Jamie Armstrong

Go Get It

By InnerVoice

December 16^th, 2016

something so simple can be so spectacular

I’ve been a triathlete for over 20 years and most recently focused in on all things cycling. I love cycling for the refined movement, tradition, culture and the silky smooth legs I upkeep because of it. It always amazes me just how far and efficiently you can get around on a bike. When I was 19 my best friend and I cycled from Maple Ridge to Penticton. It was 2 days of riding I’ll never forget; anticipation, excitement, nervousness, fatigue, endurance, pain, tears, laughter. What surprises me the most is the life that it gave me – something so simple can be so spectacular.

I’ve been so lucky to have some rivetingly inspiring people in my life from years in my industry that I can lean on for so many things when I need. I’ve had mentors who have shaped me and straightened me out when I needed it. I’m not afraid to call people to ask questions or have them “pick me up” when things are hard. I try to live my life with the same pay it forward attitude. Giving ones energy, experience, resources and skill is to make a better community around them.

My challenge was that I couldn’t sit still

I grew up in Maple Ridge, BC, inspired to be an athlete in everything I did, including my academic studies (which doesn’t work very well!). My challenge was that I couldn’t sit still. I was always seeking to get UP, RUN, PLAY and MOVE! I watched my older brother Jordan play sports (soccer, basketball, baseball) and wanted to play those and more. He was my inspiration when I was a little kid. I grew up playing every sport possible and didn’t want to miss out on any opportunity to play sport. I was lucky that my mom and dad were active and enjoyed watching us participate in them. They enrolled me in just about every sport I talked about.

I had some outstanding influencers in my life; from coaches to teachers, friends and peers, to my parents. One of the early sports they enrolled me in was track and field. I have vivid memories of learning how to run, how to pace and strategize on the track to outperform my competition. It was those coaches who instilled the skills and confidence to go after it and believe I could do anything. Most sports had some sort of ‘transfer’, so I applied the same principles and attitude across the board; baseball, soccer, hockey, basketball, cross-country, volleyball, track, triathlon and cycling. My community encouraged and enabled me to do what I loved; they believed I could do anything. Our community was my teammates; I could lean on them when I needed. I could rely on them. I felt embraced and loved by them. I also inspired them and motivated them when they needed it. It shaped me into being a leader. I’m forever grateful for my community and what they gave me.

The impact was EPIC

When I was 27, I busted up my knee –a fractured patella— and had emergency surgery to repair it. I thought my life was over. The impact was EPIC. There were many months of rehab and feelings of “will I ever run or ride again?” Overcoming the unknown was frustrating and at times depressing. I had to start again. So I did. I started my own business – Method Indoor Cycling. I set bigger, loftier, career-orientated life goals. I got my health back and learned that anything is achievable. The injury taught me how strong I could be and how strong anyone can be if they choose to be. I’ve also learned that I’m getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. So much of my life has been physical challenges and the successes and failures that go along with those. Growing can only be done if you’re willing to get uncomfortable with how you normally see things.

I was fortunate enough to have people in my life that wanted to make a difference and push me to be better. The north shore community --where I started Method-- were always challenging me and knew I could take on more. Certain people really made a big difference in having me take the jump into the business world. It was uncomfortable and felt very risky at the time (signing a lease, buying equipment, borrowing money). Thankfully, at the time I had a “surround yourself with people that inspire you” mentality. Being around leaders and successful, driven people made me grow and push myself into creating Method and building my vision.

My vision has changed over the 10 or so years since opening Method. It started as a personal training studio. My love for cycling and willingness to make people ride with me (indoors) has evolved our vision into Method Indoor Cycling. They say that if you find something you love to do, do that and you’ll never work a day in your life, and for me it hasn’t felt like a job since taking the leap into my own business!

I learned that the people on our team had to be better than me, and they are. Our team now elevates the Method “experience" and makes a difference in everyone that comes into our studios. When we slip up, our staff and team support each other and hold each other up. Community can make a difference far greater than one person and we try to leave everyone feeling stronger being a part of the community.

Family always keeps you real

I wanted to marry my ‘athletic soul mate’ and have a family when I grew up. For some reason I knew this would make me most happy and Sharon (my wife) goes stride for stride with me every day in all things we love (active lifestyle, sports, races, etc). Our 2 girls (Riley and Blake) inspire us to stay healthy, fit and focused to raise them the way we know best.

Family always keeps you real. My wife expects me to clean up, listen, be respectful and attentive and if I waiver she reminds me that being an athlete isn’t everything. I tend to agree with her. I often think of our kids when I need balance or when my mind takes me off course. They are the future. They are everything.

Since getting married, having kids and a focus on business objectives are major priorities, I find myself dabbling in sports activities that I can fit in around these priorities. I love setting cycling goals to keep myself ‘in the game’ and inspiring others to do the same.

Careful what you choose!

5 minutes before a race, or a Method spin class, is always the same. I ask myself 2 questions; 1. Who are you going to be today? And 2. What do you want to accomplish? Choosing is important. This always fires me up and gets me focused on what’s important. It works for me.

Life is about balance. In my early years I had no idea what that meant. I wanted to do it all. Trying to play every sport and do everything is not exactly the best way, so I learned. Quitting has never been an option. I had to “give up” certain things to gain access and experience in others. Choosing is my way of staying balanced and on target. Choosing is a powerful distinction that will have your life go the way you want it. Careful what you choose!

“there’s always something around the corner”

Our Method family & friends and the cycling community around me are ridiculously inspiring. I’ve met such incredible people over the years and it continues to grow as our sport grows. It’s a win-win; we bring health, inspiration and experience to the riding community, and we gain so much from them in return. The love I share in sport with the people in my life is abundant and real. It’s a connection that exceeds my expectations and brings us together every day. Creating goals, creating memories and creating experiences has its price, and I’d pay anything for them.

I’m constantly reminding myself where I’m going and where I can get to if I dare to. Looking ahead, setting goals to keep me focused is a must. If I’ve got nothing on the immediate stage for goals, my inner voice goes to “there’s always something around the corner”. GO GET IT!