Meet Tom Church, LMT, CRC, who is a competitive runner, clinical massage therapist and running coach and camp director. His inspiration stems from raising the bar of athletes getting paid for their worth. Read on to learn more about his exciting career path and how he is changing the fitness industry. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of fitness and exercise? I am a competitive runner and a fan of all sports. I want to see others receive from the athletic community what I have and more.

Your Job Title: Clinical massage therapist, running coach, running camp director

Company you are with now: Physiotivity, Championship Running Camps

Website: 
championshiprc.com
physiotivity.com

Social Media:
 – Facebook: 
 – facebook.com/championshiprc 
 – facebook.com/physiotivity
 – Twitter: @championshipRC

A typical (or not so typical) day in the work-life for you: I start and finish each day with my wife. I then spend most of my day as a clinical massage therapist. I market the camps and coach between clients. Depending on the day’s schedule I may fit a run in to start the day, in the middle of the day, or at the end of the day. I try to keep some time each day to keep up with the running world and sports medicine. My commute is often spent listening to podcasts covering a varied range of topics.

How did you get your current job in fitness and exercise? Championship Running Camps came about after I learned how little a professional runner makes competing. A little brainstorming brought up the idea of camps staffed by professional runners so the campers could not only learn from them, but get to know who the professionals trying to make a living from running are. Recognition is how a fan base is built. And then by pairing the camps with championship level races the new fan base gets to see the pros perform at the end of the camp.

I came into massage therapy from being a runner who always picked up little injuries. My running community taught me how to overcome them and in turn I wanted to teach others what I learned. Massage therapy ended up being the perfect avenue to teach others what I know with a caring element. I chose later in my career to work for myself as a massage therapist and running coach.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I am not sure I was born with any of the skills I am using. I have been taught to master what you learn before learning new skills, be passionate about what you do, and probably the hardest skilled I learned is how to pass along what I have picked up along the way. One thing I have always been is caring for others, so maybe that is a skill I was born with.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Find your passion and then consider all of the possible things you could do with that passion. If you enjoy what you do you will be more than happy to wake up every morning and conquer the day.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? I love seeing strangers come together to form a community sharing conversation, smiles, and laughter. That and seeing the joy brought from feeling better or succeeding at a new goal.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.