For the last 3+ years, Coach Chad has been leading our group classes, sharing morning facts, dressing up for every holiday and event with 100% dedication, and making us laugh. Rise Up Lights! This week, we learn a little more about Coach Chad, his journey with The Port, and his adventures outside of the gym walls.
1. First, tell us about how you got started with CrossFit? What brought you to The Port?
When I first moved to Portsmouth (almost exactly five years ago to the date), I was your typical Gold’s Gym bodybuilder and thought I had a handle on what I was doing. Over the years, I had been getting really bored with my workouts, so I learned some new tricks and lifts, but it was so mundane to put my headphones in and surround myself with people who had very different goals than me. After a two week trial at Seacoast Sports Club, I was so fed up and said enough is enough. I walked into the 4:15 at The Port that day, and met Justin- he let me jump in class, and of course, I got smoked. That next day, I checked out another local box, did not have a good experience, and came right back to sign up as a member!
2. What is your favorite part about being a Coach?
Definitely a few answers to this question- first and foremost, being around people looking to better themselves and surrounding myself with like-minded people can really brighten my day. Another is when athletes accomplish something that they set out to do- the longer and more difficult that goal is, the more satisfying it can be for a coach. But honestly, something simple as seeing the athletes hit the stimulus for the day with the correct movements brings me great pleasure! And as much as us coaches don’t like to admit it, when there’s a devastating workout that Justin programs and there are bodies just scattered everywhere I can’t help but chuckle a bit and smile.
3. What are some things you love to do outside of the gym?
I love to get up north to the White Mountains- I just finished hiking the 48 4,000 footers this past fall, and now I’m exploring some other mountains and hopefully planning some fun local trips later this summer with travel pretty limited. You can almost always find me spending time with my two-year-old niece, Maeve – she is my partner in crime!
4. If you were an existing or new color addition to the crayon box, what would you be and why?
Peach, because when I shave my beard and head I could probably pass for a gently used peach crayon.
5. Tell us your favorite cheat meal/treat?
That’s a tough one- I’m a sucker for a big juicy burger, french fries, and a double IPA. But like a lot of other people, pizza and wings can hit the spot too!
6. If we had a Port Karaoke Night, what would be your song of choice?
I think there was a typo in that question, the word song was missing an “s” at the end of it. All depends on the crowd, atmosphere, and beverages. Rowdy crowd and not too late? “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. Late night with the beverages flowing? “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys. More of a low key night with an older crowd? “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling,” by the Righteous Brothers.
Coach Chad, we sure can bet you are the most fun uncle around. Thank you for all of your dedication to everything you do!
