I’ve known “Alex” for many years and only recently have I started thinking of him as “coach Alex”. I’ve always appreciated him as a friend and as a dependable, honest, caring and giving individual. We have worked out together for years and had many great therapy discussions over coffee and lifting weights. A few months ago I mentioned to him that even though I have “ran” for many years I’d never considered myself a “runner” although I have ran for fitness for a bit it was always a run/walk, I couldn’t run without stopping and I’d never been a natural runner that just ran out the door and did so until they came back to said door. When I asked for his help he asked my goals and I told him, “I want to run without stopping” with no consideration to speed or volume that was my only desire. As with most endeavors it didn’t come without challenges, you see I’m a “crossfitter who wants to run” and who rebels at the thought of being a “runner that crossfits”, yes there was koolaid and I’m definitely drinking it. What I can say about Alex is he asked me my goals and he made my goals important, I told him how many days I could devote to running and what other workouts I was doing. He developed a plan that fit with my goals and lifestyle. He also knows how to push me with encouraging words while still pointing out what I could do better. In the beginning I could hardly get through a mile without wishing, praying and wanting to sell my soul to stop and walk to being able to pretty much sail through 9 miles and at points getting lost in the rhythm of my legs and actually forgetting I’m running (really? Is that even possible?). I’m proud to now call myself a “runner” – thanks coach Alex! I look forward to getting better and better with his help!