Monday, November 26, 2007

Week 4 - Trail running in Lincoln Park




Today was the best day of running with great weather and hard training! It was cool and crisp to start with a little fog hanging around the area; however, the sun came out to beat back the fog and provide some warmth after running in the shady areas. Four for four with no rain (knock on wood). Despite the long Thanksgiving Holiday, everyone showed up as planned. Whether it was guilt for the past few days of indulgence or running has become engrained in their routines, it was great to have everyone there for the training session.

We put it all together today: up hills, down hills, flats, mud, gravel, sidewalk, cement, and increased distance. After a warm-up session and small drills, the group was off to attack the trails at Lincoln Park. Starting cliff side, the group made its way from the south end to the north end then proceeded through a small residential area until reaching Lincoln Park Way. A steep descent gave welcome relief after the earlier hill portion. Finally, a long, flat scenic push around the park along side the Puget Sound capped off with a final sprint to the swing set to simulate the finish.



The Jingle Bell Run/Walk is fast approaching, so the group will continue to increase their endurance with their weekly assignments. We will wrap up our last training session on Dec. 2nd. Then it’s time for the main event.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Week 3 – Olympic Backdrop




Today was a great day for a training run! The weather was cool with light overcast skies and nary a gust of wind nor drops of precipitation. The group met at the Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook on Beach Drive for warm-ups and drills. From there, the group went south for the training runs.

Dodging the sea gull droppings, we joined the other groups out for a morning run along this scenic road. In between the tempo runs and the introduction to rolling hills, members were able to take in scenic views across the sound of the snow capped Olympics as well as dream of home remodels from the exquisite beach side homes.

With each step, the runners are gaining new found confidence in their abilities and setting new goals for themselves. Only two more training sessions before we join others at the annual Seattle Jingle Bell Run/Walk. Enjoy the training runs this week and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Week 2 - City Views



For this second training session, the group ventured away from the track to experience another part of West Seattle – Jack Block Park. With a fierce wind blowing from the south, everyone was anxious to get the blood moving upon arrival at the park. After a few quick words from the coach, the group took its warm-up run following the road to the end of the park, finishing out at the overlook to Elliot Bay.

After a quick group photo with Seattle in the background, the team was off to run some drills on the shores of the park. Upon completing the high knees and butt kickers, and a final stop at the loo, it was off to run intervals on the path to Alki in two different groups. Lucky for everyone, the wind either went into hiding or was sheltered by the hillside as it was comfortable for running.

All of the team members shared their smiles with others on the path as they passed by and enjoyed watching folks suit up for their early morning dives in the bay. Just as both groups finished up back at the parking lot, the wind decided to whip itself up into a frenzy again. The group ducked in behind the cars to share their stories and for a final stretching of the muscles before heading off to the Farmer’s Market. Next week will bring the beginning of the hills.
Jingle Bell Run/Walk

The date is fast approaching for the 23rd Annual Jingle Bell Run & Walk for the Arthritis Foundation. The event will be held on December 9th in downtown Seattle.

There are three ways to register:
Sign up online at: http://www.seattlejinglebellrun.org/ until 11/30
Via mail
Or by visiting in person Super Jock-n-Jill or Sound Sports until 12/7

Cost: $25 per person / $35 day of the event
We will post a car pool sheet for those that register so we can make a caravan of it down to the event. Come join the fun or come support your local runners.

Monday, November 5, 2007

THE FITNESS TOGETHER RUNNING PROGRAM BEGINS



Week 1 – First Steps
Under cloudy skies, the inaugural Fitness Together Running Program took it first steps on Sunday. A group of 8 dedicated individuals came out to face the elements and improve their cardio conditioning.

Fighting off the smells coming from the KFC across the street and the bakery en route, the running group tackled their first challenge – the Track! Amidst other runners who were all going in opposite directions, this gutsy group were challenged from the get go with running drills like butt kickers and high knees all the while asking themselves what they had gotten themselves into. The drills quickly gave way to the main order of business: a one mile time test.

Dodging runners along the way, everyone finished the time trial proudly noting that they had just completed 1/3 of the distance for the Jingle Bell Run. Four more weeks of training with many more adventures ahead. Not to mention a little homework in between to keep them on their toes.

Friday, November 2, 2007

November Client of the Month: Ce Ce Justice



"I'm a person who likes routine. In fact, I can get stuck in a routine very easily. For the past 30 years I have stayed active, from jazzercise to step areobics. I come to Fitness Together, because they keep me accountable for my work outs but they also mix up the routines, so I don't fall into a rut. The trainers push me to go further than I would push myself and correct my form so I can do the exercises safely. I'm in the best shape I've been in for a long time." Ce Ce Justice

Ce Ce Justice has been a client of West Seattle Fitness Together since January and was one our first clients when we opened. We're so happy to have her and her husband Verne as our clients. Ce Ce is a great client to train because she gives 110% every workout, and it shows. We think she looks great! Keep up the good work Ce Ce!