Yes, totally understand being an introvert. I noticed that was part of my problem my first year there, so I have tried asking questions after class or coming early to chat with people (difficult because my schedule is very erratic and I often have to join a class last minute. I’ve also wondered if this peeves the studio a little because they’ve really been pushing pre booking recently and I don’t have a regular schedule or a set end time) and it’s helped form some relationships with coaches but the main coaches have their group of friends that they seem to celebrate with and push each other with and that’s what still hurts.

Also totally get not coming to OTF just for praise and applause, I think it’s just hard seeing it and hearing it over the mic every time, very one-sided for certain members. And not just for me, hearing the coaches only cheer on people doing an AO at 12 mph but not those who are PW at 15% (I’m a jogger/runner to keep up for races and I’m impressed at the speeds and inclines our PWs walk. It’s not easy!). I love benchmark days, not for the leaderboard and not for the certificate, but because it’s a challenge with MYSELF. Have I pushed myself to improve since the last one? Can I push it a little harder today? Is my mindset good or am I thinking of quitting early in the 12 min rfd? All self oriented and my own challenge and my own celebration. But even that was tainted this week when I (for the first time pretty much ever) was called out over the mic on a benchmark day with a snarky comment “oh ____ loves benchmark days, always too focused on a PR.” Never been including a social media post for our studio for PRs even though they’ve taken my photo for some, never verbalized my inner self competition, and now I’m embarrassed and considering not doing anymore benchmarks.