Cathe --
I had planned to send you a private email to thank you for being such an inspiration to me but then I thought, perhaps, someone reading this message may be inspired too.
Back in September 2003, Chris and I came to visit you at your gym for my birthday. I was at somewhat of a crossroads, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life ('cause you know at 32 I don't have much time left
). Being a software engineer in the corporate world was not exactly my dream job. I told you that I was considering something in the fitness industry. You were so supportive and gave me some very candid and informative answers to all my questions. I was so motivated by this visit!
I completed my personal training certification at the Cooper Institute in mid-April. I got re-certified (group exercise) through AFAA. I printed up some business cards and set a goal for myself to be out of the software business by April 2005. I interviewed for my first teaching job in at least 5 years this morning by teaching the first 15 minutes of a step class (nothing like jumping in the frying pan right away!). She hired me immediately afterward (subbing and my own Tues. night class). Um...thanks to combo #1 of cardio and weights and a super-fun peg-leg mambo move (yes...I AM a Cathe plagiarist)! I'm also considering 3 different gyms for starting my personal training sessions (and have 2 people already interested -- depending upon where I end up training). Who knows what else I may do in the future! Open my own gym? Make my own videos? Start some kind of fitness-related business? Have my own TV show (okay...that may be stretching it a bit)? The options seem endless!
For the first time in 10 years, I'm excited about the direction that my career (and my life) is taking. And believe it or not, it all started with my visit to you in September. Until that time, I had never seriously considered "fitness" as a career -- even though it is what I really love. But you inspired me then and you continue to inspire me every morning.
Thank you Cathe (oh...and Happy Mother's Day)
Shonie
I had planned to send you a private email to thank you for being such an inspiration to me but then I thought, perhaps, someone reading this message may be inspired too.
Back in September 2003, Chris and I came to visit you at your gym for my birthday. I was at somewhat of a crossroads, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life ('cause you know at 32 I don't have much time left
). Being a software engineer in the corporate world was not exactly my dream job. I told you that I was considering something in the fitness industry. You were so supportive and gave me some very candid and informative answers to all my questions. I was so motivated by this visit!I completed my personal training certification at the Cooper Institute in mid-April. I got re-certified (group exercise) through AFAA. I printed up some business cards and set a goal for myself to be out of the software business by April 2005. I interviewed for my first teaching job in at least 5 years this morning by teaching the first 15 minutes of a step class (nothing like jumping in the frying pan right away!). She hired me immediately afterward (subbing and my own Tues. night class). Um...thanks to combo #1 of cardio and weights and a super-fun peg-leg mambo move (yes...I AM a Cathe plagiarist)! I'm also considering 3 different gyms for starting my personal training sessions (and have 2 people already interested -- depending upon where I end up training). Who knows what else I may do in the future! Open my own gym? Make my own videos? Start some kind of fitness-related business? Have my own TV show (okay...that may be stretching it a bit)? The options seem endless!
For the first time in 10 years, I'm excited about the direction that my career (and my life) is taking. And believe it or not, it all started with my visit to you in September. Until that time, I had never seriously considered "fitness" as a career -- even though it is what I really love. But you inspired me then and you continue to inspire me every morning.
Thank you Cathe (oh...and Happy Mother's Day)
Shonie
