Looking back on all the good
We’ve got something good here. I think it to myself all the time. I am constantly telling Levi “We’ve got something pretty sweet Mr. Pope” as we load our kids up after a good workout. It has felt especially sweet to me within the last year.
In a time where the rest of the world seemed to be falling apart and freaking out, our little gym became a sanctuary...a place of normalcy and even refuge from the sharp edges of the world.
We experienced the shutdown in March of 2020 with the assurance of knowing that this little gym and community of ours is ultimately God’s and we were willing to work hard and be innovative to see it stay healthy and strong but also willing to let Him control the outcome of our diligence. We immediately started having Zoom classes, developed AT-HOME workouts, loaned out as much of our equipment as was feasible, created coaching videos and even filmed ourselves working out so athletes could workout “with” someone at home. When the weather improved we began having workouts in our yard and having outdoor community activities.
It was scary in those times to move forward without knowing all the answers but what we did know was that our people needed each other and they needed to continue to stay active and physically and mentally healthy. So that was our goal. We checked on every athlete several times a week just to see how they were handling the isolation and fear that seemed to be attacking everyone from every angle. We did Live Zoom videos on Facebook interviewing different members and even had a nutrition and fitness challenge going during this Strange Time.
Coming back to the gym was wonderful and weird and we certainly took some missteps as we tried to figure out how to keep our beloved friends safe but also keep our sweet closeness real. We spent a ridiculous amount of money on cleaner for the gym and limited our class sizes while increasing our number of classes to 10 per day. We quickly realized that small classes lacked the energy and community that we are known for, that keeps our athletes excited about the next WOD and makes everyone feel like a part of something bigger than themselves. It was a struggle for everyone.
Slowly but surely we have come back full force and “normal” is really normal and it feels so good!!! It’s hard to not tear up thinking about how much God sustained us through that time, not just with the energy and peace that we were blessed with during that time but also with the continued financial support and absolute GRACE our Core family showered on us. It’s crazy to be 1 year into a pandemic and to only be incredibly grateful for the way it has highlighted all that is so so GOOD.
Spring is on its way now, the sunshine last longer in the day and there is nothing but hope, excitement and anticipation for what God has planned for this place as I see these sweet babies being raised by our athletes who are setting incredible examples for their little ones, watch my teenage son throw the football around with the younger boys, tear up as little girls run up to cover their mom with kisses because she left everything on the floor from a tough WOD, and witness secret acts of love and kindness through gifts of freezer dinners, gift cards, diapers, and sometimes just a good long hug.
