn't really see straight either) cheering me on to finish so I kept going and did it. It felt great to finish and I'm always grateful for the encouragement from everyone! It's such a great atmosphere!!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite memories are endless. I started with James back in the year 2000 and the first thing he said to me was “check your ego’s at the door there’s no big weights here” he was right I couldn’t walk for a week. But the best memory I have was at one of our meetings in December 2004. I walked in he did the B.F. test looked at me and said Tainsh your at 15% B.F. either get with the program or get out!! That was the turning point for me. I went on to have a great year in triathlons in 2005 and tomorrow morning at 7a.m. I’m leaving to go to Kona Hawaii to compete in the Ironman world Championship. James you just don’t create memories you can make dreams come true. You’re the best, thanks James
ReplyDeleteIt's not how big and fancy a Gym is that make its sucessful, its the equipment, knowledge, atmosphere, support, and cameraderie. James, you have created all of this and then some at your faclity. I'm 48 and I've been doing sports for 40 yrs from little league baseball to ski racing, Ironmans, Marathons, bodybuilding and more. I have never had a coach as passionate and sincere to their athletes and to this sport as you. One of my favorite memories is the first time I met with you when you were working at the YMCA. During the session you kept drawing these little stick men on my work out sheet and I would chuckle. I no longer belong to the Y but for many years I saw many people working out there with stick men on their workout sheets as I would walk by them. I would just look at them and say James and they would nod and I would chuckle. This is truly a trademark of yours and I'm very proud to be a part of it. You're an inspiration to us all and that is why we keep coming back.
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have had you as a coach when I was training to be an Olympian.
From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Giles