On a tight rope.

Being both a coach and an athlete is a constant act of balance. It’s waking up at 4:10 a.m. to set others up for success, and then somehow finding the time, energy, and mindset to train for your own goals. It’s about giving—physically, emotionally, mentally—while making sure your own cup isn’t running empty. The dual role can be exhausting, but it’s also deeply rewarding.

As a coach, you’re the guide. You’re watching movement patterns, correcting form, encouraging confidence, and helping people overcome mental and physical barriers. But as an athlete, you’re in the trenches. You know what failure feels like. You know what it’s like to doubt yourself, to want to give up mid-workout, to push through when everything hurts. And that shared experience is your superpower.

It's a careful balance.

Balancing the two worlds isn’t always easy. There are days you’re drained from hours on the gym floor, and still, you have to show up for your own training. That’s where structure and boundaries comes in—planning your sessions, prioritising recovery, saying no when needed. You learn to protect your training time, and treat it with respect the same as you treat your athletes.

Some might wonder: At your level, is it hard to understand beginners? Honestly, no. Because I was once that beginner. And I still have moments where I feel like one. Every athlete, no matter how advanced, hits new walls—skills they can’t quite master, days their body won’t cooperate, injuries, burnout. Those moments keep you humble. They keep you human.

What I feel matters.

What’s important is empathy. Meeting people where they are, not where you want them to be. Whether you’re coaching someone through their first burpee or training for a competition yourself, the goal is the same: growth. And growth looks different for everyone.

At the end of the day, coaching and competing aren’t at odds. They feed each other. Coaching keeps you connected to purpose. Being an athlete keeps you honest. Together, they create a life full of grit, gratitude, and constant evolution.