Cardio Coach Press Play Saturday

I posted a few days ago about Sean O'Malley, who will forever be Coach Sean to me, and how he inspired so many people with his workouts.  He was laid to rest on Friday, and on Saturday, our Facebook Group, Cardio Coach Press Play Saturdays, got together to ride/run/walk as a tribute.  

The group was formed several years ago and we would "get together" the last Saturday of every month to run/bike/elliptical/step to this incredibly inspiring workout.  Jim MacLaren, narrates and please do yourself a favor and click that link.  The full name of the workout is Cardio Coach Press Play Choose Living, and as you read about Jim, you'll understand why it's called that.  If anyone deserved to wallow in self pity, it's Jim.  But he didn't.  He chose to live and not only to live but to motivate others to truly live their lives, not as shadows in the background, but as the stars of their own stories.  

This group, mainly women, but we did have a few men who joined us, shared a lot through posting on these workouts and so many of us became close friends.  When Carola, one of the members, was diagnosed with breast cancer, we rode in her honor several weekends, dedicating our rides and our positive energy to her.  We rode in memory of family members of the group who passed away.  And when Carola succumbed to her disease, with heavy hearts and copious tears, we rode in her memory.  Coach Sean even dedicated a class to her.  She and I became such good friends that I took in two of her dogs when she could no longer handle them.  Unfortunately, one had to go back as he attacked my Jimmy, but Jack, aka Houndini because of his ability to escape anything, wormed his way into our hearts and sits beside me sleeping as I type.  I still tear up when I think of her.  She was a strong courageous woman who  always acted with class and integrity and absolute true grit no matter what the circumstances.  I often pull Jack into my arms and just hug him, thinking of her.  

Jim MacLaren passed away as well, due to his injuries.  We rode in his memory, listening to his words and gaining strength and courage while we rode.  He was one of the most inspirational people I have ever heard of, and I am honored that our paths have crossed, if only through these workouts.  

And Sean...  Wow, the stories that abound of Coach Sean - beginning as the gregarious younger brother starting high school and out shining his older, less outgoing sister, who adored him anyway.  To the football team at Old Miss where he was known not only for being an excellent football player, but also as a gentle giant who always had an encouraging word for everyone.  Sean's heart and desire to influence in a positive way, lead him to create the Cardio Coach workouts.  In the group, on Sean's Facebook page, etc, person after person will speak of Sean's generosity.  When faced with the opportunity to make a sound business decision versus what was morally right, Sean always chose to do the morally right thing.  He sent free workouts to people who were undergoing tough times, he always had a kind word to say, and I can tell you from experience, he knows just when you need that word of encouragement during his workouts.  Just when I think I cannot take one more pedal stroke on the bike or the elliptical, he will break in and let me know that indeed, I can.  I learned so much about myself by doing his workouts.  

For my ride on Saturday, I put my bike on the trainer and turned on the TV.  Showtime was showing documentaries about the Winter Olympics, so I turned that on, thinking the inspiration would be fitting.  I was riveted, both by what Jim and Sean were saying, as well as the events that were unfolding on the TV.  During the final challenge, I watched Jim Shea, a third generation Olympian, whose grandfather was killed in a car accident 17 days before the Olympic games.  Jim went on to win Olympic Gold and dedicated the medal to his grandfather.  It was a poignant reminder that while those we love may pass on, our duty is indeed to choose living and all that it means.  I shed copious tears, thought of Sean, Jim, Carola and all of the people who are part of the incredible community call Cardio Coach.  These are some of the most generous, wonderful people, I have ever had the chance to know.   All due to Coach Sean whose very soul personified the messages he speaks during his Cardio Coach workouts.  

Thank you Coach Sean, and may you truly find happiness in your next life.  

"Dream big because the only thing that can hold you back is a life without dreams." ---Sean O'Malley