May 4, 2020

Sean Fender grew up testing the limits in Southern California. At the time, he didn't realize he was developing a foundation of athleticism that he would call on later in his career as a CrossFit coach and volunteer firefighter. 

Today, Coach Sean sits down to talk CrossFit, Olympic lifting and more with Arwin and Sissi (who he still coaches!). Find out what got him started in the sport that would turn into his career and learn about his plans for a future as a first responder. As both a professional CrossFit coach and volunteer firefighter, Sean also offers valuable insights into maximizing safety and fitness during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode Timeline:

• [00:01] Intro
• [00:48] Meet Coach Sean Fender
• [01:33] Growing up in California and getting into competitive fitness 
• [03:27] What led him to become a CrossFit coach
• [04:59] His first client experiences
• [06:22] Sissi's growth as a coach 
• [08:32] Olympic lifting and technique
• [12:00] Pet peeves and bad habits in clients
• [14:36] Sissi and Arwin’s wedding
• [16:46] How much athletics in his youth influenced his career today
• [20:11] Advice for people who want to try CrossFit
• [22:45] What standards he strives for as a coach
• [26:09] The difference between those who quit and those who persevere
• [29:36] Volunteer firefighting and other emergency responder professions
• [33:59] Pursuing firefighting
• [36:05] The most challenging part of the journey
• [38:11] What surprised him about becoming a volunteer firefighter
• [42:35] Advice for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic
• [47:01] His first CrossFit open workout
• [48:57] Shrooms and the Jaws of life
• [51:47] What it takes to become a top athlete
• [55:10] Mat Fraser and thoughts on the CrossFit Games
• [58:11] Adjusting to life during the Coronavirus pandemic
• [1:00:18] Fight 2 Finish Youtube & Candy bars
• [1:03:17] What advice Sean Fender would give his past self
• [1:04:27] What he'd want to know from his future self
• [1:05:41] Where to find Sean Fender
• [1:08:41] Outro

Resources Mentioned:

• Team Exos
• Crossfit West Santa Cruz

Standout Quotes:

• “For me, CrossFit and training, there was a time when it was a lot about trying to be competitive and go in that direction but now for me, it's more just about being ready for whatever comes my way.” -Sean Fender [35:42]
• “The biggest thing is it takes time. It takes a level of commitment and discipline and being okay with skipping some other things... You just gotta know what you're getting yourself into and realize that's what it takes.” -Sean Fender [52:36]

Connect:

Find | The Fight 2 Finish Podcast

On Instagram: @f2fpodcast

On TikTok: @f2fpodcast

On Apple Podcasts

On Stitcher

On Spotify

Find | Sean Fender

On Instagram: @fenderlebender

Find | Sissi G & Arwin 

On Instagram: @gisforwarrior

@mat_marauder