Mark Lin CrossFit 858 Owner, Coach

11046369_10153006996255773_4154702327073938616_n

About me

As I looked around the fitness industry, I noticed a trend.  Most of the so-called “gurus” and “experts” in weight management and fitness improvement all came from superb athletic backgrounds.  They were celebrity trainers, former olympians, pro athletes, or real life “Rambo” special forces military types.  These were the same people who never had more than 2% body fat and avoided carbs their whole lives like the black plague.  I began to question who was the real expert.  Was it someone like the individuals mentioned above or was it someone who truly understood their clients?

I struggled with weight my entire life.  In 2001, I was 40lbs heavier than I am now.  I was struggling with my eating habits.  I tried to eat healthier, but didn’t know how.  Fast food was quick and readily available.  I was occasionally making it to the gym to “workout” (3 sets of 10, back/biceps day, chest, triceps day, all with 15 mins of cardio, you know the routine).   I was hitting “plateaus” and just wasn’t seeing the progress I was looking for.

With CrossFit’s constantly varied workouts focused on functional movements, I was able to reinvigorate my workout regimen.  I loved the fact that everyday was a different workout, but still kicked my butt.  But then CrossFit became more than just a workout to me.  The feeling of accomplishment after a WOD transferred to other aspects of my life allowing me to be better at everything I did.  The camraderie that is felt at a CrossFit gym is unlike anything else at any other community.  Within my box, I developed not just training partners, but teammates and friends for life.

Training and competing in CrossFit became such an intense passion/high in my life that I thought nothing could match it… until I began coaching.  I quickly realized that I could transfer the skills I learned as a corporate trainer into CrossFit coaching and combine it with my ability to connect with my athletes.  The former overweight, out of breath non athlete is still a part of me and feels every struggle and every frustration of the athletes I train.  Along with that, I too feel every triumph and every moment of joy whenever an obstacle is overcome or a milestone is reached.

I have since abandoned a very successful 11 year long corporate career to pursue this passion.  I worked in the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries for several years indirectly helping patients.  That’s why I jumped at this opportunity to directly help those in need.  Whether it’s to lose weight, gain muscle, or just improve overall fitness, I look forward to working with you and celebrating your victories with you…

 Training Certifications

  • CrossFit Level 2 Coach
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Certified
  • CrossFit Olympic Weightlifting Certified
  • CrossFit Mobility Certified
  • CrossFit Coach’s Prep Course
  • CrossFit Kids Certified

Education & Background:

    • University of Massachusetts at Amherst; Bachelors of Science in Biology, Neurobiology concentration
    • 10 years of Diabetes and Nutrition knowledge in the pharmaceutical/biotech industries
    • American Heart Association’s Heartsaver First Aid Course, CPR Certified
    • Krav Maga Level 3 Orange Belt
    • 2011 CrossFit So. Cal. Regional Judge
  • 2010 Left Coast Invitational Competitor (3rd Place)

email: coachmark@crossfit858.com

Diana Ravensbergen CrossFit 858 Coach

I grew up a gymnast – my entire childhood revolved around my training and competition schedule, and once I retired from club gymnastics I continued by competing for my high school team. I was the kid who vaulted over my couch, made floor routines in my living room, and walked on my hands at every opportunity I could. So when I transitioned from high school to college, I needed to exert my energy elsewhere. I tried it all – group fitness classes, spin, running, and weight training. I found a love for fitness and began to research weightlifting and nutrition on my own, which all lead me to a career with Reebok Corporate.

I loved working for a company with fitness-related values, but I knew I didn’t belong at a desk job but I didn’t know what else I wanted to do. I was pretty happy with my weightlifting routine, but some friends convinced me to try CrossFit at the office box, Reebok CrossFit One. We all know how the story goes from here… I was hooked.

At the time I had a side job teaching spin at a gym with a box, and after a year of CrossFitting I decided to get my L1 and make some extra cash on the side by coaching. What was supposed to be supplemental income became something so much more – I found that I loved coaching and it was something I could see myself doing long term. My athletes constantly inspired me as I watched them conquer fears, lose weight, gain mobility, gain confidence, and be a part of

a greater community.Their testimonials of how CrossFit changed their lives reinforced the fact I had finally found my calling. The only problem was I hated the snow, which is what caused me to leave the northeast and seek out sunnier skies here in California, better yet, a job here with CrossFit 858.

A few fun facts: I’m a born and raised New Jersey girl, loud and proud. I lived in Boston for college and post-grad. I love dogs and food, but I love dogs more. I can still walk on my hands like a pro, so I’m always down for a handstand-walking contest. As a 5th grader I set the record for most push ups (162) and female pull up record (20), but don’t ask me to ever recreate those because I had barely any weight on my bones to lift back then.

Training Certifications

      • CrossFit Level 1 Coach
      • Spinning® certified

Education and Background

    • Bachelors in Business Administration (Northeastern University ’15)
    • CrossFit Coach, Social Media and Communications Manager of CrossFit Factory in MA
    • 2 half marathons, 1 10k, AVON 39 mile walk

Lauren Gillespie CrossFit 858 Coach

Growing up in high school I was petite and did not participate in sports. I was not the athletic type by any means, and it wasn’t until I reached my early twenties when my poor eating habits and lack of exercise finally started to catch up to me in the form of an extra 50lbs! I knew then that I had to make some changes to my lifestyle if I wanted to be healthy and fit.  Without any knowledge of movement or guidance from a personal trainer, I fell victim to the restrictive diet and cardio based lifestyle. Initially it worked and helped me lose a few pounds, however I eventually hit a plateau and knew I needed to change things up to get in the shape that I wanted to be in.

Fast forward a couple of years and I found my passion in lifting weights and nutrition when I started training at a local Powerlifting gym.  I became a certified nutrition coach and started helping friends and fellow athletes with their nutrition. I fell in love with the barbell and was amazed at how strong I became, but I craved some variety in my training.

When I was invited to a local box to watch my friends compete in the CrossFit Open, I had to try it. After asking around I signed up for a free week at CrossFit 858. I remember how nervous I was the first day, but the coaching staff and community at CrossFit 858 were extremely welcoming and supportive. The relationships that grew from the staff and community helped me through one of the toughest times in my life as well as some of the best.

CrossFit made positive shifts in every aspect of my life. I learned that my body was an incredible machine and I was capable of a lot more than I once thought. My relationships improved and my circle grew. I became confident and learned patience. Because of the impact that CrossFit 858 on my life, I decided to quit my corporate job to pursue a career in coaching. In addition to nutrition coaching, I have since coached at 2 local boxes. When Mark Lin asked me to come home and become a coach at 858, I was honored. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with the athletes at 858 and continue to grow as a coach so I can give back to this amazing community and make a major impact on the athletes lives as CrossFit did on mine.

Training Certifications

  • CrossFit L1 coach

  • Precision Nutrition L1

  • Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) L1

Education and Background

  • Poliquin BioSignature

  • ICANS Nutritional Medicine

Gil Alfaro CrossFit 858 Coach/Mayor

Gil 1

When I was 10, I created a list of all the things I wanted to see, do and experience. I had a bucket list before I even knew what one was, and as best I can recall, it was amazingly ambitious. Crossing off items one by one, I quickly realized I loved doing things that scared me. Specifically action sports – anything that involved boards, bikes and eventually motor sports. Something for every season and in between. The higher the risk, the higher reward and to me, the rewards always outweighed the risk.

Since fitness was limited to the specific sport of the season, re-learning skills as well as re-building strength and endurance were just part of every transition. It was frustrating I couldn’t just jump back in and pick up where I left off. I tried the typical gym workouts to make it easier, but could only stand a treadmill, traditional lifting and the stationary bike for so long.

Motivation to hit it hard every year, eventually became just finding the time or motivation, period. A month went by, then a year, then a couple years, until in 2010 I literally could not walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I had trouble tying my shoes because reaching over my belly would interrupt my breathing. Overweight, weak and unhealthy, I had to do something drastic. I decided the toughest thing I could do was race in a Triathlon, so I made a New Years resolution to do at least 2 races in 2011, got all the gear and dove right to it.

As I was training in the gym one day, my co-worker Lyman invited me to try this CrossFit thing out. Within the first three months, I was stronger, faster and felt better than I could ever imagine and I was hooked. I had to learn everything and I had to get better. This was just the tip of my performance potential and every year since starting CrossFit, I have continued to grow stronger, faster and better than years past.

Gil Clean

I’m incredibly grateful Lyman asked me to meet Mark that day. My whole definition of fitness, everything I had been chasing every season of my life had been completely rocked. No more off-season, no more re-conditioning, or re-training, just being prepared for anything life can throw at you at any time. My enthusiasm is the same today as it was the very first day. Being able to share this passion with others, being part of an amazing community and hearing everyone’s individual story inspires me to no end. You’ve heard mine, now lets get your story going!

Training Certifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1 Coach

Education and Background:

  • Mission bay tri 2011
  • TriRock sprint series 2011
  • Solana beach tri 2011 & 2012

Art Revita CrossFit 858 Coach 

10537468_811297488921253_8025474723787438740_oIn 2012 I found a passion for running and registered for multiple half marathons. To supplement my training I was regularly attending boot camp classes. One day I purchased a couple Groupon deals for 2 different CrossFit gyms. I knew little about CrossFit and assumed it was similar to boot camp style workouts. I was so wrong and after my first workout I knew I fell in love.

After my Groupons ended the search for my permanent box began. I discovered my friend Janelle was a CrossFitter at 858 so I decided to give 858 a try. In January 2013 I signed up for a month to month membership. After 2 classes I changed it to a 12 month membership.

The community at 858 is incredible. I love WODing with so many dedicated athletes and seeing everyone’s improvement. I always get pumped when a fellow athlete hits a PR.

CoachArt3

I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach the athletes at 858, excited to help people achieve their goals and improve their fitness, and I’m looking forward to improve as a coach and grow alongside the athletes.

Training Certifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1 Coach
  • CrossFit Mobility Certified

Education and Background:

  • BS Computer Science, University of California, Riverside
  • 2009 – Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon
  • 2012 – 9 half marathons
  • 2013 – 13 half marathons

James Melton CrossFit 858 Coach 

220817_574478987518_6507565_o

I’m a San Diego native, went to high school right up the street from CrossFit 858 Mission Gorge. I’ve played competitive sports my entire life and continued to play for my college in Tacoma, Washington.

247045_10150197766680773_6144138_nIn my senior year, I sustained a serious leg injury that required plates and screws along with18 months of physical therapy. I found CrossFit like many others. It was around 2010, I was tired of the monotony and lack of results I found in “globo-gyms”. I did an intro WOD, got my butt handed to me, and haven’t looked back since.620672_684301093138_1156957614_o

I’ve been a coach for 4+ years. I genuinely believe in the benefits CrossFit has to offer: camaraderie, health, and competition. I want you to have fun in my classes, but know I expect a lot from. Give me your best and I’ll fight to make sure you reach your goals.

Training Certifications:

    • CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
    • CrossFit Kids Certified
    • CrossFit Endurance Certified
  • USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Certified

Education and Background:

    • B.A. in International Relations;University of Puget Sound, Tacoma WA
  • 2010 Northwest Regional Teams Competitor

Glory Forbes CrossFit 858 Coach

12363050_1726126757607169_448605729924928682_o

I first stumbled upon CrossFit in the Fall of 2007 when a friend challenged me to do a CrossFit workout with him. After experiencing what I thought was the most challenging workout ever, I was hooked. With CrossFit, I quickly recognized the importance of functional fitness. Within a year of starting CrossFit, I became stronger, faster and more flexible. In October of 2008 I competed and placed first in the Mid-Atlantic Hopper challenge at CrossFit BWI in Baltimore, MD and qualified for and competed in the 2009 CrossFit Games in Aromas, CA, placing 22nd. I continued on to also compete in regionals in 2010 and 2011. I completely attribute this success to CrossFit, its training and methods.

263104_10150222661075902_6783395_nI am passionate about helping people reach their potential. My philosophy is: All things are possible for those who take the first step!

Training Certifications:

    • CrossFit Level 1 Coach
    • Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength Professionals Association (NSPA)
    • CrossFit Kids Certified
    • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certified
  • CrossFit Endurance Certified

Education and Background:

  • 2009 CrossFit Games competitor

Ashley Fallin CrossFit 858 Coach

Growing up with athletic brothers, It was only natural that I looked up to them. I was extremely competitive to say the least. Whatever they could do, I wanted to do better. I involved myself in every sport that I could handle at one time from running cross country, track, basketball etc. At one point my mom told me I couldn’t do it all, even though I thought I could. So, I turned my focus to running.12828514_1124648280919504_2466655224510560728_o

I was a collegiate runner and once my glory days ended I was trying to figure out “What’s next?” Just because my running career was over didn’t mean I had to give up being an athlete. I ran marathons for a while but that wasn’t doing it for me anymore. I needed something more fulfilling and competitive so I could go home and still be able to kick my brothers asses.

A couple of my girlfriends had told me about a CrossFit gym that had opened up in our small town and they wanted to check it out so we decided to try it out together. I, of course was intimidated, but immediately fell in love with the community.  Over the years, I’ve been a member at different affiliates and have gotten lucky to have friends that turn into family at each one. I’ve learned that family isn’t always blood. A wise friend once told me “We’re there to support one another whether it’s a bad day at the gym or what you’re going through. Unconditional love and encouragement 100% of the time. Life seems to be difficult more often than not and that’s when you can depend on us to help brighten your day. We give each other hard times but it’s only because of how much we love one another.”12998449_10206006353177234_4880879900333284342_n

I want people to have the experience that I’ve had and see that we are more than just a “gym” and/or  “box”. At CrossFit 858, we live by those values.  We support each other inside and outside of CrossFit 858 and call this our second home.  I look forward to nurturing these values and helping the athletes of CrossFit 858 develop. 

Training Certifications:

  • CrossFit Level 1 Coach

Education and Background:

  • Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology & Health Promotion-Louisiana Tech University

Kim Soltmann CrossFit 858 Coach

I have always loved being in gym environments but when I graduated from NC State, my eyes were opened to how quickly your health can deteriorate if you don’t pay attention to it. To prevent this from happening, I began playing Ultimate Frisbee and taking Fitness classes at a martial arts studio in the area because they gave me the opportunity to stay in shape and meet like-minded people. In 2010 I was asked to join the staff of the martial arts studio I was training at as a Fitness Coach and have been training others there, part-time, ever since.

In 2012 a friend brought me to my first CrossFit class and I loved it! I found a lot of similarities in how their workouts were written to how I ran my own fitness classes. I really liked both the intensity aspect of the program and the complexity of the lifts. In 2013 I received my CrossFit Level 1 Certification and coached in North Carolina for almost four years before moving to California in 2017.

In looking for a new box in San Diego, I checked out several CrossFit boxes in the area but the community at CrossFit 858 combined with the challenging programming made me instantly know that this was going to be my new home. I love sharing my passion for fitness and healthy living with others and am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach the amazing athletes here, alongside a dynamic coaching staff.

Training Certifications:
CrossFit Level 1 Coach

Education and Background:

BS Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University
5 years of training in Krav Maga
2013, 2014, 2015 Ultimate Frisbee Regional Competitor
2015, 2016 Beach Ultimate Frisbee National Competitor
2015 1st Place Finish at RAW Powerlifting Competition & Set RAW Deadlift Record in NC
2016 1st Place Finish at Super Total Competition at a NC Strongman Competition

Stephanie Lieto CrossFit 858 Coach

I am originally from Monroe, Michigan. I grew up with two older brothers and have played as many sports as possible all my life. I played softball, basketball and soccer at Defiance College and ever since fitness and health has always been a constant in my life. After college I pursued my Master’s degree which led to a career in college athletics as an Athletic Academic Advisor. I worked with student-athletes at the University of Cincinnati and University of Michigan before relocating to San Diego at the beginning of 2019.

I started doing CrossFit the Spring of 2017 while living in Cincinnati at NewCov CrossFit. That gym sparked my love for being a part of the community that comes along with CrossFit and I was able to be coached by some great coaches/humans. After a few months of doing CrossFit I knew that I wanted to coach and got my L1 Spring of 2018. Before CrossFit I had a more strength and conditioning/bodybuilding approach to fitness, so I still supplement that type of training into my workouts. I have a passion for mentoring and impacting people and am excited about the opportunity to do it via my other passion, fitness. It is exciting to watch people accomplish things they didn’t think they could and help people move well to improve their overall well-being. I can’t wait to grow and develop as a coach and person at CrossFit 858.

Training Certifications

  • CrossFit L1 coach

Education and Background

  • Bowling Green State University, Master of Education – Sport Administration
  • Defiance College, Bachelor of Science – Sport Management
  • Flying Pig Half Marathon, 2016
  • Softball (4 years), Basketball (2 years), Soccer (1 year) at Defiance College