My Top 10 from 2017

By Zak Nothling

In no particular order.

• The Pacific Regionals

This year we had one team and two individuals qualify for the regionals. This was the first time in 3 years that I had not personally competed at regionals, and so naturally I felt a bit of a void. However this was quickly filled by working with a very talented group of rookie athletes who surprised themselves by qualifying for the Games by coming in 3rd place. Another regionals highlight was watching Gem crush the final event (3rd place) and finish 11th overall - I’m very excited to see what she’ll achieve this year now she’s got faith in her ability.  

Gemma winning her heat in the final event 

.

• Crossfit Games - Madison, Wisconsin

Getting to travel to the CrossFit Games was a huge highlight of the year, with day one being a clear standout. Watching the team crush workout one, as I rode on my bike alongside them, was so much fun. The day was topped off by event two moving into the colosseum, with our team being in a lane next to Crossfit Mayhem, enabling them to experience going head to head against Rich Froning and his team, which I know was a highlight for them too.

CFET & CF Mayhem at the end of day 1 2017 CFG

• The CFET working bee

At the start of the year we had a massive renovation of the gym, top to bottom. We literally ripped the floor up and painted to the highest point possible; but the best part of it all was the 50+ people who came down and worked their asses off for us over two days. They were there early then left late, did whatever we asked of them and didn't complain one bit. It was pretty special and we can't thank you all enough.

Work in Progress

• The In-house Open

For the first time ever, we had a massive participation in the CrossFit Open. We made the Open less about our competitive athletes trying to qualify for regionals and more about the awesome crew challenging themselves and throwing down once per week - we all had so much fun along the way! Regardless of whether it was their first time competing at anything, or their 5th Open, it was great watching everyone leave it all on the floor.

The in-house open team banners 

• The Renegade Challenge & CFET Duets

Running a comp is no small feat and requires a very onto it team to pull it off (well). Once again the CFET & Renegade community rallied together and ran not only one, but two events. The funds raised at these events helped pay for all our epic renovations and some updated equipment! Watching members step onto the comp floor for the first time was special too.

• Megan & Gemma working with us

Having Megan leave her job within the fashion industry and come work with us full-time has been amazing. This has meant having someone who treats mine and Callums business as if it were her own, which translates into the incredible work she does, the way in which she coaches, and the smile that never leaves her face (which is awesome to see in the gym). The same goes for Gem too, having her come back to the gym after her sabbatical has been so much fun - it's like the old crew is back together and she is developing into a very solid coach too.

• Coach development 

This year under the guidance of Tracey Stewart and the “Tracey Stewart Method’, I think I’m finally learning what coaching truly is and how to be one of the best in the game. Having her mentor our coaches and watching them improve has been great and gives me confidence that everyday our members are in great hands. This was taken to the next level for me once again whilst doing my level 2, coaching truly is a skill, one which needs to be practiced day in and day out.

• Being represented by our athletes  

There is one stand out performance in my mind and that was from Lil Christian and Katie competing at Two 2 Tango. Unfortunately I wasn't able to be there in person, but I watched plenty of footage of these little weapons at their first Crossfit comp. The feedback I received, not only from our members, but people from other gyms on how they performed was impressive. Such as how they stepped up to the challenge of each workout in front of them without hesitation; this made me very proud to have them as members of our gym and representing us at local comps. This goes for every athlete that represents us at a comp, whether you're a Renegade Performance athlete or CFET, everytime you step out of your comfort zone and put your body on the line, we are proud that you choose to train with us and trust us with your health and fitness.  

• Our nutrition programme

Spending time with our members working on their nutrition and watching their results over the second half of the year was epic. The main focus of our nutrition programme was not a quick fix, but to educate by giving them the tools they need to make the right decisions each day for performance and health. Some of the results we witnessed were spectacular.

• Renegade Performance, CFET & Renegade Fitness Merging

This year Callum and I merged all of our entities together; I became part of Renegade Performance and he became half owner of Renegade Fitness (formally Body Business). Having us both on the same page for all of the projects we were working on has been really beneficial and a move in the right direction. We both have our strengths and weaknesses, but now we can play to our strengths and have them benefit our clients furthermore.  

• Number 11 - You Guys 

After writing these all down, I have realised that they all steam back to one thing... our love for The CFET & Renegade community. What we do on the daily wouldn't be worth it if it wasn't for the people that we get to do it with everyday. It makes it easy to start work at 5:30 in the AM and leave the gym at 8:30-9 at night. I can't wait to see what 2018 has in store for us.

Our Amazing Community